Definition
The section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that establishes the flight review requirement. It states that, with limited exceptions, no person may act as pilot in command of an aircraft unless, within the preceding 24 calendar months, that person has completed a flight review given by an authorized instructor and has had a logbook endorsement from that instructor certifying satisfactory completion. The review must consist of a minimum of 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training, covering the current general operating and flight rules of 14 CFR part 91 and a review of those maneuvers and procedures necessary, in the discretion of the instructor, for the safe exercise of pilot privileges.
Plain English
This is the rule that requires every pilot to do a flight review with an instructor at least once every two years to stay legal to fly as pilot in command. The review includes at least one hour of flying and one hour of ground discussion, and the instructor signs your logbook when you pass.
Context Anchor
You will see this citation in discussions of pilot currency, flight reviews, recurrent training, and continuing education.
Derivation
14 CFR' refers to Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, which contains all federal aviation rules. 'Part 61' covers the certification of pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors. 'Section 61.56' is the specific paragraph within Part 61 that addresses flight reviews. The numbering tells you exactly where in the rulebook to find it.
Why Pilots Care
Failing to meet this requirement means a pilot is not legal to act as pilot in command until the flight review is completed.
Grounding Statement
This citation points to the exact FAA rule that keeps a pilot’s basic flying privileges current through a required review.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just a handbook reference or a suggestion. It is a federal rule, and section 61.56 specifically controls the flight review requirement.
Example Sentence 1
Before flying her family on the weekend trip, she scheduled a flight review with her CFI to satisfy 14 CFR part 61, section 61.56.
Example Sentence 2
An instructor confirmed that the applicant met 14 CFR part 61, section 61.56 requirements during the recent flight review.