Definition
An FAA Advisory Circular that provides guidance to pilots and flight instructors on conducting flight reviews and instrument proficiency checks required by 14 CFR 61.56 and 61.57. It outlines recommended procedures, suggested maneuvers, ground-review topics, and best practices for keeping pilots current and proficient. As an Advisory Circular, it is non-regulatory — it explains how to comply with the rules but does not itself impose new requirements.
Plain English
This is the FAA's official guidance document that tells instructors and pilots what should happen during a flight review or instrument proficiency check, and how to keep pilots sharp and legally current to fly.
Context Anchor
Seen in instructor training, flight review planning, instrument proficiency check planning, and logbook endorsement discussions.
Derivation
AC' stands for Advisory Circular — a category of FAA publications that advise (rather than regulate). The number '61-98' identifies it as part of the 61-series, which deals with airmen certification and currency under 14 CFR Part 61. The letter suffix (e.g., 'D') indicates the current revision.
Why Pilots Care
Following this AC ensures pilots and instructors meet regulatory standards for proficiency and avoid operating with lapsed currency.
Intuition Check
Do not read “currency” as money; here it means being legally up to date through recent training or checking. Do not read “advisory” as “safe to ignore”; it is not a rule by itself, but it is official FAA guidance for meeting the rule correctly.
Example Sentence 1
Before scheduling my flight review, I reviewed AC 61-98 so I'd know what ground topics and maneuvers my CFI was likely to cover.
Example Sentence 2
A pilot preparing for an IPC reviewed the procedures outlined in AC 61-98 to understand the required maneuvers.