Definition
Three sections of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR Part 61) that set the recurrent training and currency requirements pilots must meet to continue exercising the privileges of their certificates. Section 61.56 covers the flight review (a review of flying skills and knowledge with an authorized instructor, generally required every 24 calendar months). Section 61.57 covers recent flight experience required to act as pilot in command, including takeoff and landing currency, night currency, and instrument currency. Section 61.58 covers the pilot-in-command proficiency check required for pilots operating aircraft that require more than one pilot or are type-rated.
Plain English
Three FAA rules that say what a pilot has to keep doing on a regular basis to stay legal to fly. One sets the rule for the regular flight review with an instructor. One sets the rules for staying current on takeoffs, landings, night flying, and instrument flying. One sets the rule for pilots flying larger or more complex aircraft that require a yearly proficiency check.
Context Anchor
Seen in FAA training material, logbook reviews, checkride preparation, and discussions about whether a pilot is legally current to act as pilot in command.
Why Pilots Care
Compliance determines whether a pilot may legally act as pilot in command on a given flight.
Intuition Check
Do not read “sections” here as ordinary textbook sections. These are enforceable FAA rule citations: “61” points to Part 61, and “.56,” “.57,” and “.58” point to individual rules inside that part.
Example Sentence 1
The examiner explained that sections 61.56, 61.57, and 61.58 are the recurrent requirements every active pilot needs to track on their calendar.
Example Sentence 2
During the checkride the examiner asked about sections 61.56, 61.57, and 61.58 to verify the applicant understood the rules for acting as pilot in command.