Flight Reviews: What You Need to Know

Introduction

Welcome back, aviators! Flight reviews are a crucial part of maintaining your flying skills and knowledge. These reviews are typically conducted every two years with a flight instructor to ensure that you can still fly at the level of your certificate and perform the necessary maneuvers. In this blog, we will discuss the key aspects of flight reviews and provide some helpful tips to help you prepare. Let's dive in!

The Importance of Flight Reviews

Flight reviews serve two main purposes: verifying your flying skills and assessing your knowledge. During a flight review, you will undergo an oral examination to assess your understanding of aviation concepts. This is where our mock oral in the Ground School app can be extremely helpful. It allows you to gauge your knowledge and identify any areas that require further study.

Common Maneuvers in Flight Reviews

Loss of control is the leading cause of aircraft accidents. Therefore, it's not surprising that flight reviews often focus on maneuvers related to this issue. Some of the key maneuvers you can expect to encounter during your flight review include:

• Slow flight
• Stalls
• Steep turns

These maneuvers test your ability to maintain control of the aircraft in different flight regimes. It is important to be well-prepared for these exercises to ensure a successful flight review.

Tips for Slow Flight

Slow flight is a critical maneuver to demonstrate your mastery of aircraft control at low airspeeds. During slow flight, it is essential to maintain altitude and control the aircraft's pitch attitude. One key technique to remember is the Lindbergh reference, which helps you maintain spatial awareness when visibility over the nose is limited.

When practicing slow flight, aim for a speed of 55 knots without triggering the stall warning. Additionally, be mindful of maintaining a steady altitude and avoiding unintentional descents. If you struggle with controlling your altitude, it may be helpful to intentionally practice slow flight and focus on using power and rudder inputs to correct any deviations.

Emergency Procedures

Flight reviews also evaluate your ability to handle emergency situations. It is crucial to be well-versed in emergency procedures to ensure your safety and the safety of your passengers. Some of the key emergency procedures that may be assessed during your flight review include:

• Simulated engine failures
• Emergency descents
• Cabin fire response

During these emergency scenarios, you will be expected to demonstrate your ability to make critical decisions under pressure. For example, you may need to perform an emergency descent while simultaneously reaching for and deploying a fire extinguisher. It is essential to practice these procedures to ensure you can handle them effectively in real-life situations.

The Importance of Cross-Country Flight Planning

As part of your flight review, it is recommended to plan a cross-country flight. This exercise serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it allows you to discuss various oral topics, such as takeoff performance, regulations, and chart symbology. Secondly, it provides an opportunity for your flight instructor to assess your flying skills and identify areas that require improvement.

By flying the planned cross-country route, your flight instructor can observe your performance and make note of any areas that need further attention. This approach ensures a comprehensive evaluation of your flying abilities and helps prioritize areas for improvement.

Maintaining Ongoing Proficiency

Flight reviews should not be viewed as a one-time event that occurs every two years. To be a confident and proficient pilot, it is essential to maintain an ongoing relationship with a qualified flight instructor. Regular check-ins, utilizing educational resources like the Ground School app, and practicing knowledge recall are all highly recommended.

Continual learning and skill development will help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure that your flying skills remain sharp. Consider taking advantage of free trials and subscriptions to aviation resources to enhance your knowledge and proficiency.

Conclusion

Flight reviews are an integral part of your journey as a pilot. They provide an opportunity to assess your flying skills, knowledge, and emergency response capabilities. By adequately preparing for your flight review, maintaining ongoing proficiency, and utilizing educational resources, you can ensure that you are the best pilot you can be. Remember to prioritize safety at all times and enjoy the thrill of flying! Fly safe and blue skies!