Is a Checkride Equivalent to a Flight Review? Here’s What Every Pilot Should Know

The aviation world is filled with various licenses, certificates, and periodic tests required to keep pilots both competent and compliant. Among these, two processes often ask, “Is a checkride equivalent to a flight review?” While both aim to ensure pilot proficiency, they serve different purposes and meet distinct regulatory requirements.

If you’ve pondered the relationship between a checkride and a flight review, you’re not alone. This article will break down the key differences, purposes, and scenarios for when each applies, clarifying how these processes factor into your pilot licensing and aviation training requirements.

What Is a Checkride?

A checkride, a practical test, is a comprehensive evaluation that all pilots must pass to obtain or upgrade a pilot certificate or to add a rating. Administered by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), a checkride tests your ability in both the oral and practical aspects of flying. Every checkride corresponds to a specific certification (e.g., private pilot, instrument rating) or endorsement you’re pursuing.

Key Elements of a Checkride:

• Oral Exam: Covers aviation knowledge such as regulations, aerodynamics, and flight operations.
• Flight Portion: Demonstrates practical flying skills, including pre-flight procedures, maneuvers, and emergency responses.

Passing a checkride is a milestone in aviation training, symbolizing that a pilot meets the required proficiency standards for their desired certificate or rating. However, checkrides are one-time events for a specific purpose and are not ongoing evaluations.

What Is a Flight Review?

Unlike a checkride, a flight review is a recurring requirement designed to evaluate the ongoing proficiency of a certificated pilot. Mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under 14 CFR 61.56, every pilot must complete a flight review every 24 calendar months to maintain their ability to act as pilot-in-command (PIC).

The flight review is not a “pass-or-fail” test in the traditional sense. Instead, it focuses on improving and polishing the pilot’s skills. It’s conducted by a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and customized to the individual pilot’s recent experience, type of operations, and potential areas for improvement.

Components of a Flight Review:

1. Ground Instruction (Minimum 1 Hour): Discusses regulations, airspace, aircraft systems, and general safety.
2. Flight Portion (Minimum 1 Hour): Includes maneuvers, takeoff and landing, and emergency procedures.

A flight review is a “refresh and refine” mechanism to ensure that pilots remain competent, confident, and safe while flying.

Checkride vs Flight Review – How Are They Different?

Although both test aspects of being a pilot, a checkride and a flight review are inherently different. Below are the critical differentiators:

1. Purpose

• Checkride:
• Focuses on qualifying for a new certificate or rating (e.g., Private Pilot Certificate or Instrument Rating).
• Evaluates whether the pilot meets stringent FAA standards for a specific role.
• Flight Review:
• Ensures ongoing proficiency and compliance for existing certificate holders.
• Designed to maintain practical skills and reinforce aviation knowledge.

2. Requirements

• Checkride:
• Specific prerequisites must be met, such as hours of flight time, successful written tests, and instructor endorsements.
• It’s a one-time requirement for obtaining certain privileges.
• Flight Review:
• Required by all certificated pilots (non-glider and non-balloon) within 24 calendar months of the last review or activity that substitutes for one.
• Tailored to the needs and experience of the individual pilot.

3. Instructor or Examiner

• Checkride:
• Conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
• Strictly follows an FAA-approved Practical Test Standards (PTS) or Airman Certification Standards (ACS).
• Flight Review:
• Performed by a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).
• Flexible and adapted to fit the pilot’s skill level and experience.

4. Outcome

• Checkride:
• Results in a certificate, license, or added privileges if completed.
• A failure requires retesting in the deficient areas.
• Flight Review:
• Completion is recorded in the pilot’s logbook, without formal certification.
• There are no pass-fail ramifications, but instructors may require additional training if major deficiencies are observed.

5. Frequency

• Checkride:
• Occurs only when a pilot aims to earn a new certificate or rating.
• Flight Review:
• Mandatory every 24 calendar months unless exemptions apply.

When Does a Checkride Count as a Flight Review?

Here’s where things get interesting—under certain conditions, a checkride does satisfy the flight review requirement. According to the FAA, completing a successful checkride resets your biennial flight review calendar. This is particularly relevant when a pilot passes a checkride during the 24 months when a flight review is due.

For example:

• If you complete a successful Instrument Rating checkride, it fulfills the flight review requirement, effectively resetting your 24-month clock.
• The same applies if you attain a new certification such as a Commercial Pilot Certificate or ATP (Airline Transport Pilot).

It’s worth noting that this applies only if the checkride conducted was for a certificate or rating under 14 CFR Part 61. Regular simulator or proficiency checks under different Parts may not qualify.

Why Does the FAA Require Both?

The FAA mandates check rides and flight reviews because they serve fundamentally different purposes in pilot licensing and aviation training. Checkrides ensure pilots reach a baseline proficiency level for a new certification or privilege. Flight reviews, on the other hand, are essential for maintaining ongoing competency, addressing skill deterioration, and reinforcing safe flying practices.

By combining these two mechanisms, the FAA ensures pilots meet both high initial standards and ongoing safety benchmarks.

Key Takeaways for Pilots

Understanding the distinction and overlap between checkrides and flight reviews is crucial for maintaining compliance and honing your skills as a pilot. Here are the top takeaways:

1. A checkride is for obtaining or upgrading your certificate or adding ratings. It’s a comprehensive, pass-or-fail evaluation.
2. A flight review maintains your existing privileges and ensures ongoing proficiency. It’s tailored, flexible, and non-punitive.
3. A successful checkride can substitute for a flight review, resetting the 24-month requirement clock.
4. Both processes are essential for safe, competent, and compliant flying.

Stay Ahead in Your Aviation Training

Whether you’re preparing for your next checkride or nearing the deadline for your flight review, staying informed and prepared is crucial. Review FAA regulations, reinforce your weaker areas, and seek guidance from trusted aviation instructors.

The aviation community thrives on shared knowledge and expertise. If you’re looking for dedicated and experienced Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) to guide you through your flight review or prepare for your next checkride, contact our team! Together, we’ll ensure you meet every milestone with confidence.