Which keeps you current?

Sep 26, 2026

Earned your private pilot 24 months ago. 3 takeoffs & landings last week. Day trip planned with friends next month. Which keeps you current?

A3 takeoffs & landings to a full stop

Three landings keep you current to carry passengers (61.57), and you did those last week. But next month your private is more than 24 months old, so you're due for a flight review (61.56). Completing a phase of WINGS counts as one. Option B.

Read the full explanation
BComplete a phase of WINGS

That's it. Your private is 24 months old, so by next month you're due for a flight review (61.56). Completing a phase of WINGS counts as one (61.56(e)).

Read the full explanation
CEarn your High Performance endorsement

Good thinking. Time with a CFI working on a new endorsement is never wasted. But a high performance endorsement isn't a flight review and doesn't replace one. What's due next month is the flight review (61.56), and completing a phase of WINGS counts as one. Option B is the answer.

Read the full explanation
DPass your Instrument written exam

Working toward your instrument rating is a great next step. But the written is a knowledge test, not a flight review. Passing the instrument checkride would count (61.56(d)), but the written alone doesn't. Completing a phase of WINGS does. Option B is the answer.

Read the full explanation

Pick an answer. You can try as many as you like.

Read the full explanation
The explanation

B. Complete a phase of WINGS

What's due

To act as pilot in command, you need a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months (14 CFR 61.56). Your private pilot checkride counted as one, but by next month it's more than 24 months old. So the flight review is what's due.

What counts instead

Two things can stand in for a flight review:

  • Completing one or more phases of an FAA-sponsored pilot proficiency program, which is WINGS (61.56(e)).
  • Passing a pilot proficiency check or practical test for a certificate or rating, such as an instrument checkride (61.56(d)).

What doesn't

Three takeoffs and landings keep you current to carry passengers (61.57), and you already did those last week, but they don't replace a flight review. A high performance endorsement is training, not a flight review. And the instrument written is a knowledge test. Only the instrument checkride would count.

References

Share your thoughts / Suggest a quiz

Tell us what you thought of this quiz, or suggest a topic for a future one.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Train With Your CFI

Fly the syllabus at your own pace. Practice in VR and impress your flight instructor with how fast you improve.

Learn to fly solo