BFR and CFI checkride...

[WMU_Drew]

Ready...I don't want this to be flame bait but I think it will be.

Does a CFI checkride (CFIA, CFII, MEI, or even renewal) count as a BFR?

Some FSDO's say yes some say no, all the DE's I asked said yes.

What do you think?

 

[jumppilot03]

From what I understand, you can have the examiner sign off you checkride as a BFR.

 

[Stephen]

61.56 (d) states: A person who has, within the period specified in paragraph (c) of this section, passed a pilot proficiency check conducted by an examiner, an approved pilot check airman, or a U.S. Armed Force, for a pilot certificate, rating, or operating privilege need not accomplish the flight review required by this section.

I'd say it counts.

 

[Doozer]

Ladies & Gents:

Check the Part 61 FAQ's on the FAA's web site, & you'll learn that unless you prebrief & obtain a flight review logbook endorsement after the CFI (whatever type) practical exam, it doesn't count as a flight review. Try the following link.

CFI practical as flight review

Q&A-176 (Part 61) talks about under what conditions the CFI practical will count for a flight review.

As stupid as it may seem, the FAA's rationale is that the purpose of a CFI ride is to evaluate your instructional ability--not your piloting proficiency. Therefore, a separate endorsement from the examiner is required if you want your CFI ride to count as a flight review too.

Hope this helps.

 

[bobbysamd]

As opposed to Hertz, not exactly . . .

I think it does, too, but read this thread from last year and then see what you think. It is well documented.

Apparently taking a CFI practical does not count as a flight review, despite everything we've heard over the years to the contrary. Or, as they say, don't confuse me with the facts; my mind is made up!

And, yes, it is stupid.

 

[Booker]

I think it's silly, too. Nonetheless, the Eastern Regional Counsel agrees with the interpretation given in the FAQ. (The opinion is probably posted in the afore-mentioned thread. If not, I can post it.) I've written to the Chief Counsel for a resolution, but would you believe I haven't received a response?

(Incidentally, the same line of thought that would allow CFI checks to count as flight reviews would also allow 141 initials and annuals to count, as well. They're pilot proficiency checks conducted by approved check airmen. But again referencing the FAQ, to CYA the check pilot should so endorse the logbook.)

 

[bobbysamd]

141 rides

Somehow, these don't seem quite the same as a ride given by a real FAA person or DE. I always had my Chief Instructor or whoever gave me the ride sign it off as a flight review or ICC (IPC) or whatever.

 

[Booker]

Re: 141 rides

Somehow, these don't seem quite the same as a ride given by a real FAA person or DE. I always had my Chief Instructor or whoever gave me the ride sign it off as a flight review or ICC (IPC) or whatever.

Agreed, hence the importance of actually having the stand pilot write a 61.56 endo if you want to count it as such, as we have both mentioned.

Best,
Booker

 

[cjh]

The key is to specifically request that both be included as part of your ride, and then be sure to get the sign off in your logbook.

Here's a link to a similar question on Doc's. His response also includes a link to the legal opinion on the subject.

http://www.propilot.com/doc/bbs/messages//8345.html

 

[Timebuilder]

I started participating in the wings program several years ago. Three hours of instruction received every year, and entered on a card you pick up at a safety seminar you attend (or the online seminar every Monday night in AOL's "wright hall") and you have the legal equivalent of a BFR. ANY CFI can sign the card after giving you the "instruction". Do this once a year, and you never have to worry about what counts as a BFR.

 

[Don]

Fromn the FAA's part 61 FAQ:

QUESTION: The particular question is whether a flight instructor who passes a flight instructor practical test (for initial issuance or a CFI rating addition or for a reinstatement) is or is not exempt from needing a §61.56 Flight Review for the next two years, since the reg. specifically says PILOT proficiency check.” §6l.56 d - allows this exemption for a person who has"... passed a PILOT proficiency check.." not needing to accomplish a flight review for the next 2 years.

ANSWER: Ref. §61.56(d); If the examiner also evaluates the applicant’s piloting skills then YES, “. . . a flight instructor practical test (for initial issuance or a CFI rating addition or for a reinstatement) . . .” would meet the requirements of a §61.56 Flight Review. However, to make sure the applicant gets credit for successful completion of the Flight Review, the examiner should record that the §61.56 Flight Review was satisfactorily completed in the applicant’s logbook.

§61.56(d) states:

(d) A person who has, within the period specified in paragraph (c) of this section, passed a pilot proficiency check conducted by an examiner, an approved pilot check airman, or a U.S. Armed Force, for a pilot certificate, rating, or operating privilege need not accomplish the flight review required by this section.