Biennial Flight Review (BFR)
A Biennial Flight Review (BFR) is a flight, or a series of flights where the manoeuvres and procedures applicable to the pilot licence privileges are reviewed. During these flights the flight instructor is pilot in command and the flights are dual flight instruction for the purpose of log book entries.
The BFR is based on the flight test requirements for the applicable licence. Because the BFR is conducted as dual over as many flights as it takes to achieve competence, there are no optional components. The BFR will continue, and may be recorded in the pilot’s logbook as flight instruction, until the flight instructor is satisfied that they can sign the flight review off in the pilot’s logbook as having been satisfactorily completed to the licence level for which the applicant wishes to exercise privileges.
Where a pilot holds licences for more than one category of aircraft (aeroplane and helicopter for example), a BFR is required for each category on which the pilot wishes to remain current. Because a BFR is a dual exercise, the instructor concerned must hold a type rating for the aircraft being used for the BFR.
Caution: If the licence holder does not meet the currency requirements of rule 61.39, the holder may only exercise student pilot privileges.
When must it be done?
Within 2 years of the skill test or last BFR. It may be done up to 60 days early in which case it will be valid as if it had been completed on the due date. The items to be covered can be seen on CAA form 24061/11.
How to prepare?
Your instructor will send you a couple of question papers to work through before your review day. The first is a “general” paper—interpreting weather forcasts, NOTAMs and other practical operational questions. The second is specific to the aircraft you are using for the review; Weight & Balance, take-off performance etc. Do the best you can and bring your answers on the day. Your instructor will work through them with you, and if you have any questions or uncertainties they can assist you with learning the correct information—this is a training exercise not a test!
The practical component of the review will be a flight (or series of flights) to cover the required areas. If you are ‘rusty’ in some exercises your instructor will then spend time with you to regain competency.
To prepare for the BFR it is suggested you look at CAA form 24061/11 and practice those items before you plan to do the review. You may use any text books etc to complete the question papers. This will save time and money!
How much should you budget?
Assuming you complete the papers before you arrive and can demonstrate the flying standard in one flight, the charge is standard NZ$120 fee plus the aircraft costs. It will take about 1/2 a day at the aerodrome. If you need more time than that, standard instructing rates will apply to the additional time.
Using your own aircraft
In order tro use your aircraft the instructor must have a type rating on it. Discuss this with your instructor as there is a possibility that one of the Club instructors may have a rating in your aircraft type. The instructor will have to be current, so will probably need to fly your aircraft on their own before you do your BFR. If you want to do this you will be required to have a copy of the insurance certificate available.
There may not have a type rating paper prepared for your aircraft type, but the Club has a general purpose one, and the debrief will involve you demonstrating your answers are correct by reference to the flight manual etc.