The 1970s witnessed a profound transformation in pilot training, marked by introspection and an outburst of creativity. In the realm of airlines, this era gave birth to Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) and saw the creation of Line-Oriented Flight Training (LOFT).
LOFT scenarios, flown with the entire crew, deviated from the traditional focus on a series of normal and emergency maneuvers in pilot training. Instead, they were based on actual en route legs. In such scenarios, crews were confronted with in-flight predicaments that they might encounter in the real world. These situations were not pre-briefed, and the evaluation of crewmembers encompassed not only performance but also leadership, communication, and crew management.
During the same decade, the FAA introduced the biennial flight review. Known as BFR, it was intended to assist general aviation pilots in maintaining proficiency and staying updated with the latest changes. Even today, the flight review (though the term “biennial” was dropped years ago, it’s still often referred to as such) remains a non-risk assessment of a pilot’s knowledge and proficiency. However, all too often, a flight review can end up being a collection of basic maneuvers and simple questions. Given the value of both LOFT and the flight review, non-commercial flyers might consider integrating the two during their next flight review to create a more realistic and rewarding experience.
For starters, the requirements for the flight review seem deceptively straightforward. 14 CFR 61.56 spells it out in a few sentences: “A flight review consists of a minimum of one hour of flight training and one hour of ground training. The review must include a review of current general operating procedures and flight rules contained in Part 91, and a review of those maneuvers and procedures that, at the discretion of the reviewer, are necessary for the pilot to demonstrate the safe exercise of the privileges of the pilot certificate.”
As is typical of the FAA, it supplements this regulatory guidance with an Advisory Circular, AC 61-98D, and an additional publication for CFIs, appropriately titled “Conducting an Effective Flight Review.” These prove to be excellent guides for a successful review. Nevertheless, these publications might not fully capture the essence of modern GPS-driven point-to-point navigation in the bustling traffic and complex airspace environment we frequently encounter. Observing a pilot at work in the environment where they typically operate can offer a more accurate perspective on their strengths and weaknesses.
One Size Does Not Fit All!
Now, before anyone gets overly enthusiastic, the entire LOFT concept is merely to train in the manner you fly. So, if you’re a backcountry pilot, by all means, plan your flight review in your fat tire taildragger and make your landings on that favored sand bar. If you simply relish flying close to home on warm summer evenings or on those $100 hamburger (perhaps $200 by now?) excursions, then plan an hour or so of airwork and landings that closely replicate your style of flying. You’ve earned it, and it aligns perfectly with your profile.
However, if you’re a frequent traveler within the National Airspace System, you might contemplate planning your own LOFT-based flight review. Warning, this is likely to take more than two hours, but it will undoubtedly be worth both the time and expense.
First, consider the types of trips you undertake and determine which abbreviated version suits you best. Second, find the right CFI for the job, one you enjoy flying with, who is experienced in your type of flying, and who will tell you the truth. After all, what you desire is an honest evaluation of your daily flying knowledge, skills, and talents. Oh, and an important safety tip: don’t postpone the flight review until the day before you become non-current. Remember, while you can’t technically “fail” a flight review, the CFI is not obligated to sign it off as complete.
One Hour of Ground Training
Ask your CFI to review your preflight planning, briefing, and your postflight assessment of your own performance. Review the required hour of Part 91 procedures, rules, and regulations relevant to your mission profiles, especially the latest changes that affect us all. Your pre-flight conversation should cover anticipated airspace, specific NOTAMS, weather, and potential in-flight decisions. Make the most of this precious thinking time!
One Hour of Flight Training
Once planned and briefed, a LOFT-centered flight review might involve an abbreviated out-and-back journey to a busy class C or D airport through class B airspace. If you typically fly IFR, then file instruments and practice your procedures under the watchful eye of your CFI mentor. This is not an Instrument Proficiency Check, so there’s no need to fly under the hood, but procedurally fly as you normally would. Similarly, if VFR is your usual mode of travel, the same basic LOFT principles apply. Fly to a local destination as complex as your regular travels and navigate through the airspace, frequencies, and traffic patterns. And while you’re at it, you could ask your CFI to surprise you with a simulated emergency or malfunction for your consideration. This type of LOFT-based review offers an excellent opportunity to discover if you’ve developed any shortcuts, blind spots, or bad habits.
Hey, How About that Airwork?
Just because you opt for a LOFT-based flight review, there’s no need to disregard the fundamental airwork and landing skills that are the mainstays of flight reviews. The short out-and-back format enables you to practice the full range of takeoffs and landings at two different airports. Stalls, steep turns, or other emergency/airwork can be accomplished by simply canceling IFR and zipping into your local practice area on the way home. Classic airline LOFT training validates maneuvers and procedures before the actual LOFT scenario. But in practice, including a few stalls and steep turns in our flight review combination is not an issue.
OK, What About Lunch?
Let’s be honest, in general aviation flying, breakfast and lunch go hand in hand! The major drawback of airline LOFT training is that it’s often conducted in sterile flight simulators where the airport café is only simulated. Well, in the world of general aviation, our landscape is filled with wonderful little airport restaurants. If you decide to make a morning of your LOFT-based flight review, spending an hour over lunch at the halfway point brings significant benefits. Over the usual bacon cheeseburger, fries, and an iced tea, you and your CFI can discuss the first leg and consider any new techniques or adjustments for the second leg home. It also makes the day more enjoyable, and that’s the point. A LOFT-based flight review is designed to help you become better at something you love. Oh, and you might consider footing the bill!
A homebrewed LOFT-based flight review is simply an extension of the time-tested concept “train the way you fly.” Bring together the right day, the right profile, and the right CFI, and you might just enhance your piloting skills and have a great time in the process. You’ll be glad you did. Fly safe!
