FlyingBulldog

I'm currently in UPT (around 75% done), and wanting to do a little GA flying over the Christmas break. My last FAA rating (instrument) was over 24 months ago by now, and I'm curious whether I need to do a flight review first with a CFI or not.

§61.56 Flight review.

...

(d) A person who has, within the period specified in paragraph (c) of this section, passed any of the following need not accomplish the flight review required by this section:

(1) A pilot proficiency check or practical test conducted by an examiner, an approved pilot check airman, or a U.S. Armed Force, for a pilot certificate, rating, or operating privilege.

(2) A practical test conducted by an examiner for the issuance of a flight instructor certificate, an additional rating on a flight instructor certificate, renewal of a flight instructor certificate, or reinstatement of a flight instructor certificate.

...

I'm thinking number 1 will apply to me since I've passed four UPT checkrides so far. The FAR does not specifically say it must be a Form 8. They were all practical tests conducted by a U.S. Armed Force, for a pilot rating.

Just looking for a sanity check/advice from some more experienced guys on here. Thanks.

Albief15

Dunno the real answer but many "check pilots" in UPT are not actually evaluator pilots. A check by a SEFE probably meets the intent.

WARich

I would say only form 8 count. My guess. UPT checks aren't really check rides for the FAA. They're really just ways to wash you out during training. But I could be totally incorrect.

rickair7777

"or a U.S. Armed Force"

This is very broad, which means it doesn't matter who did it, or their qualifications, as long as that person was doing it on behalf of an Armed Force.

"for a pilot certificate, rating, or operating privilege"

This is a bit grey. I think if it came to an appeals court, you would win on operating privilege. But I suspect the way the FAA might view it, is that you're still a student who is soloing under supervision of a training system and has not yet earned an operating privilege.

May not be worth the risk if you might ever be interested in airlines. If you're tracking helos and planning on retiring as an Admiral, then it doesn't matter if the FAA shreds your civilian certs.

Twin Wasp

Knowing nothing about Air Force flight training, what "operating privilege" were you granted at the end of the check that you didn't have before? If it's just to see if you've learned everything at a certain level before you move to the next level I'd say it doesn't count.

CODs4ever

In the military's eyes, you don't have your wings yet (i.e. you haven't yet been designated a Naval Aviator or an Air Force Pilot) even though you are FAA-licensed. But since you got your FAA ticket punched before going to UPT, it seems you fall under the FAA's rules. Once you are a winged aviator/pilot and have your yearly NATOPS/STAN check then that would definitely count for a BFR. Better safe than sorry. Go spend the $200 and get it knocked out with a CFI.

2loud

That and your third ride after failing two daily rides in a row. The Navy, from what I hear, says "let's go fly and we'll teach you something" and the Air Force says "show me what you got and don't suck unless you want to taco the ride".

To the OP: I'm about 99% sure that UPT check rides do not count for the FAA unless it's on a Form 8. I don't know how things are done these days but when I went through, the last T-38 check ride was a Form 8. The FAA recognized the Form 8 as an "official" check ride. When I was an AETC IP many many moons ago, they did away with Form 8 check rides for students.

FLY6584

The mid-phase checkride grants you the privilege to go solo to a MOA and practice aerobatics.

Barnstormer

UPT student checkrides don't count for anything outside of the training world.
Just go get a BFR.

FlyingBulldog

Thanks for the input, guys. I'll go with the CYA option and get the BFR.