Rusty Pilot Checklist
Use this checklist to organize a return to flying after time away. It does not declare you current, proficient, safe or ready to fly; those questions require the applicable rules, records, judgment and often instructor input.
1. Regulatory and personal eligibility
Check flight-review status, recent-experience requirements, certificates, ratings, endorsements, medical or BasicMed status where applicable, and requirements relevant to the intended operation.
2. Aircraft knowledge
Refresh limitations, systems, normal and emergency procedures, performance, weight and balance, avionics and checklists for the aircraft you will fly.
3. Operating knowledge
Review airspace, weather, NOTAMs, airport procedures, communications, navigation and risk-management topics relevant to your environment.
4. Flying skills
Identify skills to revisit: takeoffs and landings, go-arounds, airwork, stalls, navigation and emergency procedures. Add instrument or night tasks when relevant.
5. Instructor plan
Discuss the length of the break, prior experience, aircraft, goals and weak areas with an instructor. Build training around actual needs instead of a generic one-size-fits-all session.
Practice Targets are personal reminders. They do not establish regulatory currency, proficiency, legal eligibility to fly, or compliance with a specific operating requirement.
Authoritative references
- FAA AC 61-98E — Currency Requirements and Guidance for the Flight Review and Instrument Proficiency Check
- FAA AC 61-91K — WINGS—Pilot Proficiency Program
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations — 14 CFR Part 61
Before scheduling the flight
Tell the instructor how long you have been away, what you flew before the break, what you want to fly now and whether your goals include passengers, night, instrument or cross-country operations.
After the first refresher session
Record what felt comfortable, what required coaching and what was not covered. Use that information to plan the next session instead of assuming one flight restored every skill.
Related resources
This page is a general reference. Verify current regulations, aircraft documentation and operating requirements applicable to your flight.