Get extra lift from AOPA. Start your free membership trial today! Click here
Training & Safety Lapsed Pilots/Returning to GA
TRAINING & SAFETY

Lapsed Pilots/Returning to GA

Check out our resources and support!

Ready to get back in the air? Maybe your skills need a tune-up, or you're flying professionally but feel the urge to return to general aviation. Whatever your situation, we have the support and resources you need to achieve your goals. Not sure where to start? Keep reading—our comprehensive tools and guidance are here for you every step of the way.

On This Page

Flight Review

While the name has changed (from Biennial Flight Review), the regulation has not. FAR Part 61.56 (c) requires active pilots to complete a flight review with a CFI every 24 calendar months. Each pilot’s logbook must show that he or she has successfully completed that review. The Pilot’s Guide to the Flight Review and the AOPA Online Pilot Information Center subject report on the Flight Review will provide detailed information about what to expect during the flight review process. Keep in mind, this is not a check ride nor is there a written test involved. Schedule some time with a flight instructor. After reviewing some ground school, go for a flight. At that point your instructor should be able to give you an idea of what will be involved to get current again. Depending on how long it’s been since you have flown as Pilot In Command, they may be ready to sign you off right there or they may recommend some additional flight lessons.

Educational Tracks

Seminars, Webinars & Online Courses for Lapsed, Active & Current or Retired Professional Pilots

Rusty Pilots

AOPA's Rusty Pilots program is the perfect opportunity for both lapsed and active pilots to refresh their knowledge and skills in a supportive and engaging environment. Our program features interactive seminars, engaging webinars, and online training designed to help you regain confidence in the cockpit. Completing a Rusty Pilots seminar or webinar will earn a logbook endorsement verifying two hours of ground training toward your Flight Review, along with FAA Basic Knowledge Wings credits.

Whether you're returning to flying after a break or want to sharpen your proficiency, Rusty Pilots provides the comprehensive resources, expert guidance, and personalized support you need to stay current and safe in the air. Plus, Rusty Pilots is free to AOPA members! Learn more.

Back to Your Roots

AOPA's Back to Your Roots program is tailored for current and retired professional pilots looking to reconnect with their passion for general aviation. Whether you’re a seasoned airline captain or a retired military aviator, this program offers a unique opportunity to rediscover the joy of flying smaller aircraft. With access to specialized resources and personalized support through our webinars and online course, Back to Your Roots ensures a smooth transition from professional flying to personal enjoyment. Embrace the freedom and adventure of general aviation once again with AOPA's Back to Your Roots program—free to AOPA members! Learn more.

Flight School Finder

Not sure where to turn for help? AOPA has a flight school finder that will help you search for a flight school by inputting your state, zip code or school name.  The site also denotes AOPA award winning schools from our Flight Training Experience Surveys.  

Flying Clubs

Joining a flying club is a great next step for someone returning to flying. A flying club can provide the social aspect that helps you get back into flying and keep you flying. You are never alone when you are part of a flying club. There are always people to fly with, places to go, social activities, safety seminars, and other club activities. Not only that, the airplanes are typically less expensive to fly, and the availability is usually better than trying to rent from a school.

Fly more, pay less, have fun! Flying clubs are not only fun and economical, but they offer a variety of options to pilots looking for new experiences. And, other flying club members can be a tremendous resource for pilots returning to flying. Flying clubs are supportive and help pilots stay active and engaged.

The AOPA Flying Club Finder can help you connect with a flying club in your area.  If you cannot find a suitable club nearby, consider starting a club. 

Click here for more information on AOPA’s Flying Clubs.

Changes in general aviation in the last few years

From security concerns and airspace regulations to major advances in technology, much has changed in general aviation since 2000—but don’t let that concern you. On the other hand, advancements in technology has made flying safer and easier cases.

Medical Information—BasicMed

If it’s been more than three years since you’ve flown, you’re probably not familiar with BasicMed. BasicMed is the result of third-class medical reform. Almost 50,000 pilots are now flying under BasicMed.

Here's how you can join them.

By completing four simple steps, eligible pilots can fly under FAA's BasicMed rules. Review AOPA's BasicMed Pilot and Physician Guide (PDF 651 KB) and BasicMed FAQs (PDF 284 KB) to see if you're eligible to take advantage of BasicMed. If you held a regular or special-issuance medical anytime on or after July 15, 2006, you are likely eligible to fly under BasicMed.

See if you qualify to fly under BasicMed and check the aircraft you are able to fly under the new rule here.

If you decide to pursue the traditional medical certificate or if it’s been too long since you have held a valid medical certificate, you will need to complete a medical application online through the FAA’s MedExpress website before visiting an Aviation Medical Examiner. AOPA has a tremendous amount of resources to help you through this process including a review of your medical conditions and records before you visit the AME (for AOPA Pilot Protection Services members). AOPA members can locate an Aviation Medical Examiner by using the online AME searchable database.

In July 2008, the durations of both first and third class medical certificates were extended for pilots under age 40.  Under the new regulation, third class medicals issued to pilots under age 40 became valid for a maximum of 60 months, up from 36 months. Additional changes can be reviewed online. 

If you have questions concerning your medical, or the medical certification process, contact the Pilot Information Center at 800/USA-AOPA (800/872-2672) and speak to one of AOPA’s Medical Certification experts. A medical certificate may not be required if you plan to limit your privileges to that of a Sport Pilot Certificate.

Plastic Pilot Certificate

LicenseAll pilots had to upgrade to a plastic pilot certificate by March 31, 2010. Plastic certificates are deemed more counterfeit-resistant. All newly issued plastic certificates automatically include the English Proficient endorsement, which is required to comply with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) rule that all member countries (that includes the U.S.) issue pilot certificates that state the pilot is English Proficient if that pilot plans to use the certificate outside of his or her home country.

GA Airport Security

Airport security at general aviation airports is determined by the airport owner/operator according to recommendations made by the FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). All pilots should become familiar with the security procedures that may be in place at their local airport.

Airport Watch

AOPA has partnered with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to develop a nationwide Airport Watch Program that uses the more than 600,000 pilots as eyes and ears for observing and reporting suspicious activity. This helps general aviation keep our airports secure without needless and expensive security requirements. AOPA Airport Watch is supported by a centralized, government-provided toll-free hotline (866/GA-SECURE) and system for reporting and acting on information provided by general aviation pilots. The Airport Watch program includes warning signs for airports, informational literature, and a security training course for pilots and airport employees.

Notams and TFRs

AOPA is constantly working both publicly and behind the scenes to keep the nation’s airspace open to general aviation. Most security-related (Temporary Flight Restrictions) TFRs are assumed to coincide with Presidential trips outside Washington, D.C. Pilots should know that TFRs cover military facilities, nuclear power plants, some theme parks and sporting events. While some of these restrictions have been in place for a long time, many will “pop up” with little prior notice.

It’s no longer enough to look at the chart, pick out the prohibited and restricted areas, and avoid them. Heightened airspace awareness during flight planning, accurate navigation, and precise pilotage is necessary to avoid potential airspace violations. AOPA has a TFR information page where you can view the FAA TFR map, which has real time TFR information. The AOPA Air Safety Institute has developed an online program to help you understand and navigate in today’s airspace. “Know Before You Go” is designed to help you understand how to navigate in changing airspace restrictions without incident.

Changes from 2000 to Now

  • BasicMed
  • Sport Pilot and Light Sport Aircraft
  • Pilots Are Required to Carry a Photo ID
  • VFR Waypoints
  • Aircraft Radio Station Licenses No Longer Required (unless flying internationally)
  • Taildraggers
  • Cross-country
  • Logging of PIC time
  • 61.57 Instrument Currency
  • 61.65 Instrument rating requirements
  • 61.109 Changes to solo time requirements
  • Pilot's Bill of Rights
  • Aircraft Re-registration
  • Line up and Wait
  • Taxi clearance - Cross only one runway at a time 
  • eAPIS
  • ELTs
  • Medical Certificate Validity Revision
  • Electronics in the cockpit and Electronic Flight Bags
  • ADS-B

Additional Resources