What is the purpose of a flight review?

The purpose of a flight review is fundamentally to ensure that pilots maintain their proficiency and knowledge of regulations. This requirement emphasizes the importance of continual learning and skill retention in aviation. During the flight review, instructors typically evaluate various aspects of a pilot's flying skills and familiarity with current regulations, which helps ensure that the pilot is operating safely and is up-to-date with any changes in aviation laws, procedures, and technology.

While preparing for upcoming check rides and assessing a pilot's ability to instruct others can be relevant in some scenarios, those do not capture the primary objective of the flight review. A flight review is not designed simply to renew a pilot's license without additional training, as that would diminish the value of continued education and skill competency that the review aims to uphold.