

Rusty Pilots Initiative



Getting Back To Flying: Easier Than You Think


The AOPA Rusty Pilots program has helped over 9,000 inactive pilots return to flying. If 9,000+ other people with similar stories can do this, you can too! Yes, it will take some time, work, and money but if you take one step at a time, you too can return to flying.

No Checkride Required. You Can Do This. 


Rusty Pilots Will Get You Started

We have created a fun, interactive initiative that gives you all the information you need to get current again. Our dynamic presenters will bring you up to speed on hot-button issues like medical reform, weather briefings, preflight planning, FARs, and airspace. We currently offer three Rusty Pilots learning tracks. You can attend an in-person Rusty Pilots seminar, a live, Rusty Pilots webinar, or you can take the self-paced, online course. You can also participate in any combination of these tracks or you can complete all three. By completing any of the three tracks, you will earn FAA Wings credits (note: due to the COVID-19, the FAA is temporarily not allowing Wings credits for in-person seminars) and depending on which track(s) you complete, you will either receive an endorsement for your logbook or a certificate of completion which you can share with your CFI. All three Rusty Pilots tracks are FREE for AOPA members.

Meet Our Instructors

Resource Guide


How do I get current after an extended break from flying?

Tens of thousands of pilots have qualified to fly under the FAA's BasicMed program. All you need to get legal and current is a medical certificate or BasicMed (if eligible) and a Flight Review (formerly known as Biennial Flight Review). The regulations require that the Flight Review consist of at least one hour of ground instruction and one hour of flight time. Depending on how much rust you've accumulated, you may need more.


How much instruction will I need to get current?


Do I have to take any more tests


What topics are covered in Rusty Pilots?


What do I have to do after attending Rusty Pilots to get current?

Rusty Pilots gives you two - three hours of ground instruction (depending on which track you take), but you’ll also need at least one hour of flight training to complete the required Flight Review. Participation in Rusty Pilots satisfies the minimum requirement for ground instruction, and you will receive either an endorsement for your logbook or a completion certificate to share with your flight instructor as evidence that you have received this training. Ultimately, it will be up to your flight instructor to decide how much flight and ground instruction you need to be ready to act as pilot in command.

How do I find a Rusty Pilots Seminar or Webinar?

Most seminars are held at local flight schools or flying clubs! Webinars are held online, quarterly. Simply go to the seminar / webinar calendar and search, or email [email protected].

What do I do if there is no seminar near me?

If there is not a seminar in your area, you have several options:

1. Check out AOPA Rusty Pilots Online, a fun, interactive refresher program giving you the information you need to get ready to return to flying as pilot in command. Covering the major elements of a flight review, the course will bring you up to speed on radio communications, weather briefings, and preflight planning, while highlighting what’s changed—from medical certification and regulations to airspace and more—since you last flew.

2. Attend one of our quarterly webinars. The Rusty Pilots webinar will also cover the major elements of a flight review. You have an opportunity to send in questions and the Rusty Pilots team will share lots of resources with you to help on your journey to getting current. Webinar schedule.

3. You can also attend a Rusty Pilots seminar at major aviation events like Sun ‘n Fun or AirVenture. You will find these on the seminar / webinar calendar as well.

Can a friend or spouse attend with me?

Of course! The more the merrier. Just be sure to register everybody in advance to ensure that there are enough supplies and materials to go around and to be sure everyone gets the proper credit.

What should I do to prepare?


What materials do I need?

You'll receive a Resource Guide and Scenario Handout upon checking-in at the seminar (or attached to the reminder email if attending the webinar) to help you follow along with the presentation. It's a good idea to have a pen or pencil in case you want to jot down some notes, but that's really all you'll need!

How much does Rusty Pilots cost?

Zip. Zero. Nada. Rusty Pilots seminars, webinars and the online course are 100% free for AOPA members. It's just one more great benefit to being an AOPA member. Not a member? No worries! You can join AOPA and participate in any or all of the Rusty Pilots tracks for free! For more information about becoming an AOPA member, click here.


Check out the list of free courses and materials specifically selected for Rusty Pilots in ASI's Rusty Pilots Safety Center.