How do I renew my pilot’s license?
Robert wrote me this morning asking:
I stopped flying over 20 years ago and would like to start again. What do I need to do to get reissued my license?
Hi Robert,
First off, congratulations on making the decision to start flying again. There have been some really neat advances in technology since 1989, especially in avionics. If you get the chance to fly a newer airplane, it’ll blow your socks off!
There are 4 different federal aviation regulations that pertain to your question:
- § 61.19 Duration of pilot and instructor certificates
- § 61.2 Exercise of Privilege
- § 61.23 Medical certificates: Requirement and duration.
- § 61.56 Flight Review
- § 61.57 Recent Flight Experience : Pilot in command
I know it sounds like a lot of boring legalize to go through, but it’s really not that bad. Let’s take these one-by-one and then make a plan-of-action to get you back in the cockpit.
Read the rest of this post by clicking the “continue” link:
The Regs:
1) § 61.19 Duration of Pilot Certificates (link):
Good news, according to § 61.19 your private pilot certificate (technically not a license) does not have an expiration date (as long as it was issued after July 1, 1945):
(c) Other pilot certificates. A pilot certificate (other than a student pilot certificate) issued under this part is issued without a specific expiration date.
However, there is a little catch near the end in paragraph (g):
(g) Duration of pilot certificates. Except for a temporary certificate issued under §61.17 or a student pilot certificate issued under paragraph (b) of this section, the holder of a paper pilot certificate issued under this part may not exercise the privileges of that certificate after March 31, 2010.
You see, the FAA is moving towards plastic pilot certificates. So, in our plan of action below, we’ll want to make sure we cover the instructions for getting exchanging your paper certificate for a new plastic certificate.
2) § 61.2 Exercise of Privilege (link)
The first paragraph (a) hopefully doesn’t apply to you but take a look at paragraph (b):
(b) Currency. No person may:
(1) Exercise privileges of an airman certificate, rating, endorsement, or authorization issued under this part unless that person meets the appropriate airman and medical recency requirements of this part, specific to the operation or activity.
This regulation is saying that you need to be “recent”, both medically and as an airman. So let’s look at the medical requirements and then the airman requirements.
3. § 61.23 Medical certificates: Requirement and duration (link).
A private pilot certificate requires a third-class medical certificate. If you are over 40, then your medical certificate expires on the last day after the 24th calendar month when it was issued.
You’ll notice that in the plan-of-action below, getting your new medical is the first step. You’ll want to make sure that there hasn’t been any medical or health activity in the past 20 years that would preclude you from flying again. Once you get a third class medical, now we can talk about getting you current as an airman.
4. § 61.56 Flight Review (link)
This reg is really the meat of the matter. Besides medically, complying with this regulation is what has stopped you from being a active pilot. This regulation requires that:
(c) … no person may act as pilot in command of an aircraft unless, since the beginning of the 24th calendar month before the month in which that pilot acts as pilot in command, that person has—
(1) Accomplished a flight review given in an aircraft for which that pilot is rated by an authorized instructor…
A flight review consists of at least 1 hour of ground and flight training. Your instructor is required to cover at minimum general and part 91 operating rules in addition to anything else that might be applicable. One of the areas that I’m sure your flight instructor will spend quite a bit of time with is airspace since there have been many changes to the airspace system since you stopped flying.
Your flight review will also include at least 1 hour of flight training, but again, be prepared for more. Your instructor will go over maneuvers and procedures that are applicable for your certificate level. Your instructor is required to make sure that you can safely exercise the privileges of your certificate.
To help get you ready for the Flight Review, AOPA has produced a guide called the “Pilot’s Guide to the Flight Review” which you can download for free. It has a lot of very helpful information to help you get ready for your BFR.
5) § 61.57 Recent Flight Experience : Pilot in command (link)
The last check box we want to cover is the requirement for recent flight experience. Before you can carry passengers as pilot-in-command you’ll need to accomplish 3 takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days. If you are planning as on flying as PIC at night with passengers, those takeoffs and landings must be performed at night (duh) and to a full stop. I would recommend that you ask your flight instructor who will be conducting your flight review to also make sure that you complete the requirements of this regulation as well.
Plan of Action:
Ok, so now that we have covered all the boring (but required) legalize, here is a suggested plan for getting you back in the cockpit:
1) Call an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and schedule an appointment for obtaining your FAA medical certificate. If the scheduler asks, you’re looking for a 3rd class medical. Both the FAA and AOPA have a handy “Find a AME” tool that you can use to find an Aviation Medical Examiner in your area.
2) Once you have a current medical certificate in hand. Call a CFI and schedule a biennial flight review (BFR). If you’re looking for a CFI, again AOPA has a search tool for that too. You might already have a CFI, flight school or FBO that you already comfortable using. AOPA also has produced a guide call the “Pilot’s Guide to the Flight Review” which you can download.
3) Apply for your new plastic certificate. You can do so directly on the FAA website or via snail mail. The instructions are listed here.
Sylvia on Oct 27, 2009
Oh ouch! I’m glad you posted about this – I have an FAA license and I presume I’m going to have to actually do something to keep it valid.
I suspect as I don’t live in the U.S. I’ll have some interesting hoops to jump through!
Paul on Oct 27, 2009
Sylvia,
Since you don’t live in the U.S. and your FAA certificate was probably issued under a exception or provision, I would consult the Code of Federal Regulations for yourself to see what is applicable.
There is a good chance that by maintaining your pilot proficiency following the rules in your country that it will count towards proficiency for your FAA license as well but again, I’d consult the regs to be sure.
Thanks for reading and commenting. I love getting comments from pilots all over the world and especially from you! Thanks again.
Paul
James on Oct 29, 2009
Thank you for posting this. I too am in the same situation. I obtained my PPL in 1997 and have decided to get back into the cockpit. This is great information and I appreciate the Action Plan.
ojesh on Nov 02, 2009
i am studing A levels and want to get a (PPL) two engined airplane for example:- beechcraft (kingair-350) or for any stream jets.But as i am a overseas student i may need banking finance according to the fee structure. but first of all i am confused in choosing flying schools in usa
ojesh on Nov 02, 2009
I am studing A levels and want to get a (PPL) two engined airplane for example:- beechcraft (kingair-350) or for any stream jets. But as i am a overseas student i may need banking finance according to the fee structure of the aviation school.However, i am confused in choosing the best school in the U.S.A and need help
Christopher on Nov 16, 2009
Don’t forget about Sport Pilot. If you have a valid drivers license, you don’t need to renew your third-class medical to fly with Sport Pilot privledges.
Paul on Nov 19, 2009
Good point Chris. If your getting back into flying and don’t anticipate using all the privileges of a private pilot certificate a sport pilot certificate might be just the ticket! And as Chris pointed out, you wouldn’t need to go get a new FAA medical you could simply use your driver’s license
CFI Academy on Dec 11, 2009
Nice article and very informative and for those of you who just have a student pilot certificate, don’t forget that expires within 24 calendar months. Then if you are under 40 and you get your student pilot certificate with your medical certificate, then don’t forget to get a new student pilot certificate even though your medical will not expire for another 36 calendar months.
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abdul on Mar 16, 2010
hi sir
do an examiner(multi eng. airplane -commercial)need to be recent to carry out checks for pilots on flight simulator?
if so what is the minimum requirements needed ? whats is your refrences as in faa-jaa-icao
note:recency means didnot fullfil the requirment of 3 take/off landings in 90 days
thank u
Art on Aug 08, 2010
Hello Paul:
It seems that I came to the right place.
I have a kind of “similar” question but I just have one question.
I completed my ground school back in 1999. I got my Written Test results at the end of the same year. I logged several hours on a C152 in 2000 , I have my Written Test results, ground school results, Log book signed by my intsructor, dated, description, etc. and as such, I got my Third Class Medical Certificate.
It is clear for me ( beacuse of the 24/36 months’ regultation) thay it is imperative for me to get my Third Class Medical Ceritifcate FIRST, But my question is: do I have to take the Written Test back again ??. I do not mind taking it at all, but I am just wondering if an endorsment by the CFI will do it or do I have to retake it ??
By the way, I have already established a contact with my “potential” CFI, its just that we have not had the chance to met personally yet due to some travelling and time constarints from my part.
But quite happy and excited to get back in order to get my Private and later on, my Instruments rating.
I would like to “do my homwork first” before I met my CFI.
In addition to my question, am I missing something else on my “Action Plan” ??
Thanks again and regards,
Art