A Private Pilot License (PPL) is a federal credential that grants the holder the ability to operate an aircraft for non-commercial purposes. Many individuals search for clarity on whether this license has an expiration date, often confusing the physical document with the authority it grants. The ability to legally act as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) is not a permanent right but rather a set of privileges maintained only by meeting ongoing regulatory standards. These requirements ensure a pilot remains both medically fit and proficient in the necessary operational skills. Understanding this distinction is fundamental to maintaining continuous legal flight status within the aviation system.
The Pilot Certificate Itself Does Not Expire
The physical Private Pilot Certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is a permanent credential that does not carry an expiration date. Once the applicant successfully passes the required practical and written examinations, the certificate is issued. This document serves as a lifetime authorization, certifying initial competency in the skills required for flight.
Only formal action by the FAA, such as a suspension or revocation due to serious regulatory violations, can invalidate the physical document. The associated privileges—the right to use the license—are strictly conditional upon meeting ongoing health and proficiency standards set by the FAA.
Maintaining Medical Fitness
The first condition for exercising Private Pilot privileges involves maintaining an acceptable level of physical health, demonstrated through a valid FAA medical certificate. For most PPL holders, a Third-Class Medical Certificate is the minimum requirement to act as Pilot-in-Command (PIC). This certificate is obtained through an examination conducted by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
The validity period of the Third-Class Medical depends on the pilot’s age at the time of the examination. Pilots under the age of 40 receive a certificate valid for 60 calendar months (five years). Pilots who have reached or passed their 40th birthday must renew the medical certificate every 24 calendar months (two years).
Pilots who fly recreationally under specific restrictions may utilize BasicMed as an alternative to the standard FAA medical certificate. This option requires the pilot to have previously held a valid medical certificate and to complete a specific medical education course and physical examination.
The Requirement for a Flight Review
Beyond medical fitness, pilots must demonstrate ongoing proficiency by completing a mandatory regulatory check known as the Flight Review. This review must be completed every 24 calendar months to remain legally authorized as Pilot-in-Command (PIC). The purpose of this check is to ensure the pilot has maintained a satisfactory level of skill and knowledge since their last examination.
The Flight Review is a comprehensive evaluation conducted by a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI). It requires a minimum of one hour of ground instruction and one hour of flight instruction. The ground portion typically covers a review of current FAA regulations, while the flight portion includes maneuvers necessary to ensure safe operation.
If the pilot’s performance is unsatisfactory, the instructor will not endorse the logbook, and the pilot remains unauthorized to act as PIC. The pilot must complete additional training until the standards are met. The 24-calendar month period is calculated from the last day of the month the previous review was completed.
Maintaining Recent Flight Experience (Currency)
The Flight Review addresses long-term proficiency, but separate regulations govern the recency of flight experience required to carry passengers. These requirements focus on ensuring the pilot is current in the specific operational environment they plan to fly. Pilots who have not met these recency standards can still fly solo, but they are prohibited from carrying any passengers until the requirements are re-established.
Carrying Passengers (Daytime)
To carry passengers during the day, a pilot must have completed at least three takeoffs and three landings within the preceding 90 days. These maneuvers must be performed in an aircraft of the same category and class. If the aircraft requires a tailwheel endorsement, the landings must be made to a full stop.
Carrying Passengers (Nighttime)
The regulations are more restrictive for carrying passengers at night, defined as the period between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. To be current for night operations, the pilot must have performed three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop within the preceding 90 days. These maneuvers must be executed during the defined nighttime period in an aircraft of the same category and class.
Instrument Flight Currency
Private Pilots who hold an Instrument Rating must maintain separate currency to fly solely by reference to instruments under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). To remain current, the pilot must have performed six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting and tracking courses within the preceding six calendar months. Failure to meet these requirements means the pilot cannot legally fly in IFR conditions. They may still fly under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
What Happens When Privileges Lapse
When a pilot allows any regulatory standard to lapse, the immediate consequence is the loss of the privilege to act as Pilot-in-Command (PIC). The specific remedial action required depends entirely on which requirement has expired.
Expired Medical Certificate
If the FAA medical certificate has expired, the pilot loses all PIC privileges. The only remedy is to schedule and pass a new examination with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) to regain the certificate’s validity.
Overdue Flight Review
If the 24-calendar month Flight Review is overdue, the pilot must complete a new review with a Certificated Flight Instructor before logging any flight time as PIC. There is no grace period for this requirement. The pilot must successfully receive the required logbook endorsement to legally fly.
Lapsed Passenger Currency
If the pilot has missed the 90-day recency requirements for carrying passengers, they are still authorized to fly solo or with a flight instructor. To regain the privilege of carrying passengers, the pilot must perform the required three takeoffs and landings, day or night, as applicable. These remedial flights must be performed in the appropriate aircraft category and class before carrying passengers.