The Private Pilot License (PPL) is often misunderstood because the certificate itself and the privileges it grants operate on different timelines. While the physical license is permanent, the right to legally act as pilot-in-command requires continuous compliance with specific regulatory requirements. A pilot’s certificate never truly expires, but the ability to use it can lapse if recurring training, experience, and medical standards set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are not met. Understanding these periodic steps is fundamental for maintaining flying status.
The Pilot Certificate Itself
The Private Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA is a lifelong credential that does not carry an expiration date. Once earned, the certificate remains valid unless it is formally surrendered by the holder or suspended or revoked by the FAA. Federal regulation establishes that the pilot certificate is issued without an expiration date. Consequently, a pilot will never be required to re-take the initial written or practical exams simply to renew the certificate.
Maintaining Pilot Privileges
Exercising the privileges of the permanent pilot certificate requires the pilot to maintain “currency.” Currency means meeting the minimum legal requirements to fly. Maintaining legal currency requires managing three separate components: recurrent training, recent flight experience, and medical qualification. A lapse in any one of these areas immediately prohibits the pilot from exercising the certificate’s privileges, even though the certificate itself remains valid.
The Biennial Flight Review
Recurrent training is mandated through the Flight Review, which must be satisfactorily completed every 24 calendar months. Although often called the Biennial Flight Review (BFR), the regulation simply refers to it as the Flight Review. This review requires a minimum of one hour of ground instruction and one hour of flight instruction with an authorized flight instructor.
The ground portion reviews current general operating and flight rules. The flight portion is tailored to the pilot’s experience level and covers maneuvers and procedures until the instructor is satisfied the pilot can safely exercise their privileges. Satisfactory completion results in a logbook endorsement, making the pilot current for another 24 calendar months. Failing to complete the Flight Review prohibits the pilot from acting as pilot-in-command until the review is completed and endorsed.
Recent Flight Experience Rules
Recent flight experience requirements are separate from the Flight Review and ensure a pilot maintains basic physical flying skills. These rules govern a pilot’s ability to carry passengers and are determined by a 90-day lookback period.
Day Currency
To act as pilot-in-command with passengers during the day, a pilot must have logged 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 as the one to be flown.
Night Currency
The requirement is more stringent for night flight. The pilot must perform three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop during the period beginning one hour after sunset and ending one hour before sunrise. The full stop requirement is a notable difference from daytime operations, which permit touch-and-go landings. Pilots who do not meet these 90-day minimums may fly solo or with a safety pilot to regain currency, but they are prohibited from carrying passengers.
Medical Certificate Requirements
A private pilot must hold at least a Third Class Medical Certificate to legally act as pilot-in-command. The duration of this certificate depends on the pilot’s age at the time of the examination by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
Third Class Medical Validity
Under Age 40: The certificate is valid for 60 calendar months (five years) after the month of the examination for private flight operations.
Age 40 and Older: The certificate is valid for 24 calendar months (two years) for private operations.
After the medical certificate expires, the pilot must obtain a new one from an AME before exercising pilot-in-command privileges.
BasicMed Alternative
Some private pilots may opt to fly under BasicMed provisions. This allows pilots to operate without a Third Class Medical Certificate if they meet specific criteria. These include holding a valid U.S. driver’s license and completing a physical examination checklist with a state-licensed physician every four years.
Instrument Rating Currency
Private pilots who hold an Instrument Rating must meet separate currency requirements to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) or under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The standard rule requires the pilot to perform and log specific tasks within the preceding six calendar months. These tasks include six instrument approaches, holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses using navigational electronic systems.
If a pilot fails to meet these requirements within the initial six-month period, they receive a six-calendar-month grace period. During this time, the tasks must be completed with a qualified safety pilot or instructor, and the pilot is prohibited from acting as pilot-in-command under IFR. If currency lapses beyond 12 calendar months, the pilot must complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) to reinstate instrument privileges.
Reinstating Lapsed Privileges
If a private pilot allows currency requirements to lapse, the reinstatement process is straightforward and does not involve re-taking the initial Private Pilot exams. The required steps are specific to the lapsed requirement:
If the Flight Review has lapsed, the pilot must satisfactorily complete the required ground and flight instruction with an authorized instructor.
If the medical certificate has expired, the pilot must undergo a new examination with an AME to be issued a new certificate.
If instrument currency has lapsed beyond 12 months, the pilot must complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC).
Regaining the ability to fly only requires completing the specific recurrent or recent experience requirements that have become overdue.