Validity and Renewal of Licences

Licence Validity and Privileges

A pilot licence, once issued, is generally valid for life. However, you cannot exercise its privileges unless you also hold valid ratings (such as class, type, or instrument ratings) and a current medical certificate. Ratings have defined validity periods—commonly 12 or 24 months—depending on the rating type.

Revalidation vs. Renewal

• Revalidation: This is the process of extending a rating's validity before it expires. It usually involves a proficiency check or meeting recent experience requirements within a specified window before expiry (e.g., within 3 months of expiry for many ratings).
• Renewal: If a rating has already lapsed, renewal is required. This involves refresher training (if needed) and a proficiency check by an examiner. The process is more involved than revalidation and is only available after the rating has expired.

ICAO and EASA Differences

ICAO sets the broad framework for licence and rating validity, but leaves the specifics to national authorities. EASA defines detailed procedures for revalidation and renewal in Part-FCL. When a licence is validated by another state, the validation cannot exceed the original licence's period of validity.

Medical Certificates

A valid medical certificate is always required to exercise licence privileges. If your medical lapses, you cannot act as pilot-in-command, even if your licence and ratings are current.

Age Restrictions

Pilots aged 60 or over face additional restrictions, particularly in commercial air transport. For example, pilots aged 60-64 may only operate as part of a multi-pilot crew, and those aged 65 or over are generally not permitted to act as pilots in commercial air transport.

Type Ratings and Privileges

Type ratings are valid for a set period (often 12 months) and must be revalidated or renewed through proficiency checks and, if needed, refresher training. Privileges are only exercised when both the type rating and medical are valid.

Key Steps in the Renewal Process

1. Assessment by an ATO/DTO (or instructor, where allowed) to determine necessary refresher training.
2. Completion of refresher training if required.
3. Proficiency check with an examiner.
4. Administrative renewal of the rating for a further period.