Validity of commercial pilot license

The validity of a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) depends on several factors, including medical certificate validity, regulatory requirements, and currency (recent flight experience). Here’s a general overview:

1. Medical Certificate Validity

First-Class Medical (Required for Airline Transport Pilots, but often used by Commercial Pilots):
- Under 40 years old: Valid for 12 months.
- 40+ years old: Valid for 6 months.
Second-Class Medical (Minimum for Commercial Pilots exercising CPL privileges):
- Under 40: Valid for 12 months.
- 40+: Valid for 12 months (but reverts to a Third-Class medical after 12 months).
Third-Class Medical (Not valid for commercial operations, only for private flying).

Note: Some countries (like the U.S. under BasicMed) allow alternative medical certification for certain non-commercial operations, but commercial flying requires at least a Second-Class Medical.

2. License Duration (Theoretical Validity)

The CPL itself does not expire (in most countries, including FAA/EASA).
However, to exercise the privileges of the license, you must:
- Hold a valid medical certificate (as above).
- Meet recent flight experience (currency) requirements.

3. Currency Requirements (To Act as PIC)

Flight Review (FAA) / Proficiency Check (EASA):
- FAA: Every 24 months (required to act as PIC).
- EASA: Every year (for commercial operations).
Instrument Rating (if applicable):
- FAA: 6 months for IFR operations (must have 6 approaches, holding, and navigation within past 6 months).
- EASA: Validity depends on operator or regulatory requirements.

4. Additional Ratings & Type Ratings

If flying complex aircraft (multi-engine, turbine, etc.), type ratings may require recurrent training (e.g., every 12 months for most airline operations).

5. Regulatory Differences (FAA vs. EASA vs. Others

FAA (U.S.):
- CPL does not expire, but medical & flight review are required.
EASA (Europe):
- License remains valid, but operational requirements (like recurrent checks) apply.
Other Countries (e.g., Canada, Australia, India):
- Similar principles, but check local aviation authority rules.

Summary:

✅ CPL (License itself) → Does not expire (but must be maintained).
✅ Medical Certificate → Must be current (Second-Class for commercial ops).
✅ Flight Review / Proficiency Check → Required every 12-24 months (depends on authority).
✅ Instrument / Type Ratings → Recurrent training may apply.

For precise validity, always check with your national aviation authority (FAA, EASA, DGCA, CAA, etc.).

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