Validity of private pilot license

The validity of a Private Pilot License (PPL) depends on several factors, including medical certificate status, flight review requirements, and currency for carrying passengers. Here’s a breakdown of the key validity requirements, primarily based on FAA regulations (U.S.), though other aviation authorities (EASA, ICAO, etc.) have similar but slightly different rules.

1. Medical Certificate Validity

• Third-Class Medical: Required for Private Pilots (unless flying under BasicMed).

  • Under 40 years old: Valid for 60 months (5 years).

  • 40 years or older: Valid for 24 months (2 years).

• BasicMed Alternative (U.S. only):

  • Allows pilots to fly without a traditional medical if they meet certain conditions (valid driver’s license, completed medical education course, and physician consultation every 48 months).

2. Flight Review (Biennial)

• A Flight Review (FAR 61.56) is required every 24 calendar months to act as PIC (Pilot in Command).

  • Consists of at least 1 hour of ground training + 1 hour of flight training with an instructor.

  • If a pilot completes an FAA-approved Wings program (Phase), it can count as a Flight Review.

3. Passenger Currency (90-Day Rule)

• To carry passengers, a pilot must have performed 3 takeoffs and landings (full stop for night) within the preceding 90 days in the same aircraft category/class.

4. License Duration (PPL Does Not Expire)

• The PPL itself does not expire (unlike a medical or flight review).

• However, you cannot act as PIC without a current medical, flight review, and meeting currency requirements.

5. Additional Ratings & Endorsements

• If you hold additional privileges (e.g., instrument rating, high-performance, complex/tailwheel), those may have separate requirements (e.g., instrument proficiency check every 6 months if flying IFR).

International Differences

• EASA (Europe): PPL(A) requires a Class 2 Medical (valid for 5 years if under 40, 2 years if 40+), and a Licence Proficiency Check (LPC) every 2 years.

• Canada (TC): Requires a Category 3 Medical (similar to FAA Third-Class) and a Pilot Proficiency Check (PPC) or flight review every 24 months