FAR 61.11 — Expired Pilot Certificates
FAR 61.11 explains which expired pilot certificates can't be reissued, which can be reissued without an expiration date, and how it affects acting as PIC.
FAR 61.11 addresses what happens when a pilot certificate or rating has expired, and which old certificates can still be reissued.
The core rule: if your pilot certificate or rating has expired, you cannot act as pilot in command or as a required flight crewmember of an aircraft in the same category or class shown on that expired certificate.
The regulation then divides historical certificates into two groups:
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Expired and will NOT be reissued:
- Airline transport pilot certificates issued before May 1, 1949, or any ATP certificate containing a horsepower limitation.
- Private or commercial pilot certificates issued before July 1, 1945.
- Pilot certificates with a lighter-than-air or free-balloon rating issued before July 1, 1945.
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May be reissued without an expiration date:
- ATP certificates issued after April 30, 1949 that bear an expiration date but no horsepower limitation.
- Private or commercial certificates issued after June 30, 1945 that bear an expiration date.
- Lighter-than-air or free-balloon certificates issued after June 30, 1945 that bear an expiration date.
Why it matters: modern pilot certificates generally don't expire, but you must still hold a current medical, flight review, and currency. This rule mainly cleans up legacy paperwork.