Certificate Issuance

FAR 61.13 Certificate Issuance

FAR 61.13 explains how airman certificates, ratings, and authorizations are issued, including limitations, Category II/III rules, and post-suspension restrictions.

In Plain English

FAR 61.13 sets the rules for how the FAA issues pilot certificates, ratings, and authorizations.

  • Application: You must apply on the form and in the manner the FAA accepts. If you're applying outside the U.S., you must show the fee in Appendix A to Part 187 has been paid.
  • Citizenship: Non-citizens who aren't resident aliens may be refused a U.S. airman certificate.
  • Entitlement: If you complete all training and certification requirements, you're entitled to the certificate, rating, or authorization sought.
  • Physical limitations: If you can't perform certain practical test tasks due to a physical limitation, you can still be issued the certificate with a limitation — provided you meet all other requirements, the limitation is on file with FAA medical records, and the Administrator finds it won't compromise safety. The limitation can later be removed by demonstrating proficiency to an examiner.
  • Category II/III authorizations: Issued via letter of authorization with an instrument rating or ATP. Initial Cat II limits are 1,600 RVR and 150-ft DH. Cat II limits can be removed after three Cat II ILS approaches to a 150-ft DH within the preceding 6 months.
  • Suspended/Revoked certificates: No new applications during suspension, and none for 1 year after revocation unless the FAA authorizes it.

This matters because it defines your eligibility pathway and what happens if your certificate is ever limited or taken away.

Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.13
§ 61.13 Issuance of airman certificates, ratings, and authorizations. (a)(1) An applicant for an airman certificate, rating, or authorization under this part must make that application on a form and in a manner acceptable to the Administrator. (2) An applicant must show evidence that the appropriate fee prescribed in appendix A to part 187 of this chapter has been paid when that person applies for airmen certification services administered outside the United States. (3) An applicant who is neither a citizen of the United States nor a resident alien of the United States may be refused issuance of any U.S. airman certificate, rating or authorization by the Administrator. (4) Except as provided in paragraph (a)(3) of this section, an applicant who satisfactorily accomplishes the training and certification requirements for the certificate, rating, or authorization sought is entitled to receive that airman certificate, rating, or authorization. (b)(1) An applicant who cannot comply with certain areas of operation required on the practical test because of physical limitations may be issued an airman certificate, rating, or authorization with the appropriate limitation placed on the applicant's airman certificate provided the— (i) Applicant is able to meet all other certification requirements for the airman certificate, rating, or authorization sought; (ii) Physical limitation has been recorded with the FAA on the applicant's medical records; and (iii) Administrator determines that the applicant's inability to perform the particular area of operation will not adversely affect safety. (2) A limitation placed on a person's airman certificate may be removed, provided that person demonstrates for an examiner satisfactory proficiency in the area of operation appropriate to the airman certificate, rating, or authorization sought. (c)(1) A Category II or Category III pilot authorization is issued by a letter of authorization as part of an applicant's instrument rating or airline transport pilot certificate. (2) Upon original issue, the authorization contains the following limitations: (i) For Category II operations, the limitation is 1,600 feet RVR and a 150-foot decision height; and (ii) For Category III operations, each initial limitation is specified in the authorization document. (3) The limitations on a Category II or Category III pilot authorization may be removed as follows: (i) In the case of Category II limitations, a limitation is removed when the holder shows that, since the beginning of the sixth preceding month, the holder has made three Category II ILS approaches with a 150-foot decision height to a landing under actual or simulated instrument conditions. (ii) In the case of Category III limitations, a limitation is removed as specified in the authorization. (4) To meet the experience requirements of paragraph (c)(3) of this section, and for the practical test required by this part for a Category II or a Category III pilot authorization, a flight simulator or flight training device may be used if it is approved by the Administrator for such use. (d)(1) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, a person whose pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate has been suspended may not apply for any certificate, rating, or authorization during the period of suspension. (2) Unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, a person whose pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor certificate has been revoked may not apply for any certificate, rating, or authorization for 1 year after the date of revocation. [Docket 25910, 62 FR 40895, July 30, 1997, as amended by Amdt. 61-116, 72 FR 18558, Apr. 12, 2007; Amdt. 61-132, 78 FR 77572, Dec. 24, 2013]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1If a pilot has a physical limitation that prevents performing a practical test task, can they still get the certificate?
Yes. Per FAR 61.13(b), the certificate can be issued with a limitation if the applicant meets all other requirements, the limitation is recorded in FAA medical records, and the Administrator determines safety isn't adversely affected.
Q2What are the initial limitations on a Category II authorization, and how do you get them removed?
Under FAR 61.13(c), initial Cat II limits are 1,600 RVR and a 150-foot decision height. They're removed when the holder has made three Cat II ILS approaches to a 150-foot DH under actual or simulated IMC within the preceding 6 months.
Q3If a pilot's certificate is revoked, when can they reapply?
Per FAR 61.13(d), a person whose certificate is revoked may not apply for any certificate, rating, or authorization for 1 year after the date of revocation, unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator.
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FAR 61.13 — Issuance of Airman Certificates & Ratings