FAR 61.17 — Temporary Certificates
FAR 61.17 covers temporary pilot, flight instructor, and ground instructor certificates: 120-day validity, expiration triggers, and what students need to know.
FAR 61.17 governs temporary certificates issued to pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors. When you successfully complete a checkride or rating, the examiner typically hands you a temporary airman certificate that lets you exercise the privileges of your new certificate or rating right away — while the FAA processes and mails your permanent plastic certificate.
Key points:
- A temporary certificate or rating is valid for up to 120 days.
- During that period, the Administrator reviews your application and, if you're found qualified, issues your permanent certificate.
- A temporary certificate expires when any one of the following happens:
- The expiration date printed on the certificate is reached;
- You receive your permanent certificate; or
- You receive notice that your certificate or rating is denied or revoked.
This matters operationally because you must have a valid certificate in your possession to act as PIC. If your temporary expires before the permanent arrives, you should contact the FAA — flying on an expired temporary is not legal.