FAR 61.21 — CAT II/III Authorization Duration
FAR 61.21 explains how long a Category II or Category III pilot authorization stays valid, plus renewal rules and practical test timing for pilots.
In Plain English
FAR 61.21 sets the validity period and renewal rules for Category II and Category III pilot authorizations issued for operations outside of Part 121 and Part 135. These authorizations let qualified pilots fly approaches with lower-than-standard minimums, so the FAA limits how long the privilege lasts before re-testing.
Key points:
- A CAT II or CAT III authorization expires at the end of the 6th calendar month after the month it was issued or renewed.
- After passing the practical test, the authorization can be renewed for each type of aircraft the pilot holds the authorization in.
- An authorization for a specific aircraft type cannot be renewed beyond 12 calendar months from the month the practical test was completed in that type.
- If the pilot passes the renewal practical test in the month before expiration, it counts as if passed in the expiration month — preserving the full renewal cycle.
Operationally, this means pilots flying low-visibility approaches must stay current through recurring practical tests and cannot let their type-specific authorization lapse beyond the 12-month window without retesting.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.21§ 61.21 Duration of a Category II and a Category III pilot authorization (for other than part 121 and part 135 use).
(a) A Category II pilot authorization or a Category III pilot authorization expires at the end of the sixth calendar month after the month in which it was issued or renewed.
(b) Upon passing a practical test for a Category II or Category III pilot authorization, the authorization may be renewed for each type of aircraft for which the authorization is held.
(c) A Category II or Category III pilot authorization for a specific type aircraft for which an authorization is held will not be renewed beyond 12 calendar months from the month the practical test was accomplished in that type aircraft.
(d) If the holder of a Category II or Category III pilot authorization passes the practical test for a renewal in the month before the authorization expires, the holder is considered to have passed it during the month the authorization expired.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1How long is a Category II or Category III pilot authorization valid for non-Part 121/135 operations?
Per FAR 61.21, the authorization expires at the end of the 6th calendar month after the month it was issued or renewed.
Q2What is the maximum time a CAT II or CAT III authorization for a specific type aircraft can be renewed before a new practical test is required?
Under FAR 61.21, the authorization for that specific type cannot be renewed beyond 12 calendar months from the month the practical test was accomplished in that aircraft type.
Q3If you pass your CAT II renewal practical test the month before your authorization expires, when are you considered to have passed it?
FAR 61.21 states you are considered to have passed it during the month the authorization actually expired, preserving the renewal cycle.
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Related Sections in Part 61