FAR 61.21 — CAT II/III Authorization Duration

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.