FAR 61.7 — Obsolete Certificates and Ratings
FAR 61.7 explains which old pilot certificates and category ratings are obsolete and can no longer be exercised. Study guide for pilot students.
FAR 61.7 identifies certain older pilot certificates and category ratings that the FAA no longer recognizes for exercising privileges. If you happen to hold one of these legacy credentials, you cannot legally act as pilot in command under them — you would need to obtain a current certificate or rating instead.
Specifically, the rule covers two situations:
- Free-balloon pilot certificates issued before November 1, 1973 are obsolete. The holder may not exercise the privileges of that certificate.
- A pilot certificate that lists any of the following category ratings without an associated class rating is also obsolete, and the holder may not exercise those category privileges:
- Rotorcraft
- Lighter-than-air
- Helicopter
- Autogyro
Why it matters: The FAA modernized its certification structure to pair category ratings (like rotorcraft) with specific class ratings (like helicopter or gyroplane). Without that class designation, the older rating is no longer valid for flight operations. Pilots holding legacy credentials must upgrade through current training and testing standards before flying under those privileges.