Recency and revalidation requirements
Becoming a pilot isn’t just about getting your licence, it’s also about keeping it current. For those that aim to become a private pilot, it should be emphasized that they need to get into the air at regular intervals. And if they don’t, then skills will be eroded.
The requirements for revalidation, tied to the class rating or type rating you have, can be complicated if you have more than one to keep track of.
Myself, I have two type ratings and a single engine class rating to keep current. And moreover, I also hold two instructor certificates. It goes without saying that one needs to carefully monitor recency and revalidation dates. So how do I do it?
For the last twenty years I have gone every six months to Flightsafety in Wichita, Kansas, USA or in Farnborough, UK to do the revalidation of the instruments rating and various type ratings. We normally do 3 simulator training flights every time, before we do the check ride. Every simulator session is 4 hours, which means we fly 16 hours every time. Multiply that with twice a year, and then with twenty years. Ha ha… that means I have logged 640 hours in level D simulators. Beat that!
When it comes to the SEP rating, I must admit I haven’t followed up. So it looks like it will be a proficiency check, with a couple of training flights first to knock off the rust. However, I’m not using it currently, so that’s OK.
When it comes to keeping the instrument rating valid for all the aircraft you plan to fly, make sure you have a look at EASA FCL Appendix 8 – Cross-crediting of the IR part of a class or type rating proficiency check.
Beware, there are ways to combine proficiency checks for different ratings. Please check the relevant part of FCL yourself, to see what applies to your specific case. Here’s a guide to help you navigate these requirements.
Recent Experience
Keeping up with the general recency requirements is essential for all pilots, regardless of the licence or rating. Section FCL.060 lays out the key points:
General Requirements: To operate an aircraft in commercial air transport or carry passengers as PIC or co-pilot, you must have completed at least three take-offs, approaches, and landings in the preceding 90 days in the same type or class of aircraft or a Full Flight Simulator (FFS) representing that type or class.
Specific Night Requirements: To act as PIC at night, you need to have completed at least one take-off, approach, and landing at night in the same type or class of aircraft, or you must hold an Instrument Rating (IR).
Revalidation Requirements for the Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL)
For those who just want to rent a four-seat aeroplane at the local flying club, the LAPL is a great option. It has less strict requirements. Here are the revalidation requirements:
- Flight Time: Within the last 24 months, you must have:
- At least 12 hours of flight time as PIC or under supervision.
- 12 take-offs and landings.
- Refresher training of at least 1 hour of total flight time with an instructor.
Proficiency Check: If you haven’t met the above flight time requirements, you’ll need to pass a proficiency check with an examiner, based on the skill test for the licence.
SUBPART B – LIGHT AIRCRAFT PILOT LICENCE – LAPL
Revalidation of Class and Type Ratings
Your pilot’s licence lasts forever, but you need to stay current to use its privileges. To keep your class or type rating current, you have to follow the revalidation requirements.
The following is specifically for the Single-Engine Piston (SEP) rating
- Flight Time: Within the 12 months before your rating expires, you must have:
- 12 hours of flight time in the relevant class of aircraft.
- 6 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
- 12 take-offs and landings.
- Refresher Training: At least one hour of total flight time with a flight instructor (FI) or a class rating instructor (CRI).
Proficiency Check: If you haven’t met the above flight time requirements, you’ll need to pass a proficiency check with an examiner in the relevant class or type of aircraft.
Maintaining Your Multi-Engine (MEP) Class Rating
For Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) class ratings, the requirements are slightly different:
- Within 12 Months Before Expiry: Complete 10 route sectors as pilot of the relevant class or type of aeroplane, or 1 route sector with an examiner, which may be completed during the proficiency check. A route sector is defined as a flight comprising take-off, departure, cruise of not less than 15 minutes, arrival, approach, and landing phases.
Proficiency Check: Within the 3 months preceding the expiry date of the rating, pass a proficiency check in the relevant class or type of aeroplane or an FSTD representing that class or type.
FCL.740.A Revalidation of class and type ratings – aeroplanes
Keeping Your Instrument Rating (IR) Current
For those with an Instrument Rating (IR), staying current is a must to ensure your proficiency in instrument flying.
Validity Period: Your IR is valid for 1 year.
Revalidation: Revalidate within the 3 months before your IR expires. Complete the necessary criteria for the relevant aircraft category. Pass a proficiency check if you’re revalidating early or combining it with a class or type rating renewal.
Renewal: If your IR has expired, you’ll need refresher training at an Approved Training Organisation (ATO) if necessary. Pass a proficiency check in the relevant aircraft category.
Long-Term Expiry: If your IR hasn’t been revalidated or renewed in the last 7 years, you’ll need to pass the IR theoretical knowledge examination and skill test again. Please don’t let that happen 🙁
FCL.625.A IR(A) – Revalidation
Appendix 8 – Cross-crediting of the IR part of a class or type rating
Cross-Crediting: Proficiency checks on a type rating can count for a class rating, provided you meet certain conditions, like performing IFR departures and approaches within the last 12 months (Appendix 8 – Cross-crediting of the IR part of a class or type rating proficiency check).
Read more at the EASA website
By staying on top of these recency requirements, you ensure that you’re always ready to take to the skies safely and confidently. Flying is a journey of continuous learning, and keeping your skills sharp is part of what makes the pilot lifestyle so rewarding. Happy flying!
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