FAA Private Pilot Certificate & Medical Certificate Renewal Guide

Private pilot certificates are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and governed by 14 CFR Part 61. The pilot certificate itself does not expire — but you must maintain currency through flight reviews and a valid medical certificate.

At a Glance

Detail	Information
Regulatory Body	Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Pilot Certificate	Does not expire
Flight Review	Every 24 calendar months (14 CFR §61.56)
Medical Certificate	Required — duration varies by class and age
Online System	FAA MedXPress (medical); IACRA (certificates)

The Pilot Certificate Does Not Expire

Your FAA private pilot certificate is valid for life. However, to legally act as pilot in command, you must maintain:

1. A current flight review (every 24 calendar months)
2. A valid medical certificate (or BasicMed eligibility)
3. Recent experience (e.g., 3 takeoffs/landings in 90 days for carrying passengers)

Flight Review (Biennial Flight Review)

Required every 24 calendar months under 14 CFR §61.56. Minimum 1 hour of flight training and 1 hour of ground training with a CFI. A new certificate, rating, or proficiency check can substitute.

Medical Certificate Classes & Duration

Class	Required For	Under 40	40 and Older
First Class	Airline transport pilot	12 months	6 months (ATP); 12 months (commercial)
Second Class	Commercial pilots, flight instructors	12 months	12 months
Third Class	Private pilots, student pilots	60 months (5 years)	24 months (2 years)

Obtained through an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Apply via FAA MedXPress.

BasicMed Alternative

For eligible private pilots instead of a third-class medical: Must have held a third-class medical after July 14, 2006. Undergo a physical with any state-licensed physician. Complete a BasicMed Medical Education Course. Hold a valid US driver's license. Limited to aircraft under 6,000 lbs, 6 passengers, below 18,000 ft, under 250 knots.

Key Notes

• Pilot certificate never expires — currency requirements must be met to fly.
• Flight review every 24 months.
• Third-class medical valid 5 years (under 40) or 2 years (40+).
• Self-grounding obligation (14 CFR §61.53) — do not fly if medically unfit regardless of certificate status.
• MedXPress application expires after 60 days.
• Special Issuance Authorization available for managed disqualifying conditions.

Contact Information

Federal Aviation Administration

• Medical Certification: faa.gov/pilots/medical_certification
• MedXPress: medxpress.faa.gov
• Find an AME: designee.faa.gov

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This page is for informational purposes only. Always verify current requirements with the FAA. Last reviewed March 2026.

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