Duration of a Category II and a Category III pilot authorization (for other than part 121 and part 135 use) - Requirement and duration

Sep 25, 2026

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§ 61.21 and § 61.23 set regulatory requirements for FAA pilot authorizations and medical certificates. It defines how long Category II and Category III pilot authorizations remain valid, how renewals work after passing practical tests, and limits renewals for specific aircraft types. § 61.23 specifies which operations require first-, second-, or third-class medical certificates, and lists circumstances where medical certificates are not required, including certain student sport and instructor activities, examiner duties, and glider or balloon operations.

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§ 61.21 Duration of a Category II and a Category III pilot authorization

Expiration and renewal timing

Renewal limitations for specific aircraft types

Effect of passing renewal practical test in expiration month

§ 61.23 Medical certificates: Requirement and duration

Operations requiring a medical certificate

Operations not requiring a medical certificate

§ 61 .21 14 CFR Ch. I (1–1–25 Edition) (e) Ground instructor certificate. Aground instructor certificate is issued without an expiration date. (f) Return of certificates. The holder of any airman certificate that is issued under this part, and that has been suspended or revoked, must return that certificate to the FAA when requested to do so by the Administrator. (g) Duration of pilot certificates. Except for a temporary certificate issued under § 61 .17 or a student pilot certificate issued under paragraph (b) of this section, the holder of a paper pilot certificate issued under this part may not exercise the privileges of that certificate after March 31, 2010. [Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, as amended by Amdt. 61–118, 73 FR 10668, Feb. 28, 2008; Amdt. 61–124, 74 FR 42547, Aug. 21, 2009; Amdt. 61–124A, 74 FR 53644, Oct. 20, 2009; Docket FAA–2010–1127, Amdt. 61–135, 81 FR 1306, Jan. 12, 2016; Docket FAA–2023–0825, Amdt. 61–155, 89 FR 80049, Oct. 1, 2024] § 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. § 61.23 Medical certificates: Requirement and duration. (a) Operations requiring a medical certificate. Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a person— (1) Must hold a first-class medical certificate: (i) When exercising the pilot-in-command privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate; (ii) When exercising the second-incommand privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate in a flag or supplemental operation in part 121 of this chapter that requires three or more pilots; or (iii) When serving as a required pilot flightcrew member in an operation conducted under part 121 of this chapter if the pilot has reached his or her 60th birthday. (2) Must hold at least a second class medical certificate when exercising: (i) Second-in-command privileges of an airline transport pilot certificate in part 121 of this chapter (other than operations specified in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section); (ii) Privileges of a commercial pilot certificate in an aircraft other than a balloon or glider; or (iii) Except as provided in paragraph (b)(5) of this section, privileges of a commercial pilot certificate with a balloon class rating for compensation or hire; or (3) Must hold at least a third-class medical certificate— (i) When exercising the privileges of a private pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, or student pilot certificate, except when operating under the conditions and limitations set forth in § 61 .113(i); (ii) When exercising the privileges of a flight instructor certificate and acting as the pilot in command or as a required flightcrew member, except when operating under the conditions and limitations set forth in § 61 .113(i); (iii) When taking a practical test inan aircraft for a recreational pilot, private pilot, commercial pilot, or airline transport pilot certificate, or for a flight instructor certificate, except when operating under the conditions and limitations set forth in § 61 .113(i); or (iv) When performing the duties

FAQs

When do Category II and Category III pilot authorizations expire under § 61.21?

They expire at the end of the sixth calendar month after the month the authorization was issued or renewed.

How can a Category II or Category III pilot authorization be renewed?

After passing a practical test for the applicable Category II or Category III authorization, the authorization may be renewed for each aircraft type for which the authorization is held.

What medical certificates are required under § 61.23 for different pilot roles and operations?

First-, second-, or third-class medical certificates are required depending on the privileges exercised, such as airline transport pilot privileges and age-related requirements, with specific thresholds tied to private, recreational, student, flight instructor, and examiner duties.

Sep 25, 2026

Uploaded by Aldword