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3 Answers

How to get recertified private pilot pilot privileges

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Private Pilot

I.m a ATP Pilot who hasn't flown in over twenty years. I would like to know what I need to do to  get re-certified foe at least Private Pilot priveleges? 

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3 Answers



  1. KDS on May 15, 2019

    You need to have a plastic pilot certificate. If you still have a paper one, you need to ask the FAA for a new plastic one. I believe they will charge you a couple dollars for that. I seem to remember there is away around that, but those memory cells have already grayed out. Either you ask for one that doesn’t have your SSAN (if you had one issued back when they put SSAN’s for certificate numbers) OR you ask for one with the limitation “ENGLISH PROFICIENT” on it. But either way, the charge is small potatoes, so no big deal.

    You will need a medical.

    You will need a flight review (FAR 61.56).

    You will need a pocket full of money.

    That should pretty well get you back in the air.

    Just my personal advice, don’t be afraid to get with a young flight instructor to help you get back in shape. I see a potential where you might get together with an old airline buddy who still has a CFI and I think that would be a mistake. The old airline buddy is great at some skills, but not the ones you need right now.

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  2. Gary Moore on May 16, 2019

    Also – the AOPA has some great ‘rusty pilot’ programs – worth taking a look at. And be sure to check out the Basic Med option for your medical….

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  3. LTCTerry on May 17, 2019

    John,

    Glad to see someone getting back into flying. Your ATP includes Commercial, which includes Private, which includes Light Sport (which may be new to you if you’ve been away from flying for 20 years).

    A rule of thumb I’ve heard is to expect one hour of training for each year away from flying. It may seem like a lot, but then you won’t be caught off guard. You can get IFR current with an Instrument Proficiency Check along the way, too.

    Which certificate’s priviledges you may exercise will depend on your medical, but getting 90-day current in something and completing a flight review under 61.56 will reset “everything” except 90-day currency for any other cagegory/class ratings you have.

    The newest thing in the FAA medical world in the last few years is Basic Med, where you get a form filled out by your primary care doc and take an online test. The form is good for four years and the test for two. So, you repeat the test in the middle of the four years. One of the requirements to be eligible for Basic Med is to have had a valid medical in the last ten years. I’m assuming this doesn’t apply to you.

    Were you a CFI? If that has expired, then you’ll need to fly with an examiner to get that back.

    Good luck and enjoy!

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