Current means legal. Proficient means actually sharp. The FAA sets the first; you set the second with personal minimums. Examiners love hearing you know the difference.
What can a private pilot do? §61.113
- Act as PIC not for compensation or hire, and not carrying passengers or property for hire
- Share operating expenses (fuel, oil, airport fees, rental) with passengers, pro rata, and only with a common purpose for the flight
- Fly for business if the flight is only incidental to that business
- Exceptions: charitable/nonprofit events (with conditions), search & location ops, aircraft salesperson with 200 hrs, glider and unpowered ultralight towing
What must you carry? §61.3
- Your pilot certificate (or temporary)
- Medical certificate, or under BasicMed, your driver’s license plus BasicMed records
- Government photo ID
Present them on request of the FAA, NTSB, TSA or any federal, state or local law enforcement officer.
How long is a medical valid? §61.23
| Class | Under 40 | Age 40+ |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (ATP privileges) | 12 months | 6 months |
| 2nd (commercial) | 12 months | 12 months |
| 3rd / private | 60 months | 24 months |
A higher-class medical “steps down” and remains valid for private privileges for the 3rd-class duration. All durations are calendar months.
What keeps you current?
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
Flight review §61.56 |
1 hr ground + 1 hr flight with a CFI within the preceding 24 calendar months. A new certificate or rating also counts. |
Day passengers §61.57(a) |
3 takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days, same category and class. Tailwheel = full stop. |
Night passengers §61.57(b) |
3 takeoffs and full-stop landings within 90 days, between 1 hr after sunset and 1 hr before sunrise. |
BasicMed §61.113(i) · Part 68
- Must have held a medical issued after July 14, 2006 (not revoked or denied)
- Physical exam with a state-licensed physician every 48 months
- Online medical education course every 24 months
- Aircraft: ≤ 6 seats, ≤ 6,000 lb max takeoff weight, ≤ 5 passengers
- Fly ≤ 18,000 ft MSL, ≤ 250 KIAS, within the U.S., not for hire
When do you need extra endorsements? §61.31
- Complex: retractable gear, flaps, controllable-pitch prop
- High-performance: engine of more than 200 hp
- Tailwheel: conventional landing gear
- High-altitude: pressurized, service ceiling or max altitude above 25,000 ft MSL
Reporting rules
- Change of address: notify the FAA within 30 days
§61.60 - Motor-vehicle alcohol/drug action (DUI): report to FAA Security within 60 days
§61.15
Quiz
Current vs. proficient
1 / 5
You're 45 with a 3rd-class medical. How long is it valid for private privileges?
Sign in to track your progress through the course.