Duration of certificate and examining authority

A pilot school certificate normally expires 24 months after issuance, but can end earlier under several conditions. The certificate expires immediately if the school changes ownership, changes its facilities, or fails to maintain required aircraft, personnel, or facilities for more than 60 days.

However, an ownership change won't terminate the certificate if the school applies for an amendment within 30 days and there are no changes to facilities, personnel, or training courses during the transition.

Any examining authority granted to the school (allowing it to conduct practical tests in-house) expires whenever the school certificate expires or is surrendered, suspended, or revoked.

In practice: Part 141 schools must track their certificate expiration date and renew every two years. Ownership transfers require careful planning to maintain certification, and any facility changes trigger recertification. Schools with examining authority lose that privilege if their certificate lapses for any reason.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*