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The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 61.19

Duration of pilot and instructor certificates and privileges

Read the official rule

This regulation explains how long different pilot certificates remain valid.

Most pilot certificates don't expire. Student pilot certificates issued after April 1, 2016, private pilot certificates, commercial certificates, and ATP certificates remain valid indefinitely unless surrendered, suspended, or revoked. Ground instructor certificates also don't expire.

Flight instructor certificates issued on or after December 1, 2024, no longer expire. However, CFI certificates issued before that date expire 24 months after issuance or renewal, requiring periodic renewal to remain current.

Old paper student pilot certificates (issued before April 1, 2016) had expiration dates tied to medical certificate dates—60 months for pilots under 40, or 24 months for those 40 and older.

Important exception: If you hold a U.S. certificate based on a foreign license, you can only exercise privileges while that foreign license remains valid. Also, paper pilot certificates issued before March 31, 2010, are no longer valid.

*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.*

This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 20, 2026.