Paper Pilot Certificates
On March 31, 2010, your paper pilot certificate will no longer be valid. See below.
If you are still flying on your old paper pilot certificate (these are the blue-grey certificates that were issued prior to 9-11), you need to upgrade to a plastic "credit card" style certificate by March 31, 2010. This is required by 14 CFR 61.19 (h).... see below.
When they say "paper pilot certificate", they are not referring to the temporary white paper certificate that says "Temporary Airman Certificate" at the top. Those temporary certificates that they issue when you take a checkride or add new ratings to your certificate are not the subject of this FAR. Also, "paper pilot certificate" does not refer to the rectangular yellow student pilot certificates that are printed on paper either.
If you are attached to your paper certificate and original issuance date (the plastic certificate will have a new one), don't worry. You can keep your paper certificate for nostalgia; you just can't use it to fly. If you do miss the 2010 deadline, you won't have to take a checkride or any exams to get back in the air as pilot in command. Simply request the plastic certificate.
For the FAA page about the paper certificates. Click here.
For the FAA page about the paper certificates. Click here.
The new 61.19(h) reads: 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.
As always, we wanted to keep you informed. -SA
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