Pilot Licensing, Certification and Medical Requirements
This domain examines Part 61 licensing and Part 67 medical certification: what a PPL allows, how recency works, and when a medical certificate limits your privileges.
Licence and medical structure
A PPL(A) requires the Part 61 minimum age, knowledge examinations, flight experience, and a flight test. The holder may act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft for private operations but may not carry passengers or freight for hire or reward. A current Class 2 medical certificate is the normal requirement for a PPL; a Class 1 is required for commercial operations. Medical validity depends on the class, the holder's age, and any conditions. Ratings and endorsements, such as night or type ratings, require separate training and certification.
Recency
Passenger-carrying recency is separate from medical validity and from the biennial flight review. Before carrying passengers, a pilot must have completed the required takeoffs and landings within the preceding 90 days. The flight review assesses competence and is normally required within 24 months.
Worked example
A PPL holder has a valid Class 2 medical but has not flown for 100 days. A friend asks for a passenger flight. The pilot is not passenger-current because the 90-day takeoff and landing requirement has lapsed. The pilot completes three takeoffs and landings, confirms the flight review is still current, and checks the medical conditions before carrying the passenger.
Traps
Confusing medical validity with recency; assuming a PPL can accept payment; forgetting that ratings and night privileges are separate; and ignoring medical conditions or limitations.