License Requirements

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 12:35

Just finished the paperwork for my flight review with my CFI (who is also building a L16, by the way) and it appears that all pilots now have to be proficient in the English language and new certificates in plastic will be issued and are due not later than March 5, 2009. I was unaware of the requirement but filled out the paperwork and will be sending it in tomorrow. If this was a new regulation I must have missed it somewhere along the line. I believe he stated you also have to carry a photo ID (driver's license or passport) when you're flying.

Mike Berg

flyingfool · Post by **flyingfool** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 13:44

The photo ID (I believe it says government issued photo ID) was a requirement shortly after 9-11 possibly as part of the Patriot Act this since the FAA issued pilot certificate does not have a photo on it. This then proves you are the rightful owner of the pilot certificate. At least that was the intent. Until all states get the Real ID law fully enacted it is not necessarily true.

As far as the plastic (credit card) pilot certificate I have had one for years. I got mine for free at EAA in 2001. They were making a push for it with the centenial of flight. The plastic certificates had a picture of the first flight at Kitty Hawk and wilber & Orivilles face.

Also did it to remove my social security number from being my pilot certificate number. Being a CFI I have my social security number in several peoples log books which is a big no-no when it comes to identity theft. So I guess I killed two birds.

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 13:52

I also had my flight certificate number changed from my social security number. My first license was in 1979 and used the SS number. The 'new' one is dated 2002 and has a different number. Medicare (of course) still uses the social security number and that's floating around all over the place.

Mike

Nathan K. Hammond · Post by **Nathan K. Hammond** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 22:46

The English Proficient label is only needed if you fly outside the country I think. Joe would know.

nkh

Jerry · Post by **Jerry** » Fri Dec 12, 2008 23:04

Effective March 5, 2008, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires the following certificate holders who operate internationally to have a certificate stating that the holder is proficient in the use of the English language:

Plastic certificates
On February 28 2008, the FAA released its final rule requiring pilots and airmen to switch from their paper pilot certificates to the new counterfeit resistant plastic certificate. Pilots have until March 31, 2010, and all other airmen have until March 31, 2013, to convert their certificates in order to continue to exercise their privileges. After the 2010 and 2013 deadlines, pilots and airman who have not converted will have to request and receive a new plastic certificates before exercising their privileges

james gevay · Post by **james gevay** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 05:41

Nathan is correct, you only need the "English Proficient" endorsment on the back if you plan on leaving the country in your plane.

It's part of complying with ICAO rules.

Post by **joea** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 10:17

Nathan K. Hammond wrote:The English Proficient label is only needed if you fly outside the country I think. Joe would know.

nkh

Yep, its mandatory for those of us who fly around the world. Got mine earlier this year but still kept the old paper copy. This new plastic thing does not have the same feeling of the old one.

Joe

Mnflyer · Post by **Mnflyer** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 10:58

So how does one get the new plastic card can you apply on the FAA site?
Have been going to look but keep forgetting

Update
Thanks Tim I just went on the site and did mine before I forget again your right its $2.00 per cert. GB

Tim Juhl · Post by **Tim Juhl** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 12:38

Go here. http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificate ... _services/

If you've never used the online service before you will have to create an account.

Used to be if you were also requesting the removal of your SS number from your certificate there was no charge for the new certificate. Otherwise there is a small fee ($2.00 I think.)

While we're at it, one of the things I encounter as a CFII is people who change their address and never notify the FAA. If more than 30 days has passed you are not legal to exercise your pilot privileges. Same applies to aircraft registration. If you need a plastic certificate it might be a good time to make sure all the other info is also up to date.

Tim

Post by **joea** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 13:00

Tim hits on a very important thing. Keep your address correct with the FAA.

One time years ago there was an error with my medical and the feds sent me an email saying "if you do not reply in 30 days to this issue, we are pulling your medical!"

That means that had I not received the letter I would have been flying illegally. I did receive it but only on the 28th day after they had sent the letter to my old address in Saudi Arabia and it was forwarded to me through the military mail system. Funny thing was that I had put in a change of address with the FAA showing my new address and they did not use it!

Joe A

Nathan K. Hammond · Post by **Nathan K. Hammond** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 13:45

Mnflyer wrote:So how does one get the new plastic card can you apply on the FAA site?

Get a new rating? You never know when that 'Multi Engine Inline Glider Float' ticket will come in handy.

nkh

Mnflyer · Post by **Mnflyer** » Sat Dec 13, 2008 13:51

Hey Nathan got it done and without any new stinking ratings

Although I do wish I had mt IA rating back

hammmike · Post by **hammmike** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 09:47

I signed up on the FAA site last night and got rid of the ss number on my ticket. There was no charge. Will I get a new plactic license in the mail?

Post by **joea** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:31

Mike,

No, you will be ramp checked the next time you fly and if you pass, the Fed will then hand you the new license!

Yes, it comes in the mail in a couple of weeks or so...

Joe

gumbeau · Post by **gumbeau** » Sun Dec 21, 2008 10:42

If you want a new plastic card and want to take care of the ICAO language requirement you can request a new certificate from the FAA with the English language proficient statement on it.

I'm pretty sure they will remove the SSN and issue a new number at the same time as well.

Costs 2 bucks I think.

go here

http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificate ... _services/

You will have to create an account but it makes managing your certificate pretty easy.

National Aeronca Association Bulletin Board

License Requirements

License Requirements

Airmens cert. Plastic cards

Certificate

Re: Airmens cert. Plastic cards