Spring is right around the corner. While you're cleaning around your office and getting ready for the warmer weather, it may be worth considering refreshing your flight training, too. While certain pilot licenses don't expire, recurrent training is still important (and often required), especially because safety procedures can change. But how do you know when it's time to refresh your flight training?

Consider Your Type Rating

According to SkyTough, there are over 100,000 commercial pilots operating in the United States. Different pilots have different type ratings, which is the designation on your license that proves you can fly a specific aircraft. The FAA mandates certain requirements depending on your type rating. For example, a SIC-type rating doesn't expire, but it's necessary to have three bounces in the last year. A PIC-type rating, on the other hand, needs to be current, and you'll need annual recurrent training to maintain your license. This is for your safety as well as for the safety of others on the aircraft and on the ground.

Consider How Long You've Been Flying

While all pilot certificate holders in the U.S. are required to take a biennial flight review every 24 months, you may need recurrent trainings if you've taken a longer break from flying. Of course, you'll still have your credits from your initial classes and certification, and your pilot's license doesn't go away simply because it's been many years since you've gotten behind the wheel of a plane. However, you'll need additional recurrent training to ensure you're up-to-date on the latest regulatory changes, safety procedures, and more.

Consider Your Confidence

If it's been several months since you've been in a plane or even over a year, a few recurrent training classes can give you the confidence you need to get back in the air, even if it may not necessarily be required by the FAA. This can definitely give you peace of mind if you've only ever flown in certain weather conditions as well, so you can feel ready in any situation.

Whether you're in need of recurrent training classes, citation training courses, or aviation consulting services, our team at Jet Safety International can help. Contact us today to learn more about our professional course instructors and our available classes. We're available to answer any questions you may have.

Posted: 4/3/24