Recertification after Pilot License Revocation

This is a GENERAL guide for the path back after Pilot License revocation. As with all things in life and aviation, every situation is different and you’ve got to be flexible to accommodate weather, equipment, and other people’s schedules.

You can begin the path to recertification by completing your written tests. You do NOT have to wait until your revocation period is over or you have your medical to do this. FAA Airman Knowledge Tests are valid for two years after you take them, so you may begin soon. What seems to work good for many is to buy the Gleim Study Guides from a local pilot shop or online. You will need to take the Private Pilot Airplane, Instrument Airplane, and Commercial Pilot Airplane tests. Any current CFI can sign your Recommendation to take these Knowledge Tests. If you can't find someone to recommend you, call and I'll try to help.

If you are a former Military Pilot, you should be able to complete Military Competency again per FAR 61.73. You will have to pass the MCN Airman Knowledge Test. If your local FSDO is unable to help you with this, the DSM FSDO has been very helpful with other Applicants. Call and I'll try to facilitate your process.

I suggest that you prepare to take your Private and Commercial Knowledge Tests at the same time. The aerodynamics, airspace, general flight rules, and weather are the same. The only difference is the FARs governing Private vs. Commercial operations. After completing those, then take your Instrument Airplane Knowledge Test.

In order to take the Airline Transport (ATM) test, you'll have to comply with FAR 61.156. There are multiple providers for this. You will receive a Completion Certificate which you’ll present when you take the ATM Knowledge Test, and again when you take the ATP Checkride. As a former ATP, some providers will let you complete this prior to the end of your revocation period and before taking your Private and Commercial Checkrides. This will save you time later. Check with your ATP CTP Course Provider for verification.

Some employers require you to have your Multi Engine ATP Certificate (not just written) to return. Check with your HIMS Chair/ Union/ Training Dept. to verify if your company requires an ATP or just Commercial/ Instrument/ Multi Engine/ ATM Knowledge Test to return.

Logbooks

The flying time you have previously flown still counts for your ratings. You WILL have to prove you have the aeronautical experience required for each license or rating as you recertify. To do that, you’ll need to bring your logbooks- ALL OF THEM. If you can’t find all of them, call to discuss. I know many haven’t been keeping their logbooks up to date- they must be current so you have an accurate record to date. Start now… Your flight training and each checkride will be recorded in your current logbook- not a brand new one you bought just for this occasion.

Flight Training

You will need a Student Pilot Certificate before you start checkrides. Do not apply for it until your revocation period is over. You will use IACRA for this. Any current CFI, DPE, or FSDO can process your application. A couple days after they process it, you'll receive an email directing you to print a Temporary Student Certificate which you'll be able to use for soloing and for your Private Checkride.

FARs require you to fly a minimum of three hours in preparation for each checkride, more if needed to become proficient. Rarely does anyone go over five hours in prep for any one checkride. To do Private, Instrument, Commercial SEL and MEL thus will require 12 hours of flight training minimum. Each checkride takes about 1.5 hrs flight time, so the minimum aircraft rent will be around 18 hours. With a fairly current student, no aircraft issues, and perfect weather, the CFI can prepare you in 5-6 days. I always recommend you allow more time for contingencies such as weather, airplane mechanicals, or if you’re not as current as you think. In the winter time, weather will be an issue here in Iowa.

If your CFI was expired at the time of your revocation, it likely was not revoked. Should that be the case, it would only require a checkride (no written tests) in a single engine fixed gear airplane after you’ve got your Commercial SEL to reinstate all your CFI ratings. Should you be interested, this is a good time since you'll be proficient in SELs again and it will likely not take much more to regain instructing proficiency.

Checkrides:

Most Examiners conduct no more than two checkrides per day, so plan to do Private and Instrument the first day, Commercial SEL and the MEL the next day.

Must Do:

*Find all your logbooks, get them up to date, and bring all with you.

*Find date and number of your last Pilot Certificate. If you don’t know the number and date, call FAA Airman Records 405-954-3205. You’ll need it when applying for your Student License.

*Study airspace. It’s been awhile since you thought about it.

*Bring current Sectional, Low Altitude, and Approach Charts when you come. If you are comfortable with iPad, the FltPlan Go App has these for free. ForeFlight is a paid App with a free trial period.

*Bring your Passport or other proof of citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need TSA clearance prior to starting training.

*Ask questions! If you have any questions or concerns before or during training, call/ text/ email. We strive to make this as smooth and painless as possible, but you’ve got to communicate what you need, how you feel, and how we can help you.

*Watch YouTube Videos to familize yourself with the Garmin 430W. This is the GPS/ Nav/ Com in many GA airplanes. There are lots of videos. Here's a good series to start: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcCMDEYOWGk&list=PLVITU56lNc7y8-DWQNk7PbUtpwt3S1sST

**This process is intense and draining. Take care of and pace yourself.** Just think- you thought preparing for one check ride in one airplane was “drinking from a fire hose…”

If you have any questions, call/ text/ email. I'll be happy to have a small part in your return to work. Although I can't currently conduct your checkrides, I can recommend others who can, with the same streamlined process. Should you decide to use other providers, but you or they have questions, I'll be happy to assist.

Richard Wilkening

Former ALPA Nat’l HIMS Chairman

Former American Eagle HIMS Chairman

Former FAA Designated Pilot Examiner