recency Overview
Skills degrade over time. Once you have obtained a license and additional ratings, it is important to stay current and proficient. Acting as pilot in command and exercising the privileges of your license is and important aspect of maintaining proficiency. Ensuring you retain the book-knowledge is equally as important.
The specific requirements for maintaining recency are outlined, by Transport Canada, in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) Standard 401.05 - Recency Requirements.
They are also covered in the Take Five... for safety series; Staying Current and Proficient as a Pilot.
Pilot must have:
- a valid licence or permit (appropriately licensed and current)
- a valid medical certificate (medically fit for duty)
- a valid aviation document booklet (appropriately licensed)
recency requirements (ref. CARs 401.05)
Six (6) Month Requirement
In the last 6 months...
- Pilots who wish to carry 1 or more passengers must complete at least 5 takeoffs and 5 landings in the category and class* of aircraft in which they carry passengers
- Pilots who wish to carry passengers at night must complete 5 takeoffs and 5 landings at night
*Class refers to whether the aircraft is meant for land or sea, whether it is single-engine or multi-engine, etc
24 Month Requirement
In the last 2 years....
- Complete a flight review with an instructor
- Attend a Transport Canada aviation safety seminar
- Participate in a Transport Canada-approved recurrent training program
- Complete the self-paced study program, which is updated each year
- Complete a training program or pilot proficiency check required by Part IV, VI or VII of the Canadian Aviation Regulations
- Complete the requirements for the issue or renewal of a licence, permit or rating
- Pass the written exam for a licence, permit or rating
5 Year Requirements
Every 5 years, you must fly as pilot-in-command or co-pilot at least once in a category** of aircraft for which you’re licensed.
**Category refers to whether the aircraft is a glider, airplane, helicopter, balloon, gyroplane, etc.
License Renewal
> 5 Years
If it has been more than 5 years since you have exercised the privilege's of your license then you must complete three tasks:
- Pass the Student Pilot Permit or Private Pilot Licence for Foreign and Military Applicants, Air Regulations examination,
- successfully complete a flight review with an instructor, and
- renew your medical with a Civil Aviation Medical Examiner
If you have lost your aviation document booklet, you will need to apply for a new one by contacting your Regional Flight Crew Licensing office.
