Pilots whose medical certificates, flight reviews, instrument currency, and knowledge exams are set to expire or lapse in February and March should make plans to renew these certificates by their due date.
Early in the pandemic, the FAA issued Special Federal Aviation Regulation 118 (SFAR). The rule offered leniency for some pilots’ training, recent experience, testing, and checking requirements due to lack of availability during COVID-19 shutdowns. The rule also offered a three-month grace period for compliance of some training and renewal requirements. The FAA amended the rule in June 2020 and extended the rule twice with some changes.
The latest extension expired on January 31, 2021, without an extension by the FAA.
The EAA and AOPA have both requested the FAA extend the SFAR a third time. The most heavily used extension provided by the SFAR was the medical certificate renewal and flight review compliance. Scheduling medical renewals continues to pose issues due to a backlog of pilots needing those renewals and the demands of COVID-19 on the healthcare system. Regardless of those challenges, both organizations encourage pilots not to expect an extension of the SFAR.
If you’re a pilot facing deadlines for normal training and checking activities in the next two months, don’t wait on more extensions, as they are not expected. Make plans now to renew all certifications and requirements prior to your deadline so your licenses do not expire or lapse.
