What happens when your pilot certificate is suspended
When the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suspends your pilot certificate, you cannot legally operate any aircraft. A suspension is temporary — it has a defined end date set by the FAA — but you cannot fly until that period ends and you complete recertification steps. The suspension typically lasts 6 months to 2 years, depending on the reason.
Suspensions happen for specific violations: failing a checkride, medical disqualification, operating under the influence, or violating airspace rules. The FAA letter you receive will state the suspension period and the date it ends. You do not need to do anything during the suspension itself, but you must take action before you can fly again.
Key Takeaways
- Your suspension has a fixed end date stated in the FAA letter; you cannot shorten it or appeal it away, but you can prepare during this time.
- Before the suspension ends, contact the FAA Airmen Certification Branch to confirm what recertification steps explore to your specific violation.
- Most suspensions require you to pass a new checkride with an examiner; some also require a medical certificate or additional training hours.
- You must schedule your checkride after the suspension ends but before your medical certificate expires, so timing matters.
- Keeping a written record of all training, study, and communication with the FAA protects you if questions arise later.
Confirm the end date and recertification requirements
Open the FAA letter that notified you of the suspension. It will state the exact date the suspension ends — for example, "your certificate is suspended for a period of six months from the date of this letter." Mark that date on a calendar. You cannot legally fly until that date has passed.
The same letter should describe what you must do to restore your certificate. Read this section carefully, because requirements vary by violation type. Some suspensions require only a new checkride. Others require a medical certificate, additional flight hours, or both. If the letter is unclear, contact the FAA Airmen Certification Branch at 405-954-3261 or visit their website at faa.gov and search "airmen certification." Write down the name of the person you speak with and the date, in case you need to reference the conversation later.
Obtain or renew your medical certificate if required
If your suspension was related to a medical issue, or if your medical certificate expired during the suspension, you must obtain a new one before you can recertify. Schedule an appointment with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) — the FAA maintains a searchable list at faa.gov under "Find an AME." The examiner will conduct a physical exam and review your medical history.
If you were previously denied a medical certificate, or if you have a condition the FAA flagged, the AME may request additional documentation from your doctor or specialist. This process can take several weeks. Start this step at least two months before your suspension ends, so you have time to address any issues the examiner raises. If the AME denies your process, you can request a special issuance from the FAA, but this adds significant time — sometimes months — so do not wait until the last minute.
Complete additional training or flight hours
Some suspensions require you to log a minimum number of flight hours or complete specific training before you can take a checkride. For example, if you failed a checkride due to poor performance in a particular maneuver, you may need to complete a flight review or additional dual instruction with a certified flight instructor (CFI). The FAA letter should specify any hour or training requirements.
If the letter does not specify, ask the Airmen Certification Branch when you call. Keep a logbook record of every flight hour and every training session, including the date, aircraft type, instructor name, and what was covered. Your CFI will sign off on these entries. You will need this logbook when you schedule your checkride, and the examiner will review it to confirm you met the requirements.
Schedule your checkride with an examiner
Once your suspension period has ended and you have completed any required training or medical steps, you can schedule a checkride. Contact a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) in your area — the FAA maintains a list at faa.gov under "Find a DPE." Call or email to check availability and explain that you are recertifying after a suspension. Many examiners book weeks in advance, so start this step as soon as your suspension end date approaches.
When you call, have ready: your pilot certificate number, the date your suspension ends, the reason for the suspension, and any training hours or medical documentation you have completed. The examiner will confirm that you meet the recertification requirements and will schedule you for an oral exam and practical flying test. The cost varies by examiner and certificate level, typically between $400 and $800.
Prepare your documents and study materials
Before your checkride, gather all required documents in one folder: your pilot certificate (the suspended one), your medical certificate (if required), your logbook with all training entries signed by your CFI, your government-issued ID, and any training records or course completion certificates. Bring originals, not copies, unless the examiner specifies otherwise.
Study the same materials you would for any checkride: the Airman Knowledge Test (written exam) study guide for your certificate level, the Practical Test Standards (PTS) for your certificate, and the Airplane Flying Handbook. Because you are recertifying after a suspension, the examiner may focus extra attention on the area where you previously failed or violated regulations. If your suspension was for a specific violation — say, airspace infringement — expect detailed questions about that topic. Spend extra study time there.
Pass the checkride and receive your restored certificate
On checkride day, arrive early. The examiner will review your documents, ask you questions about your training and the reason for your suspension, and then conduct a practical flying test. The exam typically lasts 2 to 3 hours. If you pass, the examiner will issue you a temporary airman certificate on the spot, valid for 120 days while the FAA processes the permanent certificate. The permanent certificate arrives by mail within 2 to 4 weeks.
If you do not pass, you can retake the checkride after additional training. There is no waiting period for a retest after a failed recertification checkride — only after an initial suspension. Ask the examiner what areas to focus on before your next attempt, and work with your CFI to address those gaps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly during my suspension if I have a special waiver?
No. The FAA does not issue waivers to fly during a suspension. The suspension period is fixed and cannot be shortened. You must wait until the end date stated in your letter.
What if my medical certificate expires before my suspension ends?
You will need to renew it before you can recertify. Schedule your medical exam at least two months before your suspension ends, so there is time to address any issues the examiner raises. Your new medical certificate must be valid when you take your checkride.
Do I have to retake the written test, or just the practical test?
That depends on your specific suspension and the FAA's recertification requirements. Some suspensions require both the written and practical test; others require only the practical. The Airmen Certification Branch will tell you which applies to your case when you call.
How long does recertification usually take after my suspension ends?
If you have completed all training and medical requirements, scheduling a checkride typically takes 2 to 6 weeks. The checkride itself is one day. If you pass, you receive a temporary certificate when ready and the permanent one by mail within a month.
What if I fail the recertification checkride?
You can retake it after additional training with your CFI. There is no waiting period between attempts for a recertification checkride. Work with your instructor to address the areas where you struggled, then schedule another exam with a different examiner if possible.