Duration of a Category Ii and Category Iii Pilot Authorization

Regulation Text

§ 61.21 Duration of a Category II and a Category III pilot authorization (for other than part 121 and part 135 use).

(a) A Category II pilot authorization or a Category III pilot authorization expires at the end of the sixth calendar month after the month in which it was issued or renewed.

(b) Upon passing a practical test for a Category II or Category III pilot authorization, the authorization may be renewed for each type of aircraft for which the authorization is held.

(c) A Category II or Category III pilot authorization for a specific type aircraft for which an authorization is held will not be renewed beyond 12 calendar months from the month the practical test was accomplished in that type aircraft.

(d) If the holder of a Category II or Category III pilot authorization passes the practical test for a renewal in the month before the authorization expires, the holder is considered to have passed it during the month the authorization expired.

Research Notes

Cat II/III Authorization Currency Framework

Section 61.21 governs the duration and renewal of Category II and III pilot authorizations — the low-visibility approach authorizations used for ILS approaches below standard minimums. This section applies only to general aviation (non-Part 121/135) operations.

The authorization currency cycle: a Cat II/III authorization expires at the end of the sixth calendar month after issuance or renewal. This means the authorization has roughly a 6-month life from a practical standpoint — not a fixed 6-month window, but to the end of the sixth calendar month.

The 12-month practical test limit (§ 61.21(c)): even if the authorization is renewed, it cannot be renewed beyond 12 calendar months from the most recent practical test in that aircraft type. This means every authorization holder must pass a practical test at least once per 12 months to maintain the authorization, regardless of how currency is maintained otherwise.

The "month before expiration" rule (§ 61.21(d)): if you pass the renewal practical test in the month before the current authorization expires, it's treated as if you passed it during the month of expiration — giving you the full 6-month clock from that expiration month rather than from when you actually tested.

Reference: AC 90-97 — Operations Specifications for Category II and Category III ILS Approach and Landing Operations.

CFI Commentary

Highlighted phrases in the regulation text above link to instructor notes at the bottom of this page. Look for the amber or blue highlights — each one flags a gotcha or a pro tip worth knowing.

Amendment History

2016-12-30

AOA Notes

These notes correspond to the highlighted phrases in the regulation text above. Each one flags something worth knowing — a common misread, a checkride gotcha, or a practical pro tip.

Pro Tip: Test Early on Cat II/III Renewals to Protect Your 6-Month Clock

Here's the scheduling nuance: if your Cat II authorization expires in June and you pass your renewal practical test in May, you're treated as having passed in June. Your new 6-month authorization runs from June, not May. This gives you the full 6 months from your expiration month, not from when you actually flew the test. Plan your renewal testing for the month before expiration, not well in advance — testing 2 months before expiration costs you a month of currency.

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