What happens when your pilot certificate is suspended or revoked
A suspended pilot license means the FAA has temporarily taken away your right to fly. You cannot act as pilot in command of any aircraft during the suspension period, which is usually measured in months or years depending on the violation. A revoked license is permanent unless you go through a formal reinstatement process — the FAA has decided you should not hold a certificate at all.
The most common reasons for suspension are medical certificate lapses, failing to maintain currency (not flying enough to stay current), violations of FAA regulations, or accidents and incidents you did not report. Revocation typically follows serious violations like flying under the influence, falsifying records, or accumulating multiple violations over time.
The path back depends on whether your certificate was suspended or revoked, how long ago it happened, and what caused it. Some suspensions end automatically on a set date. Revocations require you to petition the FAA and often involve a hearing or written response explaining why you should get your certificate back.
Key Takeaways
- Suspensions end on a specific date set by the FAA; revocations are permanent unless you petition for reinstatement.
- You must contact the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch to find out the exact status of your certificate and what caused the action.
- For medical certificate suspensions, you may need to obtain a new medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner before flying again.
- Revocations require filing a formal petition with the FAA, which may include a written statement or a hearing before an administrative law judge.
- Even after reinstatement, you must complete any required training, pass checkrides, or demonstrate currency before you can legally fly.
Finding out why your certificate was suspended or revoked
Your first step is to contact the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch directly. You can reach them by phone at 405-954-3261 or by mail at the FAA's Oklahoma City office. Have your certificate number or Social Security number ready. They will tell you the exact reason for the action, the date it took effect, and whether it was a suspension with an end date or a revocation.
If you received a letter from the FAA, keep it — it usually contains the legal basis for the action and may list next steps. If you lost the letter or never received one, the Airmen Certification Branch can send you a copy of the enforcement action. This document is essential because it tells you what you need to do to move forward.
Do not assume you know why your certificate was suspended. Many pilots discover the reason was something they thought they had already resolved, like a medical issue the FAA learned about after your last medical exam, or a violation report filed by another pilot or an air traffic controller.
Reinstating a suspended pilot license after the suspension period ends
If your certificate was suspended for a set period — say, 6 months or 2 years — you do not need to petition or file anything. On the date the suspension ends, your certificate is automatically reinstated. However, you cannot fly until you have taken additional steps.
Before you fly again, you must obtain a current medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) if your medical certificate expired during the suspension. You must also demonstrate that you are current — meaning you have completed the required number of landings and flight hours within the past 90 days, or you must fly with a may have access to instructor to regain currency. The specific currency requirements depend on the type of flying you do (single-engine, multi-engine, instrument, etc.).
Contact your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) before you fly to confirm what training or checkrides you need. Some suspensions carry conditions — for example, you might be required to pass a written exam or fly a checkride with an examiner before you can act as pilot in command again.
Petitioning the FAA to reinstate a revoked pilot license
A revoked certificate does not automatically come back. You must file a petition for reinstatement with the FAA. The petition is a formal written request explaining why you believe you should get your certificate back and what has changed since the revocation.
Send your petition to the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch at the address listed on your enforcement letter, or contact them by phone to confirm the current mailing address. Your petition should include your full name, certificate number, the date of the revocation, and a clear statement that you are requesting reinstatement. Explain what caused the original violation, what you have done since then to address the problem, and why you are now fit to hold a certificate.
The FAA will review your petition. They may ask you to provide additional information, such as proof of training you have completed, medical records, or character references. In some cases, they will schedule a hearing before an administrative law judge, where you can present your case in person or by phone. The judge will make a recommendation to the FAA, which then decides whether to reinstate your certificate.
Medical certificate issues and reinstatement
Many suspensions and revocations involve medical certification. If the FAA suspended your certificate because your medical certificate expired or because you failed to report a medical condition, you will need to resolve the medical issue before you can fly again.
Contact an Aviation Medical Examiner to discuss your situation before you explore for a new medical certificate. Some medical conditions require special evaluation or a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) from the FAA before an AME can issue a certificate. If you are unsure whether your condition will be approved, you can request a consultation with the FAA's Office of Aerospace Medicine before you spend money on an AME visit.
If your medical certificate was suspended because you did not report a condition you should have disclosed, the FAA may require you to undergo additional medical testing or provide records from your doctor before they will allow you to fly again. Be honest with the AME about your medical history — hiding information or providing false information is a violation that can lead to revocation.
Training and checkrides after reinstatement
Even after your certificate is reinstated, you may not be current or may have access to to fly. Currency means you have completed the required number of takeoffs and landings, or flight hours, within a set time period. If you have not flown during your suspension or revocation, you will need to fly with an instructor to regain currency before you can carry passengers or fly for compensation.
Some enforcement actions require you to pass a written exam or a practical test (checkride) before you can fly again. The FAA will specify this in your enforcement letter or in the conditions of your reinstatement. Contact your local FSDO or a flight instructor to arrange the required training and testing.
If you held ratings beyond a private pilot certificate — such as commercial, instrument, or multi-engine — you may need to renew those ratings separately. Ratings can expire if you do not use them within a certain time period, so check with the FAA about what you need to do to restore all of your certificates and ratings.
Timeline and what to expect
The timeline for reinstatement varies widely. If your certificate was suspended for a fixed period and you have met all the conditions, reinstatement is automatic on the end date — no waiting required. If you are petitioning for reinstatement after a revocation, the process typically takes several months. The FAA may respond to your petition within 30 to 60 days, but if they request additional information or schedule a hearing, the process can stretch to 6 months or longer.
During this time, you cannot fly. Do not attempt to fly with a suspended or revoked certificate — doing so is a federal violation that can result in criminal charges, fines, and permanent revocation. If you need to fly for work or personal reasons, you will have to wait until your certificate is reinstated and you have met all currency and training requirements.
Keep records of everything you submit to the FAA, including copies of your petition, any letters or documents you send, and the dates you send them. If the FAA requests information, respond promptly and completely. Delays in responding can slow down the reinstatement process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fly while my petition for reinstatement is pending?
No. You cannot fly at all with a suspended or revoked certificate, even if your petition is under review. Flying with an invalid certificate is a federal violation. You must wait until the FAA officially reinstates your certificate and you have completed any required training or checkrides.
What if I disagree with the reason my certificate was suspended or revoked?
You have the right to request a hearing before an administrative law judge. If you received an enforcement letter, it should explain how to request a hearing. You must request the hearing within a certain time frame — usually 10 days from the date of the letter. Contact the FAA's Airmen Certification Branch or your local FSDO if you are unsure how to proceed.
Do I need a lawyer to petition for reinstatement?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but many pilots hire one because the process is formal and the stakes are high. A lawyer who specializes in aviation law can help you prepare your petition and represent you at a hearing. The FAA's website lists resources for finding aviation attorneys.
How long does a suspension typically last?
Suspension periods vary depending on the violation. They can range from a few months to several years. The FAA will specify the exact end date in your enforcement letter. Contact the Airmen Certification Branch if you are unsure when your suspension ends.
What if my medical certificate is also expired?
You must obtain a new medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner before you can fly again, even if your pilot certificate has been reinstated. Schedule an appointment with an AME and bring any medical records related to the reason your certificate was suspended. If you have questions about whether your medical condition will be approved, contact the FAA's Office of Aerospace Medicine before your AME visit.