Briefly explained

The validity of a class or type rating depends on the aircraft category. While many ratings must be renewed annually, single-engine aircraft with one pilot (e.g. SEP) are generally valid for a period of two years. If the renewal is carried out early, the new validity starts from the date of the proficiency check. If the rating has already expired, additional steps such as refresher training and re-examination are required.

Summarized

• Standard validity usually 1 year
• SEP (single-engine, one pilot) usually 2 years
• New validity begins with a passed proficiency check
• on expiry: Refresher training + re-examination required
• EBT assessments can be credited under certain conditions

Extract from Part-FCL

The validity period of class and type ratings is 1 year, except for class ratings for single-pilot single-engine aircraft, for which the validity period is 2 years, unless otherwise specified in the operational suitability data (OSD). If pilots elect to meet the renewal requirements earlier than prescribed in FCL.740.A, FCL.740.H, FCL.740.PL, and FCL.740.As, the new period of validity begins on the date of the proficiency check.

Applicants for renewal of a class or type rating shall receive full credit for the proficiency check required by this section provided they complete the practical EBT assessment in accordance with appendix 10 with an operator who has implemented EBT for the applicable class or type rating.

(b) Renewal. When a class or type rating has expired, the applicant shall:
(1) complete refresher training at an ATO, if necessary to achieve the level of proficiency required to safely operate the relevant class or type of aircraft, and
(2) complete a proficiency check in accordance with Appendix 9 to this Part.

Briefly explained

If a class or type rating has expired, the current level of knowledge and skills must first be assessed. Depending on the result, refresher training may be required before a skill test is taken for renewal.

Summarized

• Assessment of the current state of knowledge required
• Refresher training may be necessary
• followed by a skills test
• Scope depends on expiry date and aircraft class

Extract from Part-FCL

To renew a class or type rating, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

In order to determine whether applicants require refresher training to achieve the level of proficiency required for the safe operation of the aircraft, they shall complete an assessment with one of the following organizations:
(i) an ATO,

(ii) at a DTO or ATO, if the expired rating was a class rating for single-engine piston aircraft not classified as high performance, a class rating for TMG, or a type rating for single-engine helicopters in accordance with point DTO.GEN.110(a)(2)(c) of Annex VIII;

(iii) with a DTO, an ATO, or an instructor rating, if the rating expired no more than three years previously and the rating was a class rating for single-engine piston aircraft not classified as high performance or a class rating for TMG;

(iv) with an EBT operator specifically approved to provide such refresher training.

If deemed necessary by the organization or instructor who conducted the assessment under #1, they must complete refresher training with that organization or instructor.

After complying with number 1 and, if applicable, number 2, they must pass a proficiency check in accordance with Appendix 9 or complete a practical EBT assessment in accordance with Appendix 10. The hands-on EBT assessment may be combined with the refresher training in number 2.

Notwithstanding paragraphs (b)(1), (2), and (3), pilots who hold a test flight rating issued under point FCL.820 and who have participated in development, certification, or production test flights for an aircraft type and have completed either 50 hours of total flight time or 10 hours of flight time as PIC in test flights on that type in the year preceding their application are eligible to apply for extension or renewal of the applicable type rating. Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Applicants shall be exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) of this section provided that they hold a valid rating for the same class or type of aircraft endorsed on a pilot certificate issued by a third country in accordance with Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention and provided that they are entitled to exercise the privileges of that rating.

Briefly explained

Pilots who leave an EBT (Evidence-Based Training) program without having achieved the required level of competence may not initially continue to use their rating. The rating can only be exercised again after a new review of flying skills.

Summarized

• Authorization may not be exercised temporarily
• renewed competence check required
• either EBT assessment or proficiency check required

Extract from Part-FCL

Pilots who leave an operator’s EBT program after failing to demonstrate an acceptable level of competency under that EBT program may not exercise the privileges of that type rating until they have met one of the following conditions:

You have completed an EBT practical assessment in accordance with Appendix 10.
You have passed a proficiency check in accordance with point FCL.625(c)(3) or point FCL.740(b)(3). In this case, points FCL.625(b)(4) and FCL.740(a)(2) do not apply.