Recency Requirements

Pilot recency refers to the requirements and regulations that pilots must meet to maintain their currency and proficiency in operating aircraft. These recency requirements are set by regulatory authorities such as Transport Canada. The purpose of pilot recency regulations is to ensure that pilots remain skilled, knowledgeable, and capable of safely operating aircraft. Pilot recency typically encompasses the following areas:

Flight Time

Pilots must accumulate a certain amount of flight time within a specified period to maintain their recency. This includes a minimum number of flight hours, usually measured within the last 90 days or 6 months, depending on the specific regulations. The requirements may differ for different types of aircraft, such as single-engine or multi-engine airplanes, helicopters, or specific ratings.

Takeoffs and Landings

Recency regulations often stipulate that pilots must have performed a minimum number of takeoffs and landings within a specific timeframe. This ensures that pilots maintain proficiency in critical phases of flight, including approaches and landings.

Instrument Flying

For pilots who hold an instrument rating, recency requirements include recent experience in flying under instrument flight rules (IFR). This involves maintaining a minimum number of instrument approaches, holding procedures, and navigation tasks within a specified period.

Training and Proficiency Checks

Pilots are also required to undergo recurrent training and proficiency checks to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. This may involve simulator sessions, flight reviews, or instrument proficiency checks, depending on the regulatory requirements and the pilot’s certifications.

As a pilot in Canada, certain requirements must be met every six months, two years and five years in order to maintain recency. Recurrent training ensures your skills are, at minimum, what they were when you earned your certificate or rating.

Every 6 months

  • Pilots who wish to carry one or more passengers must complete at least five takeoffs and five landings in the category and class of aircraft in which they carry passengers
  • Pilots who wish to carry passengers at night must complete five takeoffs and five landings at night

Every 2 years

  • Complete a flight review with an instructor
  • Attend a Transport Canada aviation safety seminar
  • Participate in a Transport Canada-approved recurrent training program
  • Complete the self-paced study program, which is updated each year
  • Complete a training program or pilot proficiency check required by Part IV, VI or VII of the Canadian Aviation Regulations
  • Complete the requirements for the issue or renewal of a licence, permit or rating
  • Pass the written exam for a licence, permit or rating

Every 5 years

  • A pilot must fly as pilot-in-command or co-pilot at least once in a category of aircraft for he/she is licensed

Pilots who do not complete the five year requirement must successfully complete a flight review with an instructor and pass the Student Pilot Permit examination within the previous twelve months.

The Canadian Aviation Regulations outlines the requirements for staying current. However, staying current doesn’t always mean that you’re staying proficient as a pilot. By staying proficient, you’re keeping your overall knowledge and skills up to date. Ask yourself the following questions When was the last time you practiced a forced approach, stall or full-flap overshoot? When did you work on your cross-wind land technique? When did you last fly with an instructor? How prepared are you if a real emergency happens?

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