This question comes up a lot — “Sir, how long is my pilot license valid?”

And you know what? On the surface, it looks like a technical question. But honestly, there’s a much deeper question behind it.

It’s actually asking: “Sir, once I become a pilot… will I remain one?” “Will all my hard work stay with me forever?” “What if I take a break? What happens then?”

And that’s what I want to talk about today — not just the validity of your license, but also how to stay current, stay sharp, and stay ready for the opportunity when it knocks.

Let’s First Talk About Validity — The Technical Part

In India, there are two main licenses that most aspiring pilots aim for:

PPL – Private Pilot License

CPL – Commercial Pilot License

Now here’s your answer, simple and clear:

A PPL is valid for 5 years

A CPL is also valid for 5 years

So technically, once you get your CPL, it’s valid for 5 years. On paper. But here’s what I’ve learned after 15+ years of flying and mentoring pilots across India:

Validity on paper doesn’t matter if you are not flying.

Flying is not just about documents. It’s about discipline, routine, medical fitness, and most importantly — flying regularly.

The Difference Between Validity and Currency

Many students and even parents get confused between validity and currency.

Let me explain it simply.

Validity means your license hasn’t expired.

Currency means you are fit, trained, and legally allowed to fly right now.

And here’s the truth: you can have a valid CPL and still not be allowed to fly.

That’s where most pilots make a mistake. They think once they get the license, the struggle is over. But my friend, that’s where the real journey begins.

You see, even with a valid license, if:

Your medical is expired…

You haven’t flown in months…

Your type rating checks have lapsed…

Then practically, you can’t fly.  So the better question to ask is not “Is my license valid?” The real question is — “Am I current and ready to fly today?”

Your Flying Skills Are Like a Muscle

Let me tell you something from my personal experience — and I’ve seen this in hundreds of students too.

Flying is like a muscle.

If you don’t use it, it weakens. Slowly. Silently.

One day you’re sharp. Next day, you’re rusty.  And if you wait too long — it becomes hard to get back in.

Aviation doesn’t wait for anyone. The airline won’t say,  “Oh, you have a license? Come fly.”  They’ll ask,  “Are you current? Are you fit? Are you ready to fly tomorrow if we need you?”

That’s the reality.

So, What Should You Do To Stay Active?

Let me give you a straightforward checklist to make sure your license, your skills, and your career stay in top shape:

1. Fly Regularly — Even if It’s a Few Hours

I always tell my students — even if you can’t fly 10 hours a month, fly 1 hour. Do touch-and-go landings. Feel the controls. Stay in that pilot mindset.

Flying once in a while is better than not flying at all.

2. Keep Your Medical Valid

This is non-negotiable. A Class 1 medical is required to fly commercially.  It’s valid for:

1 year if you’re under 60

6 months if you’re over 60

The day your medical expires, even with a valid CPL, you can’t fly.  So stay healthy. Don’t wait for the last date. Be proactive.

3. Keep Your Type Rating Current

If you’re rated on an aircraft like the A320/B737, make sure your LPC (License Proficiency Check) is current.

If it expires, your type rating goes inactive. And then to get it back, it’s a long process.  Don’t let that happen. Stay on top of your sim checks and training.

What If Your License Expires?

Yes, it happens. Life takes over. You get busy. Financial issues come up. You take a break. And suddenly… 5 years are gone.

So what then?

If your CPL expires — you can renew it, but there’s a process.

You’ll have to:

Get a fresh medical done

Submit documents to DGCA

Possibly do some flying or sim sessions

And in some cases, appear for checks or validations

So yes — it can be done. But it’s not easy. And it takes time.

That’s why I tell every aspiring pilot — don’t let it get to that point.

The Hidden Cost of Inactivity — From One Pilot to Another

Now let me speak to you heart to heart.

I’ve seen this up close. A student gets his CPL. The family is happy. He takes a few months off. Thinks the job will come soon.

One month becomes six. One year passes. Medical expires. Type rating lapses. Flying stops.

And slowly — confidence goes away. Motivation goes away. Discipline goes away.

And worst of all? That spark in the eyes — that dream — also starts fading.

Don’t let that happen to you.

You’ve worked too hard. You’ve struggled too much. You’ve sacrificed sleep, money, time, everything — to get this far.

So don’t stop now. Stay current. Stay hungry. Stay connected with flying.

Even if you’re not flying commercially today — stay prepared like you’ll get a call tomorrow. Because that’s how opportunities come.

What Can You Do to Stay Current Without a Job?

Some of you may say,  “Sir, I don’t have an airline job yet. How do I stay current?”

I hear you. I’ve guided thousands of students in this exact phase.  Here’s what I recommend:

1. Join a Flying Club or Rent Aircraft

Even 1-2 hours a month makes a difference.

2. Use Flight Simulators

Home sims like X-Plane or MSFS help keep your mind sharp.  Practice SOPs, emergencies, flows — stay in that cockpit mentally.

3. Keep Your Medical Active

Don’t delay this. Always keep it current. No compromise.

4. Stay in Touch with Your Flying School

Offer to assist. Sit in on classes. Mentor juniors. Stay in the environment.

5. Keep Practicing Interviews

Don’t wait for a call. Be ready. Practice DGCA technicals, HR answers, and sim scenarios.

Final Thoughts – From Your Mentor, Not Just a Pilot

Your license is not just a document.  It’s not just a certificate from DGCA.

It’s your pride.  It’s your dream.  It’s your parent’s hope.  It’s your childhood ambition turned real.

So don’t let it expire.  Don’t let it become just another paper in your drawer.

Keep it alive. Keep yourself alive as a pilot.  Even if you’re not flying today, act like a pilot every single day.  Discipline. Health. Learning. Preparation.

That’s how you don’t just become a pilot — You remain one.