Two Calendar Month vs Sixty Day
When does the 2 calendar month window rule over the 60 day?
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§61.39 Prerequisites for practical tests.
(f) If all increments of the practical test for a certificate or rating are not completed on the same
date, then all the remaining increments of the test must be completed within 2 calendar months
after the month the applicant began the test.
§61.43 Practical tests: General procedures.
(e) The examiner or the applicant may discontinue a practical test at any time:
(1) When the applicant fails one or more of the areas of operation; or
(2) Due to inclement weather conditions, aircraft airworthiness, or any other safety-of-flight concern.
(f) If a practical test is discontinued, the applicant is entitled credit for those areas of operation
that were passed, but only if the applicant:
(1) Passes the remainder of the practical test within the 60-day period after the date the practical
test was discontinued;
(2) Presents to the examiner for the retest the original notice of disapproval form or the letter of
discontinuance form, as appropriate;
(3) Satisfactorily accomplishes any additional training needed and obtains the appropriate in-
structor endorsements, if additional training is required; and
(4) Presents to the examiner for the retest a properly completed and signed application.
Advisory Circular No: 61.65H
12.5 Two Calendar-Months or 60 Calendar-Days. An applicant has two time limits that
apply to the certification practical test. What appears to be a conflict in the regulations
with reference to these time limits is not a conflict. Apply the time limits as written in the
regulations.
• Time Limit 60 Calendar-Days. Section 61.43(f) states that if a practical test is
discontinued, as defined in § 61.43(e), the applicant is entitled to credit for those
areas of operation that were passed, but only if the applicant complies with
§ 61.43(f)(1)–(4). The examiner or applicant may discontinue a practical test at any
time when the applicant fails one or more of the areas of operation or due to
inclement weather conditions, aircraft airworthiness, or any other safety-of-flight
concern. Section 61.43(f)(1) states that the applicant must pass “the remainder of the
practical test within the 60 calendar-day period after the date the practical test was
discontinued” to use that credit. After the 60 calendar-day period, credit no longer
applies and all areas of operation must be tested. A test may be discontinued for
failure of an area of operation or for safety of flight.
• Time Limit 2 Calendar-Months. Section 61.39(f) states that all increments,
ground/oral and flight, of practical tests must be completed within 2 calendar-months.
The increment may be because the test was discontinued for reasons stated in
§ 61.43(e), or was planned to be conducted in increments. This is a separate time limit
from the 60 calendar-day limit prescribed above that applies to credit for tasks passed.