Passport Renewal?
 

Wondering how pilots on the line renew their passport given that they need it for CASS. Mine expires in July and I need it for an international trip in January. Should start training in February. Do I send it in immediately after I start training and hope that I get it ASAP? Or should I go to a passport agency for a same day appt prior to training? Will they accept my pilot's license as proof of immediate travel need? Thanks

That question came up in my class yesterday. The instructor said as long as you had a copy of it and the application showing it's out for renewal, you're okay. But.. my brain was sorta saturated and my passport doesn't expire for a LONG, LONG, LONG time so double check - your results may vary.

I had not heard this one. It would be nice, but I'm not sure TSA or any airline would let you in the cockpit on the strength of a photocopy.

You can actually get your passport renewed in a few hours at one of the main passport centers...you have to show up in person with your old passport and pay an expedite fee. Since I'm a commuter, I'm planning on making a pilgramage to Los Angles to do that next year...I'll have to nonrev there and rent a car :mad: It's a good thing they expire every ten years...and not annually :eek:

I've been researching this. Here's what I have come up with:
Make a reservation and then go to a passport center (LA, SF, NYC, Chicago, etc) with all the forms, your current passport, and all the other required things (check for renewal+expedite fee, photos, anything else you might need). The turnaround is usually same day, next day at the latest according to them. I plan on flying up to SFO and taking the BART (much cheaper than renting a car). Just be sure you are able to come back to get it the next day incase they are backed up and can't get it to you that day. If you want more info, go to the national passport center website.

Yep.. the main passport centers seem to be the best option - sorry guys, I'm still getting used to the notion that I can just hop on a plane and go somewhere without spending a ton on a walk-up ticket purchase.

Two weeks ago my jumpseating options extended through a fleet of 3 172s and 2 warriors that only averaged 10-15 hours a week total - not a wide variety of destinations available, y'know? :rolleyes: