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Airman Certificate
When you check out at the store you're asked “paper or plastic”? This is usually the question you get at the grocery or retail store. However this question is coming from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Except it's not a question, it's more of a demand. And the idea is not about being environmental, it's driven by security. It's a new requirement that issues a credit card style Airframe and Powerplant Certificate in place of the old style paper one.
On March 31, 2008 a new FAA rule came into effect for mechanics. 14 CFR 65.15(d) was added and says;
“Except for temporary certificates issued under §65.13, the holder of a paper certificate issued under this part may not exercise the privileges of that certificate after March 31, 2013.”
What this means is after March 31st you may not exercise you’re A&P privileges if you have one of the old paper A&P certificates and have not obtained a new plastic certificate. If you’ve already obtained a new plastic certificate you’re in good shape, no further action required.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) requested the FAA make their pilot and mechanic certificates more counterfeit proof in an effort to aid law enforcement officials in the war against illegal drugs. The security features in the new plastic certificates include micro printing, a hologram, and an ultraviolet- sensitive layer that contains certain words and phrases.
How do you obtain the new plastic certificate? Just go to FAA website: http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/ . You’ll find several options for obtaining a new plastic certificate. You can order it on-line or you can print out a paper form and mail it in. There will be a nominal $2.00 charge for a replacement certificate. However, if you still have your social security number as you’re A&P number, you’re in luck! You can request to change you airman certificate number and you’ll receive a new plastic certificate with a new random number at no charge.
A&Ps with Inspection Authorization (IA) please pay special attention. After you change your certificate number from the social security number to the new random number you must contact your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) and have the number on your IA card changed also. If these two numbers don’t match, your IA card is invalid and you may not exercise your privileges as an IA.
So the next time you hear the question “paper or plastic” be sure it's from a the check out stand and not an FAA inspector waiting to give you a fine.
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