Address on your license?

[shamrock]

I'm just wondering, how many of you out there might still have an old address on your pilot's license, instructor certificate, etc.?

Recently, while I was picking up info about getting checked out at a local flight school I received the third degree because I have my parent's address on my pilots certificate. I was quizzed by both the CFI and Chief Instructor about why I hadn't updated my address, how long I have to update it, and how my company could allow me to fly without the correct address.

I realize that I'm required to update my address but, honestly, I have only pulled my license out of my wallet twice in the past 1.5 years, for company checkrides, so it's kind of slipped my mind. Not an excuse, but that's the deal.

Anyway, talking to some of my friends as well as people I fly with, it seems that I am far from alone in having an old address on one or more of my certificates. Don't know if we're a bunch of slackers or what but I was just surprised at the reaction I got at the flight school.

So, do you guys all have you address' up to date?

 

[trainerjet]

Just because you update your address with the FAA, they will not automatically issue you a new certificate with the new address on it.

There are several ways to update your address. Even putting your current address on your application for a Medical Certificate updates your address with the FAA (contrary to some people who continue to believe otherwise).

The FAA most definitely has my current address, it's easy to check their database online to see what address they show for you, but I have several certificates that show an older address on it.

 

[avbug]

Shamrock,

The grilling you received only serves to reveal the ignorance of the flight instructors involved.

You are required to notify the FAA of any change in your permenant mailing address. Your physical address (ie, where you live) is NOT important.

Many pilots use their parents or another source for their permenant mailing address, as it's less likely to change than their own physical address. We tend to be a gypsy lot, moving about and not staying put for long.

Your instructor should know this, but apparently doesn't. You are NOT required to notify the FAA about any change of address, except to your permenant mailing address. You can receive mail in the meantime at a hundred other addresses, and the FAA dosn't need to know about it, doesn't care, and the regulation doesn't require you to report it. Only if the permenant one that was given to the FAA changes.

Further, when you do make notification to the Administrator of an address change, it won't be reflected on your pilot certificate. You don't get a new certificate issued. Your FAA records will reflect the change, but the pilot certificate in your wallet will stay the same. It won't change unless you request a new certificate, or are issued a new certificate in the case of a reinstatement, addition of a new rating, upgrade, etc.

Accordingly, it's evident that the instructor and chief instructor are clueless. Perhaps they need to learn whence they speak, before grilling you. You are not in the wrong.

Do I keep my address updated? I do change my permenant one frequently, and I do notify the FAA. It's not a big deal to do so, and can result in enforcement action if you don't. However, if you aren't changing the permenant mailing address, you're under no such obligation, nor should you have any need or reason to notify the Administrator.

 

[FSB99]

ditto to what avbug said.
i've still got my parents' address on my certificates, and i still put my parents' address on my medical application every time i renew it. it's my "Permanent Address" with the faa. i do this because i've moved a ton, as i'm sure most of the people reading this have. if i didn't have a "permanent address," with the faa, last year alone i would have updated my address with them 4 times. too much paperwork for me!

nothing wrong with keeping a permanent address. just be aware, obviously, if the faa sends you anything, it'll be to that address they have. not wishing ill will or anything on ya, but if you for instance bend something, and a certified letter notifying you of an investigation gets sent to you, it'll be sent to your parents address.

 

[Northern Lights]

Thank you avbug!

I've moved several times but kept my parents address as my PERMANENT address. Recently they sold the house and moved for the first time in 30 years, so I decided to update my address with the FAA. Go to www.faa.gov and you can take care of it in about 2 minutes online. And like the others said you don't need to get new certificates reflecting the change

N.L.

 

[troyzohner]

i have lived at 4 different addresses in the past 2 years in Nova Scotia, Georgia, and 2 PA locales. Changed address with FAA never. I use my dads address on all FAA material and I have never actually lived there. It is however my permanant address since I'm always moving about, not only for FAA purposes but for all mailing that is urgent (bills etc.) Until i find somewhere more stable that i am living, i'll continue to use my dads address as my permanant address.

 

[JohnDoe]

Like everybody else said, you do not get a new certificate when you change your address. That CFI and "Chief" Instructor need to get a clue.

 

[shamrock]

Thanks for all the replies!

I'd kind of like to print 'em out and drop them on the Chief's desk. I was just so taken aback when it first happened that I couldn't even argue. Now I'm ticked off both at the treatment I received and, more importantly, the fact that I actually used to know this stuff!

Oh well, guess I'll just have to put on my "airline hat" and go set these lowly flight instructors straight!

 

[snoopy_1]

Change your address on-line

http://registry.faa.gov/amsvcs.asp

This is all you're required to do, it takes 30 seconds to change your address online.

 

[B190Captain]

Just because you update your address with the FAA, they will not automatically issue you a new certificate with the new address on it.

There are several ways to update your address. Even putting your current address on your application for a Medical Certificate updates your address with the FAA (contrary to some people who continue to believe otherwise).

The FAA most definitely has my current address, it's easy to check their database online to see what address they show for you, but I have several certificates that show an older address on it.

That is correct. The FAA has told me that it is no longer necessary to update any address change to Oak City. Every time you take your medical, you current address is automatically updated with the FAA. This has been this way for quite some time.

 

[avbug]

While it may be true that a new address is forwarded to the FAA when making application for a pilot certificate or medical, it does not constitute notification per 14 CFR 61.60, and does not meet the requirements of that subpart.

Unless of course you can stipulate a regulation change, or legal interpretation to the contrary.

Further, showing a different residential address on a medical application does not constitute notification of a change in one's permenant mailing address.

 

[U of I Tweak]

My dad had his parents' address on his license for almost 25 years before he updated it.

 

[B190Captain]

While it may be true that a new address is forwarded to the FAA when making application for a pilot certificate or medical, it does not constitute notification per 14 CFR 61.60, and does not meet the requirements of that subpart.

Unless of course you can stipulate a regulation change, or legal interpretation to the contrary.

Further, showing a different residential address on a medical application does not constitute notification of a change in one's permenant mailing address.

Well I guess the FAA Inspector that I spoke to was wrong.

 

[trainerjet]

Further, showing a different residential address on a medical application does not constitute notification of a change in one's permenant mailing address.

You don't think so? Then try this. Show a "different residential address" on your medical application the next time you get one, then see what "permanent mailing address" the FAA has for you.

Like I said before, there are still those that believe to the contrary. However, you can check with the Airman Records Branch in OKC, or you can simply put a different address on your medical application and see what happens. Either way should convince you.

All 61.60 says is you must notify the FAA Airman Certification Branch in writing of an address change within 30 days of moving. There are several ways which this can be accomplished, and one of the ways is making application for a pilot certificate or medical. There is even an online form you can fill out. Any of these methods accomplishes the same thing. It changes your address with the FAA.

You state that "it may be true that a new address is forwarded to the FAA when making application for a pilot certificate or medical". Yes, it is true, and when they get this new address, your permanent mailing address is then changed. Again, if you don't believe this is true, check with them.

 

[avbug]

Well I guess the FAA Inspector that I spoke to was wrong

Well, I guess so.

Was that the FAA Chief Legal Counsel you were speaking to? Does that inspector have ANY authority to interpret regulation (no). Chances are that the inspector to whom you spoke isn't really that familiar with regulation. The majority of inspectors aren't...especially at the FSDO level.

The fact that a chance is effected when a medical or certificate application is forwarded, does not mean that one has made proper notification. Note that the issue in enforcement of 14 CFR 61.60 is NOT weather the FAA has changed your records. It has EVERYTHING to do with weather YOU made proper notification.

The FAA has held that use of a rating or medical application form does not constitute proper notification. Further, if the address does not get updated, the FAA is under no obligation...but you ARE.

Yes, you can update electronically, now. However, the FAA does not assume that a permenant change in mailing address has been made when receiving a new address on a medical application or airman certificate rating application. The fact that a change is effected is coincidental to your making proper notification, and does not take the place of making a proper notification.

Quoting any information received at the FSDO level is much like using a bubblegum wrapper to obtain prescription medicine. Aside from the indefensibility of the information received (and the lack of authority thereof), it only bespeaks ignorance of the system. Seek a higher source.

 

[B190Captain]

That's what I should have said to the Inspector, "Well since you are only a sorry FSDO FAA man, I don't believe your statement that my address is automatically updated. I will ask the FAA Chief legal counsel."

Thanks for the tip.

 

[cl-65link]

Jeez, I thought Inspectors interpreted regs and their application everyday. Part of the job.

 

[avbug]

They do not. It is not within the purview of an inspector at the FSDO level to interpret regulation.