laminating certificates

[list2002]

I know this is a far question, but there is no one on that bulletin board. Does laminating your pilot certificates void them ? 61.59 (4) says Any alteration of any certificate , rating or authorization under this part. I have run accross DE's saying it's void and some saying it's ok.

 

[hyper]

Laminate it. If you don't, you'll be ordering replacements every few years, if you keep it in your wallet. I've shown mine to 3 FAA ramp check guys, the FAA for my CFI and numerous checkrides. nobodies even flinched.

 

[Beechball]

I agree

I have 3 certificates....all were replaced at least 3 times from either accidently throwing pants in the washer with my wallet still in the pocket, getting wet from constantly pulling them out for inspection while it's raining, or just wearing 'em out. Mine are laminated and the feds have not said a word against it. When you're getting ramp checked quite a bit, you'll be glad they're laminated.

My argument is that laminating PREVENTS you from altering your certificates.

 

[bobbysamd]

Lamination

Make sure you sign your certificates before you laminate them. A common error is people forget to sign before laminating.

 

[dtzl]

Just got off the phone with the Cincinnati FSDO. They said it is alright to laminate as long as is it signed.

 

[FlyinBrian]

I laminated a certificate without signing it once. I then signed the laminated one with a felt-tip pen and laminated it again. It worked great and I could also use the certificate as a screwdriver, pocketknife or projectile weapon.

Laminating your certificates is not altering them. Adding an extra rating with a typewriter is what 61.59 is all about.

 

[list2002]

Thanks guys, i had mine laminated already because on of the DE's said it was alright. I haven't researched it until now, some guy at our school had me thinking I would have to re-order the certs. feelin better now.

 

[MTOP_set]

You may laminate -
From AOPA's site
look for "000411_interpretation"

A letter from Donald Byrne, Assistant Chief Counsel, Regulations Division (FAA) to James Knight II, Aviation Technical Specialist, AOPA.

Make sure you sign it first

 

[Timebuilder]

My certs are getting a little raggedy. Do I have to go to the FSDO to order new ones, or can I do it online, or by phone?

 

[CAP10B]

Only your Social Security Card has the note on it not to laminate it.

 

[avbug]

Only some SS cards have a prohibition against lamination. Mine does, but my wife's card didn't.

The FAA has specifically stated that there is no problem with lamination of FAA certificates.

Don't go to your FSDO for this information, or any advice on legality. The FSDO level does NOT have the authority to stand behind what they tell you, or to provide ANY interpretation of the regulation. You have zero defense when given bad advice, in saying that you did it because you were told to do it that way by the FSDO. You are expected to know the FSDO level does not interpret or issue FAA regulation, and will be held to that during an enforcement action.

The same for a designated examiner. Don't go by what the DE tells you...it's opinion at best. Find out the facts, don't rely on the opinions of others that can sink you.

In this case, yes, you can laminate your certificate. Ample direction exists on this in the form of FAA Orders, Advisory Circulars, and legal interpretations. No question at all. However, if the only advice had some at the FSDO level, it would be worthless. Never do something based on what a FSDO level inspector, or designated examiner, has told you.

 

[eriknorth]

Thanks FlyinBrian. Real great. Now pilots aren't even going to get through security without having their license collected as being a projectile weapon.

 

[FlyinBrian]

Timebuilder,

Instructions for getting new certificates are in part 61.29. I think You have to send a letter to the FAA explaining why you want new ones, and pay them a fee. (I think it's like a buck per cert.) I don't think they'll send you a new one just because yours are looking ratty, so you might want to accidentally destroy them. Call the airman certification branch (their number is in the FAR AIM), they'll give you all the instructions you'll need.