I'm sure many of you have heard about this but just in case you haven't heard. The FAA prefers plastic over paper and very soon, your paper pilot license will not be valid, and in the not too distant future the same goes for A&P's.
Paper Pilot Certificates Expire in Three Months
U.S. licensed pilots will not be able to exercise the privileges of their paper pilot certificates after March 31, the FAA is reminding airmen. Paper certificates issued under FAR Part 63 (flight engineers and navigators) and Part 65 (air traffic control tower operators, aircraft dispatchers, mechanics, repairmen and parachute riggers) won’t expire until March 31, 2013. According to FAR 61.19(h), “Duration of pilot certificates. Except for a temporary certificate issued under 61.17 or a student pilot certificate issued under paragraph (b) of this section, the holder of a paper pilot certificate issued under this part may not exercise the privileges of that certificate after March 31, 2010.” Pilots can have their certificates replaced for $2 via postal mail or the Internet. The FAA’s Web site has instructions on how to order a replacement pilot certificate, as well as how to change a certificate number from a social-security number and simultaneously order a plastic replacement.Just trying to help everyone avoid a bad day with the FAA if they ramp check you on April fools and tell you that your paper pilot license is no good!
I know that a lot of people, including myself for my A&P, have already done this. It's only $2.00 and just takes a minute on the FAA website.
Take care and fly safe!