When someone complains to me that it is so wrong to have to renew a pilot licence every 5 years, I ask them how often have they complained about having to renew a passport every 10 years?
Forcing people to renew every 5 years ensures among other things that the address and contact details are correct. Is this too much to ask for a document that in the case of professional licenses gives the holder an effective passport when operating as crew.
I am in favour of having a picture on every licence.
Remember that the holder of a pilot licence can often gain access to security restricted areas at aerodromes. From a security point of view it is nice to know that the pilot's details on the licence are correct to atleast 5 years ago!
Isn't it a coincidence that 5 years crops up in many areas where checks are done on people!
Regards,
DFC