Licence/medical/rating renewals

[FlyingGoat]

I realise that we're adults and should be responsible for our licence and medical renewals, but there's a difference of opinion in our club about the need for inspection of licences and renewal reminders.

One of the new online booking calendars includes a database for this information, plus the option of automatic emails to remind members when approaching expiry dates (free, as well).

So, the key question: in general, do flying schools, clubs and groups keep these records, or ask their members to prove their qualifications?

And an additional question: if a club member has an accident, serious or otherwise, with, for example an expired medical or SEP rating (even a few days) is the insurance cover still valid? My gut feeling is not a chance.

And final question: what possible argument is there for not keeping these records for the pilots who fly your a/c? OK, it's a hassle, but if there's a willing volunteer to keep it up-to-date....

None of us have any illusions about our potential financial liability when flying, surely?

[Genghis the Engineer]

My experience:

6 syndicates I've been in, 1 checked regularly and reminded members when they were due to expire, 5 who left it to the individual pilots.

Flying school I teach at part time has a whiteboard where instructors update their expiry dates themselves.

Flying schools where I've been a student / renter, about 50% check when you join, one asks for a confirmation of dates on the annual membership form, others check from time to time when checking legality of something (usually some test or other).

As a freelancer, nobody's ever asked to see my licence. I do make sure I've checked licence and logbook for pilots I've not flown before and am doing some training.

G

[mrmum]

We monitor customers' (and staff) expiry dates of licences, ratings and medicals through our computer booking system. You've got to really, as you say, can't take the risk with the insurers having a get out of paying excuse.

[Phil O'Rupp]

At the company I worked at for several years, we had expiry dates listed on a computer database but were also required to check the actual documents as well. Most people were happy to comply but I remember several who hadn't actually brought their licence and/or medical with them (legally required to be carried when flying in Aus) and got quite angry when told they couldn't have the keys until they produced the documents. Also brought to light a few whose flight review had expired so they shouldn't be flying solo anyway.
I imagine insurance companies would look for any reason not to pay so it makes sense for the owner/operator to be as thorough as possible.

[S-Works]

Our pilots details are all up on a whiteboard in the office. When a rating is due we get reminded and we book a flight test. We are supposed to be responsible ourselves as well but when you have a lot ratings (I have 13) that need revalidating on a constant cycle of tests it is easy to miss. Anything that helps has to be a good thing.

I am also a member of AOPA USA and they have a membership system that sends me reminders on my FAA CPL and medical etc.