What are the consequences of failing to maintain required flight currency?

Failing to maintain required flight currency has significant legal implications for a pilot. Specifically, if a pilot does not meet the established currency requirements, they are no longer authorized to legally act as pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft. This is crucial because the regulations are designed to ensure that pilots have the necessary recent experience and skills to operate an aircraft safely.

Being current not only refers to the time spent flying but also includes specific training and proficiency checks that ensure a pilot can handle the aircraft effectively and respond appropriately to emergencies. If a pilot does not fulfill these requirements, they jeopardize their legal capacity to act as PIC, which can lead to serious safety risks and legal repercussions.

While fines and additional training hours could be related consequences of different regulatory violations, they are not the primary legal barrier that addresses the immediate issue of flight currency. Similarly, retaking the written test is not a direct consequence of losing flight currency; rather, it's more relevant to initial certification or specific endorsements. Thus, the most critical consequence of failing to maintain flight currency is the prohibition on acting as pilot in command.