Alright, after investing all the time and money to get my PPL in 2002, I did what I always said I would NEVER do - I let my license lapse. Grad school dug into the funds I used to set aside for flying, and then I joined the world of International Aid workers in Iraq and Afghanistan where flying yourself around Baghdad or Kabul International is generally frowned upon.

So, this year I have vowed to renew my license, but have a few questions:
1. Is my ticket "expired" or has it just lapsed - i.e., do I have to take another test, or just do medical and checkout ride with a couple hours to get current?
2. My license is safely stowed in a safety deposit box in the US - how hard is it to get a replacement?
3. I am planning on doing the medical and necessary training while on vacation in my home country of South Africa (which has a huge flying culture, if you've ever flown into a war zone, chances are, the pilots are South African) - is this valid on a US license?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated...being shuttled around in black hawks and C-130s in Iraq, and now frequently flying over the Hindu Kush mountains have made me desperate to head to the skies again.

Great group Mark, glad I found it.
Happy Flying!
Susan, Kabul Afghanistan