Unless involved in the aviation industry, people don’t generally know about the different types of pilot licenses and the privileges associated with each one. Not every pilot can do the same thing as a fellow pilot. Limitations are set based on the level of training each pilot has obtained. The pilot who has gone through more schooling and has obtained a greater level of piloting skills, hours, and licenses has more privileges. Besides licenses, ratings also dictate what a pilot can or cannot do. This page has general information on the types of licenses and rating. Use it as a guide to determine what you want out of the aviation industry.
Primary Piloting Licenses
Private Pilot
A Private Pilot License or a Private Pilot Certificate, is a license that permits the holder to act as the pilot of an aircraft. It is the most common license which general aviation pilots have. Besides being the first license to obtain on the road of making a career of piloting, it is the most fun. The requirement for a PPL is a minimum of 40 hours flying time (35 hours if enrolled in a part 141 flight school). Other requirements include completing 7 written exams, 3 oral exams, displaying efficiency while on a cross country flight, and having a minimum of 10 solo hours. Solo hours can get accumulated once the pilot has shown an instructor that he or she is proficient in being safe and has the ability to navigate through a traffic pattern. Age requirements state that pilots cannot obtain their PPL until they are of 17 years of age, however, people can start training to fly at any age. The majority of student take anywhere between 60 and 75 hours to earn their PPL wings, even though the requirements call for 40 (or 35).
Once a pilot earns his private pilot license, he is free to fly any aircraft in which he is rated in. For example, in most cases, beginner students learn how to fly in a single engine aircraft. If the pilot wishes to fly a multi engine aircraft once their license is obtained, he or she must get a multi engine rating. This involves learning to fly a multi engine aircraft, which is generally much shorter than the whole PPL course. Other ratings include. Below are more ratings and specifications for each one.
There are certain things, or restrictions which limit private pilots. One is what pilots call pro rata. This is Latin, meaning that a private pilot cannot pay less than the equal share of fuel, airport fees, and expenses when traveling with passengers. Other restrictions include private pilots cannot be paid for any flying service. Something private pilots can do is display an airplane for a customer, if that private pilot works for a dealership.
Check out FAR part 61 for more information about private pilot limitations.
Once a pilot earns his private pilot license, he is free to fly any aircraft in which he is rated in. For example, in most cases, beginner students learn how to fly in a single engine aircraft. If the pilot wishes to fly a multi engine aircraft once their license is obtained, he or she must get a multi engine rating. This involves learning to fly a multi engine aircraft, which is generally much shorter than the whole PPL course. Other ratings include. Below are more ratings and specifications for each one.
There are certain things, or restrictions which limit private pilots. One is what pilots call pro rata. This is Latin, meaning that a private pilot cannot pay less than the equal share of fuel, airport fees, and expenses when traveling with passengers. Other restrictions include private pilots cannot be paid for any flying service. Something private pilots can do is display an airplane for a customer, if that private pilot works for a dealership.
Check out FAR part 61 for more information about private pilot limitations.
Commercial
The major step for a commercial pilot, is that he or she may be compensated for flying. Training for the certificate focuses on a better understanding of aircraft systems and a higher standard of airmanship. The commercial license itself does not allow a pilot to fly in instrument meteorological conditions. For aircraft categories where an instrument rating is available, commercial pilots, without an instrument rating, are restricted to daytime flight within 50 NM when flying for hire. Requirements for commercial pilots include the pilot to be at least 18 years of age, hold a private pilot certificate, and be able to read, speak, and write English.
By itself, this certificate does not permit the pilot to set up an operation that carries members of the public for hire; such operations are governed by other regulations. Otherwise, a commercial pilot can be paid for certain types of operation, such as banner towing, agricultural applications, and photography, and can be paid for instructing if he holds a flight instructor certificate. To fly for hire, the pilot must hold a second class medical certificate, which is valid for 12 months
Read FAR part 61 subject F for more detail.
By itself, this certificate does not permit the pilot to set up an operation that carries members of the public for hire; such operations are governed by other regulations. Otherwise, a commercial pilot can be paid for certain types of operation, such as banner towing, agricultural applications, and photography, and can be paid for instructing if he holds a flight instructor certificate. To fly for hire, the pilot must hold a second class medical certificate, which is valid for 12 months
Read FAR part 61 subject F for more detail.
Certified Flight Instructor
Being a flight instructor means that a pilot is certified to teach student pilots how to fly airplanes. All student pilots are taught by a pilot who has this license. Becoming a flight instructor is the most popular way to gain hours while waiting to work as a chief pilot or a pilot in command (PIC)
Flight instructors in the United States must hold at least a commercial pilot certificate or ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) certificate. All individuals desiring flight instructor privileges must pass two additional written exams (Fundamentals of Instruction, or FOI; and a knowledge test specific to the category of aircraft in which instructional privileges are desired, such as fixed-wing) as well as a practical test. Also, Flight Instructors must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible. Certified Flight Instructors have the power to grant students the ability to do their first solo, pass or fail students on a stage check, or deem them worthy for lesser grade licenses, I.E. private or commercial licenses.
FAR part 61 subject H has more information on flight instructors.
Flight instructors in the United States must hold at least a commercial pilot certificate or ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) certificate. All individuals desiring flight instructor privileges must pass two additional written exams (Fundamentals of Instruction, or FOI; and a knowledge test specific to the category of aircraft in which instructional privileges are desired, such as fixed-wing) as well as a practical test. Also, Flight Instructors must be at least 18 years of age to be eligible. Certified Flight Instructors have the power to grant students the ability to do their first solo, pass or fail students on a stage check, or deem them worthy for lesser grade licenses, I.E. private or commercial licenses.
FAR part 61 subject H has more information on flight instructors.
Airline Transport Pilot
An airline transport pilot (ATP) is tested to the highest level of piloting ability. The certificate is a prerequisite for acting as a pilot-in-command in scheduled airline operations. When you look towards the sky and see one of those large airplanes flying, the pilot behind the controls has passed an ATP test. Passing an Airline Transport Pilot test is the ultimate goal for many students’ pilots.
The minimum pilot experience is 1,500 hours of flight time, 500 hours of cross-country flight time, 100 hours of night flight time, and 75 hours instrument operations time (simulated or actual). Other requirements include being 23 years of age, an instrument rating, being able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language, a rigorous written examination, and being of good moral character. This means that background checks are made for the pilot wishing to take the ATP test.
Refer to FAR part 61 subject G for more information.
The minimum pilot experience is 1,500 hours of flight time, 500 hours of cross-country flight time, 100 hours of night flight time, and 75 hours instrument operations time (simulated or actual). Other requirements include being 23 years of age, an instrument rating, being able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language, a rigorous written examination, and being of good moral character. This means that background checks are made for the pilot wishing to take the ATP test.
Refer to FAR part 61 subject G for more information.
Ratings
Instrument
Instrument rating refers to the qualifications that a pilot must have in order to fly under IFR (Instrument Flight Rules). It requires additional training and instruction beyond what is required for a Private Pilot certificate or Commercial Pilot certificate, including rules and procedures specific to instrument flying, additional instruction in meteorology, and more intensive training in flight solely by reference to instruments. Testing consists of a written exam and a practical test (known more commonly as the check ride). The check ride is divided into an oral component to verify that the applicant understands the theory of instrument flying and an actual flight to ensure the pilot possesses the practical skills required for safe IFR flight.
Getting an instrument rating allows pilot many more abilities. For one, it allows a pilot to fly into class A airspace, the airspace above 18,000 feet MSL. It also allows pilots to fly in poor visibility where VFR conditions do not exist. Having an instrument rating on your license allows you to fly at any time of the day or night and in any meteorological conditions. The condition in which the pilots wish to fly is solely up to him or her. For example, flying in a cumulonimbus cloud, a thunderstorm, is dangerous and should be avoided.
Requirements for Instrument Rating in the United States under part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulation are 50 hours of Pilot in Command cross country, and 40 hours of simulated or actual instrument time.
For more information check out FAR part 61.65.
Getting an instrument rating allows pilot many more abilities. For one, it allows a pilot to fly into class A airspace, the airspace above 18,000 feet MSL. It also allows pilots to fly in poor visibility where VFR conditions do not exist. Having an instrument rating on your license allows you to fly at any time of the day or night and in any meteorological conditions. The condition in which the pilots wish to fly is solely up to him or her. For example, flying in a cumulonimbus cloud, a thunderstorm, is dangerous and should be avoided.
Requirements for Instrument Rating in the United States under part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulation are 50 hours of Pilot in Command cross country, and 40 hours of simulated or actual instrument time.
For more information check out FAR part 61.65.
Tail Wheeled
Because of the different ground handling characteristics, tail wheeled airplanes require a rating in order to operate. When the third wheel is under the tail, the airplane lands, takes off and taxis differently form when the wheel is under the nose. Some of the trickiest controlling issues of a tail wheedled, or conventional airplane is during the takeoff and landing. During landing, instead of flaring and keeping the nose high, the pane must come in level and slowly rest the last wheel down after a long roll out. Because of these differences, a pilot must train and achieve a rating to operate a tail wheeled aircraft.
Far part 61.31 has more information about tail wheeled airplanes.
Far part 61.31 has more information about tail wheeled airplanes.
Multi Engine
Operating an airplane is fun, yet tedious. There are any little intricacies which make flying a task to focus on. As most people know, there are many airplanes which have more than one engine. These planes are referred to as multi engine aircraft. The difference in learning a multi engine airplane from a single engine one is that there are certain things which happen i a 2 or more engine plane than in a single engine airplane. Students learn how to fly a plane when one engine fails, how to take off and land with only one engine, and the improvements in power, as well as range and fuel consumption of a multi engine airplane.
The multi-engine airplane rating can be obtained while going through any course. Most students use a multi engine airplane while getting their commercial or flight training license. This allows them to fly a multi engine aircraft once they obtain their license.
Look at FAR part 61 subject B for additional information
The multi-engine airplane rating can be obtained while going through any course. Most students use a multi engine airplane while getting their commercial or flight training license. This allows them to fly a multi engine aircraft once they obtain their license.
Look at FAR part 61 subject B for additional information
Seaplane
Just as with multi engine airplanes, a plane which lands on water acts differently than one which lands on land. For a pilot to be certified to fly a seaplane, he or she must obtain the seaplane rating. The passing of the curse will allow the pilot to operate a seaplane. Interestingly, most seaplanes can land on land because of four wheels located beneath the pontoons
FAR part 61 subject B has more information on seaplane ratings
FAR part 61 subject B has more information on seaplane ratings
Other Types of Pilot Licenses & Ratings
Sport
The Sport Pilot certificate was created in September 2004. The intent of the new rule was to lower the barriers of entry into aviation and make flying more affordable and accessible. Before a trainee can start the solo phase of flight training, a Student Sport Pilot Certificate must be issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. These may be obtained from an FAA Flight Standards District Office or FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. To qualify for a sports license, pilots must be at least 17 years of age, be able to read, speak, write, and understand English, log at least 20 hours of flight time of which at least 15 hours must be dual instruction with a qualified flight instructor, 2 hours must be cross-country dual instruction, and 5 hours must be solo flight. Just like with a private pilot license, students must also complete a cross country flight and show their proficiency as well as safety.
Restrictions for sport pilots include day time flying only, limited to 1 passenger, and no flight above 10,000 MSL or 2,000 AGL
Look to Far 61 subject J for more information
Restrictions for sport pilots include day time flying only, limited to 1 passenger, and no flight above 10,000 MSL or 2,000 AGL
Look to Far 61 subject J for more information
Recreational
The recreational pilot certificate requires less training and offers much fewer privileges than the private certificate. It was originally created for flying small single-engine planes, and has since been largely supplanted by the Sport Pilot certificate. It is significantly more restrictive than a private pilot certificate. The holder is restricted to 50 NM from his or her base airport and from operating in the vicinity of airports with a control tower. However, these restrictions can be lifted with additional training and endorsements.
For more information on recreational pilots read FAR part 61 subject D
For more information on recreational pilots read FAR part 61 subject D
Glider
Licensing or certification is similar for gliders and powered aircraft. Training must be undertaken from a certified instructor, and a license or certificate is then issued by the government, however, limited to gliders only. The knowledge and skill requirements for a glider are usually similar to those for a powered aircraft, taking into account the different requirements of the differences between an airplane and a glider. In the United States, a medical certificate is not necessary to hold a glider license; however, it is in most European countries.
For more information visit the Far part 61 subject B
For more information visit the Far part 61 subject B
Lighter-Than-Air
Lighter than air aircraft is a category of aircraft which has gasses as a buoyancy device to keep the machine aloft. Types of lighter than air craft are hot air balloons, airships, and moored balloons. Gasses which generally are used in these types of craft include neon, helium, methane and water vapor.
Refer to FAR part 61 subject B for more information.
Helicopter
Becoming a helicopter pilot is an entirely different concept from becoming a fixed wing, or airplane, pilot. Besides the differences in flight characteristics, controls, and regulations, helicopter pilots and airplane pilots are two different types of aviators. Most fixed wing flight schools seldom offer training in helicopters.