Type of pilots licenses

The ratings include aircraft category, class, and type. Category means a broad classification of aircraft, and 7 aircraft categories exist for pilot certification:. Class denotes a classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics.

For instance, the airplane category includes four classes:. Another example? Aircraft with a maximum gross takeoff weight MGTOW of over 12, Ibs or with a turbojet engine require a type rating. Examples of type ratings include Boeing , Airbus , and Embraer Category, class, and type ratings determine the kind of aircraft you may fly.

Most common of which is the instrument rating IR , which requires intensive training. An instrument rating permits you to conduct flights under instrument flight rules, which means flying by reference to aircraft instruments. Endorsements are logbook entries made by flight instructors indicating the completion of either or both ground and flight training. The FAA issues different types of pilot licenses, each with its requirements, privileges, and limitations. Start by deciding the type of aircraft you want to fly as different aircraft require different pilot licenses.

You should also consider your intended aviation activity. A PPL grants you far more privileges than a sport pilot certificate. Pilot Institute may earn commission from sales that happen when you click on links. We are a member of the Amazon Affiliate Program. Your email address will not be published. Sign me up for the newsletter! This is the most common type of pilot. With a private pilot certificate, you have the added benefit of being allowed to fly at night and at controlled airports.

This is because private pilot training requirements are intensive compared to those of sports and recreational pilots. The training involves learning a couple of maneuvers and a minimum of 40 hours of flight time. These types of pilot only flies light aircraft at low altitudes. They are only allowed to operate in their local area. It also has very few restrictions or requirements for training; twenty hours is sufficient to get you the license.

A sports pilot can only carry one passenger at a time. This type of pilot is not allowed to fly at night or fly above feet. A sports pilot should not operate in class B, C or D airspace. This certificate has many categories: lighter than air, rotorcraft, glider, airplane and powered parachute. These types of pilots is allowed to fly aircraft that are heavier than the ones used by sports pilots.

That is the only difference between recreational pilots and sports pilots. So, if you want to fly aircraft that are heavier than the ones used for sports pilot training without having to undergo advanced training, this is the type of pilot you will become. You can request a tour and see all that CTI has to offer our students. Airline Pilots Currently, pilots for regional airlines are being recruited from major flight schools in the US. Corporate Pilots For some pilots, the prearranged life of an airline pilot feels like the end of the adventure and spirit that drove them to learn to fly.

Charter Pilots Charter flight crews might be on call for a portion of the day or night and have little notice of the next flight until their phone rings. Fractional Flying Fractional companies are large users of business-aviation aircraft as well as the pilots needed to crew them. Posted in Careers in Flight and tagged pilot license , pilot pay , pilot training , private pilot license training , types of pilot license.

There is also a Flight Instructor certificate which may be held in addition to a pilot certificate, but we will discuss that further at the end of the article. Each certificate has specific requirements, including hours flown, current certificates and ratings, and certain medical requirements.

As the name implies, this pilots license is strictly for students training to obtain further certificates. A student cannot solo without a Student Pilot Certificate. There are a few requirements in order to receive a student pilot certificate. Sport Pilot is a certificate that allows you to fly a Light Sport Aircraft with a number of limitations.

Typically this certificate is ideal for individuals that do not want to go through the hassle of obtaining a medical and only wish to fly for purely recreational purposes. A Private Pilot Certificate is the go-to for most that are seeking recreational flying. You have far less limitations than the sport pilot license, can fly larger aircraft, and are not limited to just one passenger.

In order to acquire further certifications needed for flying as a career, you must start with your private pilot license. A common misconception is that the Sport Pilot Certificate will be cheaper and faster than the Private Pilot Certificate. In most cases the amount of training and flight time it takes to become proficient enough to obtain the Sport Pilot Certificate is almost the same as the Private Pilot Certificate.

The commercial certificate is specifically for career pilots. If you want to fly as a paid service you must have your commercial certificate. This is not the final certificate you will need as an airline pilot, but it does open up other job opportunities to you such as corporate jet, tour guide, crop-duster and other types of flying jobs.