With the exception of flying ultralights, anyone piloting an aircraft in the United States must have a Pilot Certificate issued by the FAA. From this point forward it gets complicated.
Types of Pilot Certificates
Student Pilot Certificate
A Student Pilot Certificate is issued by a flight instructor, or flight school; this “learner’s permit” allows a student pilot to fly as the pilot in command of an aircraft during the solo portion of their flight training. Eligibility requirements include: applicant must be at least 16 years old, 14 to pilot a glider or balloon, read, speak, write, and understand English; provide proof of identity.
Sport Pilot Certificate
A Sport Pilot Certificate requires about half the training of a Private Pilot Certificate and limits the pilot to flying specific aircraft known as Light Sport Aircraft. Light Sport Aircraft are limited to a maximum of 1,320 pounds gross weight, can carry only one passenger, and may not fly at night.
Eligibility requirements include: applicant must be at least 17 years old, 16 for glider or balloon; be able to read, speak, write and understand English; hold a third class medical certificate, or current and valid U.S. driver’s license.
Training requirements include: a minimum of 20 hours flight time, including 15 hours of flight training and 5 hours solo flight; 2 hours cross-country flight training, one solo cross-country flight; ground training from an instructor or home-study course. Applicant must pass a FAA Knowledge Exam and a FAA Practical Exam.
Recreational Pilot Certificate
A Recreational Pilot Certificate also features fewer hours of training than a Private Pilot Certificate, also have aircraft limitations, and pilots are restricted to a limited geographical area.
Eligibility requirements include: applicant must be at least 17 years old; be able to read, speak, write and understand English; hold at least a third class medical certificate.
Training requirements include: a minimum of 30 hours flight time, including 15 hours of flight training and 3 hours solo flight; 2 hours cross-country flight training; ground training from an instructor or home-study course. Applicant must pass a FAA Knowledge Exam and a FAA Practical Exam.
Private Pilot Certificate
A Private Pilot Certificate allows pilots to fly most aircraft solo or with passengers, almost anywhere in the United States, as well as outside the country. Additional training may be required to fly specific aircraft and in certain conditions.
Eligibility requirements include: applicant must be at least 17 years old, 16 for gilder or balloon; be able to read, speak, write and understand English; hold at least a third class medical certificate.
Training requirements include: a minimum of 40 hours flight time; including at least 20 hours of flight training which will include at least 3 hours of cross country flight, 3 hours of night flight training, and 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments; at least 10 hours solo flight which will include at least 5 hours of solo cross country flying of which one flight must be at least 150NM total distance; ground training from an instructor or home-study course. Applicant must pass a FAA Knowledge Exam and a FAA Practical Exam.
Commercial Pilot Certificate
A Commercial Pilot Certificate allows a pilot to fly for compensation or hire, with some restrictions.
Eligibility requirements include: applicant must be at least 18 years old; be able to read, speak, write and understand English; hold at least a second class medical certificate; hold at least a private pilot certificate; accumulated at least 250 hours of logged flight time.
Training requirements include: a minimum or 20 hours training flight time that includes at least 10 hours instrument training, 10 hours training in a technically advanced airplane, one 2-hour daytime cross country flight, and one 2-hour nighttime cross country flight. Requirements also include 10 hours of solo flight time or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of pilot in command with an authorized instructor. Applicant must pass a FAA Knowledge Exam and a FAA Practical Exam.
Flight Instructor Certificate
A Flight Instructor Certificate allows a pilot to teach students ground school and in-flight training toward earning a Pilot Certificate. Additional certification is required to teach advanced ratings and aircraft.
Eligibility requirements include: applicant must be at least 18 years old; be able to read, speak, write and understand English; hold at least a second class medical certificate; hold a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate. Applicant must pass the Fundamentals of Instruction exam, the FAA Knowledge Exam and a FAA Practical Exam.
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
A Airline Transport Pilot Certificate allows a pilot to fly for a scheduled airline.
Eligibility requirements include: applicant must be at least 23 years old; be of good moral character, be able to read, speak, write and understand English; hold a commercial pilot certificate and an instrument rating; accumulated at least 1,500 hours of logged flight time. Applicant must pass the FAA Knowledge Exam and a FAA Practical Exam.
Pilot Certificate Ratings
Ratings are added to pilot certificates and grant additional aeronautical privileges.
Instrument Rating
An Instrument Rating allows a pilot to fly an aircraft in inclement weather with limited visibility.
Multi-Engine Rating
A Multi-Engine Rating allows a pilot to to fly multi-engine aircraft.
Other Ratings
Other Ratings are attached to Pilot Certificates but refer to different categories and classes of aircraft such as helicopters, gyroplanes, gliders, balloons, airships, and seaplanes.
Pilot Certificate Endorsements
Pilot Certificate Endorsements are also added to Pilot Certificates and grant additional aeronautical privileges, but do not require an exam. Generally, Endorsements require at least one hour of theoretical training, as well as a minimum of one hour of inflight training. Once successfully completed, a special written insignia is added into a pilot’s logbook.
High-Performance Endorsement
A High-Performance Endorsement allows a pilot to fly an aircraft with an engine power rating of 201, or more, horsepower.
Complex Endorsement
A Complex Endorsement allows a pilot to fly an aircraft with retractable landing gear and a variable pitch propeller.
Tailwheel Endorsement
A Tailwheel Endorsement allows a pilot to fly a tailwheel equipped aircraft.
Pilot Certificate Type Ratings
Pilot Certificate Type Ratings allow a pilot to fly a particular type of aircraft, including the make and model. A Type Rating is required to fly an aircraft that weighs 12,500 pounds or more; an aircraft equipped with a turbine engine, regardless of its weight; an aircraft who’s manufacturer mandates a pilot obtain a Type Rating.