Pilot licensing and certification
Encyclopedia
Pilot licensing or certification refers to permits to fly aircraft that are issued by the National Aviation Authority (NAA)
in each country, establishing that the holder has met a specific set of knowledge and experience requirements. This includes taking a flying test
. The certified pilot can then exercise a specific set of privileges in that nation's airspace
. Despite attempts to harmonize the requirements between nations, the differences in certification practices and standards from place to place serve to limit full international validity of the national qualifications. In addition, U.S. pilots are certificated, not licensed, although the word license
is still commonly used informally. Legally, pilot certificates can be revoked by administrative action, whereas licensing (e.g., a driver's license) requires intervention by the judiciary
system.
In the United States
, pilot certification
is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), a branch of the Department of Transportation
(DOT). A pilot is certificated under the authority of Parts 61 and 141 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations
, also known as the Federal Aviation Regulations
(FARs).
In Canada
, licensing is issued by Transport Canada
.
In the United Kingdom
, licensing is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority
(CAA).
In most European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and many others, licensing is issued by the National Aviation Authority (NAA)
according to a set of common rules established by the Joint Aviation Authorities
known as Joint Aviation Rules - Flight Crew Licensing (JAR-FCL).
licenses appeared in those nations. In the U.S. the Aero Club of America
was a gathering body used to discuss the different advancements in aviation. They were formed around 1905 as an offshoot of the American Automobile Association
, which already existed. As aeroplanes became more popular after public flights by the Wright Brothers
and others, more and more people were buying machines and taking to the skies. Since in those days most men built their own machines, they were usually the ones to test fly them and if an individual bought a machine from one of the several manufacturers, then that particular manufacturer had a school to teach the buyer how to fly his aeroplane. The first Aero Club of America certificates were not mandatory and were more for prestige and show. The qualifications for an Aero Club ticket was to ascend in the machine and fly a course of a figure-eight at a given height. Individual states sometimes posed a mandate for a license but it wasn't a Federal cause until 1917. The first persons to be awarded certificates by the Aero Club were men who had already flown and the bestowing was honorary:
In Europe, the Federation Aeronautique Internationale
or FAI was founded in 1905 and, like the Aero Club, was a prestigious aviation body. Certificates or ratings from them were not mandatory. Their criteria was pretty much the same as the Aero Club.
of specific categories. Privilege levels of pilot certificates are, in order of increasing privilege:
Pilot privileges are further broken down into category, class
, and type
ratings.
A category is defined as "a broad classification of aircraft," which a pilot may be rated for:
A class
is defined as "a classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics":
In addition, a type
rating is required for particular aircraft over 12,500 pounds, or aircraft that are turbojet powered. Further endorsements are required for high performance (more than 200 horsepower), complex (retractable landing gear
, flaps
, and a controllable pitch propeller
), or tailwheel
equipped aircraft, as well as high altitude operations.
Most Private Pilot certificates are issued as "Private Pilot: Airplane Single Engine Land," which means the pilot may fly any single engine, land based airplane they are qualified in. A pilot is only qualified in the category and class of aircraft in which they successfully complete their checkride
. A checkride consists of a 2 part process, an oral test and a flight test. During the oral portion, the examiner quizzes the applicant on what they learned in ground school, and asks practical questions. The flight test ensures the applicant is a safe and competent pilot. Checkride examiners job is to see that only safe applicants become pilots. Therefore, a pilot who takes a Commercial Pilot checkride in a multi-engine, land-based aircraft and passes may only exercise the privileges of a Commercial Pilot in multi-engine, land-based aircraft. That pilot may not exercise the privileges of a Commercial Pilot in single engine or sea-based aircraft without passing the appropriate parts of a checkride in those particular categories of aircraft.
Pilots typically attain ratings in this order:
Note: Hours can often be earned concurrently and are cumulative. For example, after acquiring a private certificate, a pilot can get an instrument rating with an additional 20–30 hours hours of training. In the course of the Commercial Pilot training, most pilots also receive their high performance and complex endorsements, as well as get a multi-engine rating before applying for the Airline Transport Pilot license.
Private Pilot
The majority of pilots hold a Private Pilot Licence. To obtain a private pilot license, one must be at least 17 years old and have a minimum of 35–45 hours of flight time (60-80 hours is average), including at least 20 hours of instruction and 10 hours of solo flight. Pilots trained according to accelerated curricula outlined in Part 141 of the Federal Aviation Regulations may be certified with a minimum of 35 hours of flight time.
Private pilots may not fly for compensation or hire. However, they may carry passengers as long as they have the appropriate training, ratings, and endorsements.
Private pilots must have a current Class III medical exam, which must be renewed every 24 or 60 months (depending on age). In addition private pilots must revalidate their pilot certificates every 24 months by undertaking a flight review with a certificated flight instructor (CFI).
Instrument Rating
An Instrument rating
is technically not a pilot certificate, but an add-on that allows a pilot to fly in weather with reduced visibilities such as rain, low clouds, or heavy haze. When flying in these conditions, pilots follow instrument flight rules (IFR). The training provides the skills needed to complete flights without visual reference to the ground, except for the takeoff and landing phases. In the U.S. all pilots who fly above 18,000 feet mean sea level (msl) must have an instrument rating.
This rating requires highly specialized training by a certificated flight instructor (CFI) with a special instrument instruction rating (CFII), and completion of an additional written exam, oral exam, and flight test. Pilots applying for an instrument rating must hold a current private pilot certificate and medical, have logged at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command, and have at least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time including at least 15 hours of instrument flight training and instrument training on cross-country flight procedures.
Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots can be paid to fly an aircraft. To obtain a Commercial Pilot License, one must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of 250 hours of flight time (190 hours under the accelerated curriculum defined in Part 141 of the Federal Aviation Regulations). This includes 100 hours in powered aircraft, 50 hours in airplanes, and 100 hours as pilot in command (of which 50 hours must be cross-country flight time). In addition, commercial pilots must hold an instrument rating, or be restricted to flying for hire only in daylight, under visual flight rules (VFR), within 50 miles of the originating airport.
Airline Transport Pilot
Airline transport pilots (ATPs) must be at least 23 years old and have a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time, including 500 hours of cross-country flight time, 100 hours of night flying, and 75 hours in actual or simulated instrument flight conditions. Most ATPs have many thousands of hours of flight time. ATPs also must have a commercial certificate and an instrument rating. ATPs may instruct other pilots in air transportation service in aircraft in which the ATP is rated. ATPs must have a current and much more stringent Class I medical exam, which renew every six months or one year (depending on age). Like all pilots, they must revalidate their certificates every 24 months with a flight review.
was the first FTO worldwide to graduate MPL pilots for Sterling
.
Other licenses include:
Civil Aviation Authority
This is a list of national and supra-national civil aviation authorities.-See also:* Air route authority between the United States and the People's Republic of China* National Transportation Safety Board -External links:****...
in each country, establishing that the holder has met a specific set of knowledge and experience requirements. This includes taking a flying test
FAA Practical Test
A practical test, or checkride is the most common name for part of a Federal Aviation Administration examination which one must undergo in the United States to receive an aircraft pilot's certification, or an endorsement for additional flight privileges...
. The certified pilot can then exercise a specific set of privileges in that nation's airspace
Airspace
Airspace means the portion of the atmosphere controlled by a country above its territory, including its territorial waters or, more generally, any specific three-dimensional portion of the atmosphere....
. Despite attempts to harmonize the requirements between nations, the differences in certification practices and standards from place to place serve to limit full international validity of the national qualifications. In addition, U.S. pilots are certificated, not licensed, although the word license
License
The verb license or grant licence means to give permission. The noun license or licence refers to that permission as well as to the document recording that permission.A license may be granted by a party to another party as an element of an agreement...
is still commonly used informally. Legally, pilot certificates can be revoked by administrative action, whereas licensing (e.g., a driver's license) requires intervention by the judiciary
Judiciary
The judiciary is the system of courts that interprets and applies the law in the name of the state. The judiciary also provides a mechanism for the resolution of disputes...
system.
In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, pilot certification
Pilot certification in the United States
Pilot certification in the United States is required for an individual to act as a pilot of an aircraft. It is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration , a branch of the Department of Transportation...
is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States. An agency of the United States Department of Transportation, it has authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S...
(FAA), a branch of the Department of Transportation
Department of Transportation
The Department of Transportation is the most common name for a government agency in North America devoted to transportation. The largest is the United States Department of Transportation, which oversees interstate travel. All U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and many local agencies also have...
(DOT). A pilot is certificated under the authority of Parts 61 and 141 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations
Code of Federal Regulations
The Code of Federal Regulations is the codification of the general and permanent rules and regulations published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government of the United States.The CFR is published by the Office of the Federal Register, an agency...
, also known as the Federal Aviation Regulations
Federal Aviation Regulations
The Federal Aviation Regulations, or FARs, are rules prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration governing all aviation activities in the United States. The FARs are part of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations...
(FARs).
In Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, licensing is issued by Transport Canada
Transport Canada
Transport Canada is the department within the government of Canada which is responsible for developing regulations, policies and services of transportation in Canada. It is part of the Transportation, Infrastructure and Communities portfolio...
.
In the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
, licensing is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority
United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority
The Civil Aviation Authority is the public corporation which oversees and regulates all aspects of aviation in the United Kingdom. The CAA head office is located in the CAA House on Kingsway in Holborn, London Borough of Camden...
(CAA).
In most European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and many others, licensing is issued by the National Aviation Authority (NAA)
Civil Aviation Authority
This is a list of national and supra-national civil aviation authorities.-See also:* Air route authority between the United States and the People's Republic of China* National Transportation Safety Board -External links:****...
according to a set of common rules established by the Joint Aviation Authorities
Joint Aviation Authorities
The Joint Aviation Authorities, or JAA, was an associated body of the ECAC representing the civil aviation regulatory authorities of a number of European States who had agreed to co-operate in developing and implementing common safety regulatory standards and procedures...
known as Joint Aviation Rules - Flight Crew Licensing (JAR-FCL).
Brief history
Pilot licensing began not too long after the invention of powered airplanes in 1903. Since early aviation largely developed in the United States and Europe (in particular France), the first of what were ancillaryAncillary
*Ancillary administration*Ancillary jurisdiction*Ancillary statistic*Ancillary data*Ancillary relief*Ancillary doctrine*Diacritic, an ancillary glyph added to a letter...
licenses appeared in those nations. In the U.S. the Aero Club of America
Aero Club of America
The Aero Club of America was a social club formed in 1905 by Charles Glidden and others to promote aviation in America. It was the parent organization of numerous state chapters, the first being the Aero Club of New England. It thrived until 1923, when it transformed into the National Aeronautic...
was a gathering body used to discuss the different advancements in aviation. They were formed around 1905 as an offshoot of the American Automobile Association
American Automobile Association
AAA , formerly known as the American Automobile Association, is a federation of 51 independently operated motor clubs throughout North America. AAA is a not-for-profit member service organization with more than 51 million members. AAA provides services to its members such as travel, automotive,...
, which already existed. As aeroplanes became more popular after public flights by the Wright Brothers
Wright brothers
The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur , were two Americans credited with inventing and building the world's first successful airplane and making the first controlled, powered and sustained heavier-than-air human flight, on December 17, 1903...
and others, more and more people were buying machines and taking to the skies. Since in those days most men built their own machines, they were usually the ones to test fly them and if an individual bought a machine from one of the several manufacturers, then that particular manufacturer had a school to teach the buyer how to fly his aeroplane. The first Aero Club of America certificates were not mandatory and were more for prestige and show. The qualifications for an Aero Club ticket was to ascend in the machine and fly a course of a figure-eight at a given height. Individual states sometimes posed a mandate for a license but it wasn't a Federal cause until 1917. The first persons to be awarded certificates by the Aero Club were men who had already flown and the bestowing was honorary:
- Glenn CurtissGlenn CurtissGlenn Hammond Curtiss was an American aviation pioneer and a founder of the U.S. aircraft industry. He began his career as a bicycle then motorcycle builder and racer, later also manufacturing engines for airships as early as 1906...
- Frank Purdy Lahm
- Louis PaulhanLouis PaulhanIsidore Auguste Marie Louis Paulhan, known as Louis Paulhan, was a pioneering French aviator who in 1910 flew "Le Canard", the world's first seaplane, designed by Henri Fabre....
- Orville Wright
- Wilbur Wright
In Europe, the Federation Aeronautique Internationale
Fédération Aéronautique Internationale
The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale is the world governing body for air sports and aeronautics and astronautics world records. Its head office is in Lausanne, Switzerland. This includes man-carrying aerospace vehicles from balloons to spacecraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles...
or FAI was founded in 1905 and, like the Aero Club, was a prestigious aviation body. Certificates or ratings from them were not mandatory. Their criteria was pretty much the same as the Aero Club.
General structure of certification
Pilots are certificated to fly aircraft at one or more named privilege levels and at each privilege level, rated to fly aircraftAircraft
An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air, or, in general, the atmosphere of a planet. An aircraft counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines.Although...
of specific categories. Privilege levels of pilot certificates are, in order of increasing privilege:
- StudentStudent Pilot CertificateIn the U.S., a student pilot certificate is issued to a pilot in training, and is a pre-requisite for the student to fly alone in the aircraft, or solo. It is usually initially issued by a Medical Doctor who is also an authorized aviation medical examiner in conjunction with the student’s first...
: Cannot fly solo without proper endorsement from a Certified Flight Instructor. Passenger Carrying is Prohibited. - Sport: Cannot carry more than one passenger, authorized to fly only Light-sport AircraftLight-sport AircraftA Light-sport aircraft, also known as light sport aircraft or LSA, is a small aircraft that is simple to fly and which meets certain regulations set by a National aviation authority restricting weight and performance...
and are limited to daytime flight only. If an individual elects to receive additional instruction, some of the limitations may be removed. - Recreational: May fly aircraft of up to 180 horsepower (130 kW) and 4 seats in the daytime for pleasure only.
- PrivatePrivate Pilot LicenseA Private Pilot License or, in the United States of America, a Private Pilot Certificate, is a license that permits the holder to act as the pilot of an aircraft privately . The requirements to obtain the license are determined by the International Civil Aviation Authority , but the actual...
: May fly for pleasure or personal business. Private pilots cannot be paid, compensated to fly, or hired by any operator. - Commercial: Can be paid, compensated to fly, or hired by operators and are required to have higher training standards than private or sport pilots.
- Flight InstructorsFlight instructorA flight instructor is a person who teaches others to fly aircraft. Specific privileges granted to holders of a flight instructor qualification vary from country to country, but very generally, a flight instructor serves to enhance or evaluate the knowledge and skill level of an aviator in pursuit...
: Flight instructors are commercial pilots who have been trained and can demonstrate various teaching techniques, skills and knowledge related to safely teaching people to fly. - Airline Transport PilotAirline Transport Pilot LicenseThe Airline Transport Pilot License , or in the United States of America, an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate is the highest level of aircraft pilot rating -- or license...
: ATP’s as they are called, typically qualify to fly the major airliners of the US transit system. ATP’s must qualify with a range of experience and training to be considered for this certificate.
Pilot privileges are further broken down into category, class
Class rating
A class rating is an allowance to fly a certain group of aircraft that require training common to all aircraft within the group. A Type rating is specified if a particular aircraft requires additional specialized training beyond the scope of initial license and aircraft class training. What...
, and type
Type rating
A type rating is an allowance to fly a certain aircraft type that requires additional training beyond the scope of initial license and aircraft class training. What aircraft require a type rating is decided by the local aviation authority...
ratings.
A category is defined as "a broad classification of aircraft," which a pilot may be rated for:
- Airplane
- RotorcraftRotorcraftA rotorcraft or rotary wing aircraft is a heavier-than-air flying machine that uses lift generated by wings, called rotor blades, that revolve around a mast. Several rotor blades mounted to a single mast are referred to as a rotor. The International Civil Aviation Organization defines a rotorcraft...
- GliderGlider aircraftGlider aircraft are heavier-than-air craft that are supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against their lifting surfaces, and whose free flight does not depend on an engine. Mostly these types of aircraft are intended for routine operation without engines, though engine failure can...
- Lighter than airLighter than airLighter than air refers to gases that are buoyant in air because they have densities lower than that of air .Some of these gases are used as lifting gases in lighter-than-air aircraft, which include free balloons, moored balloons, and airships, to make the whole craft, on average, lighter than air...
- Powered liftPowered liftPowered lift or powered-lift refers to a type of aircraft that can take off and land vertically and functions differently from a rotorcraft in horizontal flight....
- Powered parachutePowered parachuteA powered parachute is a parachute with motor and wheels. The aircraft's airspeed is typically about 25–35 mph . PPCs operate safely at heights ranging from a few feet off the ground to altitudes as high as 18,000+ feet...
- Weight-shift-control
A class
Class rating
A class rating is an allowance to fly a certain group of aircraft that require training common to all aircraft within the group. A Type rating is specified if a particular aircraft requires additional specialized training beyond the scope of initial license and aircraft class training. What...
is defined as "a classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics":
- Single engine
- Multi-engine
- Land
- WaterSeaplaneA seaplane is a fixed-wing aircraft capable of taking off and landing on water. Seaplanes that can also take off and land on airfields are a subclass called amphibian aircraft...
- GyroplaneAutogyroAn autogyro , also known as gyroplane, gyrocopter, or rotaplane, is a type of rotorcraft which uses an unpowered rotor in autorotation to develop lift, and an engine-powered propeller, similar to that of a fixed-wing aircraft, to provide thrust...
- HelicopterHelicopterA helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
- AirshipAirshipAn airship or dirigible is a type of aerostat or "lighter-than-air aircraft" that can be steered and propelled through the air using rudders and propellers or other thrust mechanisms...
- Free balloonBalloon (aircraft)A balloon is a type of aircraft that remains aloft due to its buoyancy. A balloon travels by moving with the wind. It is distinct from an airship, which is a buoyant aircraft that can be propelled through the air in a controlled manner....
In addition, a type
Type rating
A type rating is an allowance to fly a certain aircraft type that requires additional training beyond the scope of initial license and aircraft class training. What aircraft require a type rating is decided by the local aviation authority...
rating is required for particular aircraft over 12,500 pounds, or aircraft that are turbojet powered. Further endorsements are required for high performance (more than 200 horsepower), complex (retractable landing gear
Undercarriage
The undercarriage or landing gear in aviation, is the structure that supports an aircraft on the ground and allows it to taxi, takeoff and land...
, flaps
Flap (aircraft)
Flaps are normally hinged surfaces mounted on the trailing edges of the wings of a fixed-wing aircraft to reduce the speed an aircraft can be safely flown at and to increase the angle of descent for landing without increasing air speed. They shorten takeoff and landing distances as well as...
, and a controllable pitch propeller
Controllable pitch propeller
A controllable pitch propeller or variable pitch propeller is a type of propeller with blades that can be rotated around their long axis to change their pitch...
), or tailwheel
Conventional landing gear
thumb|The [[Piper PA-18|Piper Super Cub]] is a popular taildragger aircraft.thumb|right|A [[Cessna 150]] converted to taildragger configuration by installation of an after-market modification kit....
equipped aircraft, as well as high altitude operations.
Most Private Pilot certificates are issued as "Private Pilot: Airplane Single Engine Land," which means the pilot may fly any single engine, land based airplane they are qualified in. A pilot is only qualified in the category and class of aircraft in which they successfully complete their checkride
FAA Practical Test
A practical test, or checkride is the most common name for part of a Federal Aviation Administration examination which one must undergo in the United States to receive an aircraft pilot's certification, or an endorsement for additional flight privileges...
. A checkride consists of a 2 part process, an oral test and a flight test. During the oral portion, the examiner quizzes the applicant on what they learned in ground school, and asks practical questions. The flight test ensures the applicant is a safe and competent pilot. Checkride examiners job is to see that only safe applicants become pilots. Therefore, a pilot who takes a Commercial Pilot checkride in a multi-engine, land-based aircraft and passes may only exercise the privileges of a Commercial Pilot in multi-engine, land-based aircraft. That pilot may not exercise the privileges of a Commercial Pilot in single engine or sea-based aircraft without passing the appropriate parts of a checkride in those particular categories of aircraft.
Pilots typically attain ratings in this order:
- Private Pilot (35–45 hours minimum required, 40 in the U.S.)
- Instrument Rating (40–50 hours minimum required, 40 in the U.S.)
- Commercial Pilot (200-250 hours minimum required, 250 in the U.S.)
- Commercial Pilot who is a Co-Pilot in an airliner (250 hours minimum + multicrew rating, 800 hours minimum in the U.S.)
- Airline Transport Pilot or ATP (1500 hours total time required)
Note: Hours can often be earned concurrently and are cumulative. For example, after acquiring a private certificate, a pilot can get an instrument rating with an additional 20–30 hours hours of training. In the course of the Commercial Pilot training, most pilots also receive their high performance and complex endorsements, as well as get a multi-engine rating before applying for the Airline Transport Pilot license.
Private Pilot
The majority of pilots hold a Private Pilot Licence. To obtain a private pilot license, one must be at least 17 years old and have a minimum of 35–45 hours of flight time (60-80 hours is average), including at least 20 hours of instruction and 10 hours of solo flight. Pilots trained according to accelerated curricula outlined in Part 141 of the Federal Aviation Regulations may be certified with a minimum of 35 hours of flight time.
Private pilots may not fly for compensation or hire. However, they may carry passengers as long as they have the appropriate training, ratings, and endorsements.
Private pilots must have a current Class III medical exam, which must be renewed every 24 or 60 months (depending on age). In addition private pilots must revalidate their pilot certificates every 24 months by undertaking a flight review with a certificated flight instructor (CFI).
Instrument Rating
An Instrument rating
Instrument rating
Instrument rating refers to the qualifications that a pilot must have in order to fly under IFR . 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,...
is technically not a pilot certificate, but an add-on that allows a pilot to fly in weather with reduced visibilities such as rain, low clouds, or heavy haze. When flying in these conditions, pilots follow instrument flight rules (IFR). The training provides the skills needed to complete flights without visual reference to the ground, except for the takeoff and landing phases. In the U.S. all pilots who fly above 18,000 feet mean sea level (msl) must have an instrument rating.
This rating requires highly specialized training by a certificated flight instructor (CFI) with a special instrument instruction rating (CFII), and completion of an additional written exam, oral exam, and flight test. Pilots applying for an instrument rating must hold a current private pilot certificate and medical, have logged at least 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command, and have at least 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time including at least 15 hours of instrument flight training and instrument training on cross-country flight procedures.
Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots can be paid to fly an aircraft. To obtain a Commercial Pilot License, one must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of 250 hours of flight time (190 hours under the accelerated curriculum defined in Part 141 of the Federal Aviation Regulations). This includes 100 hours in powered aircraft, 50 hours in airplanes, and 100 hours as pilot in command (of which 50 hours must be cross-country flight time). In addition, commercial pilots must hold an instrument rating, or be restricted to flying for hire only in daylight, under visual flight rules (VFR), within 50 miles of the originating airport.
Airline Transport Pilot
Airline transport pilots (ATPs) must be at least 23 years old and have a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time, including 500 hours of cross-country flight time, 100 hours of night flying, and 75 hours in actual or simulated instrument flight conditions. Most ATPs have many thousands of hours of flight time. ATPs also must have a commercial certificate and an instrument rating. ATPs may instruct other pilots in air transportation service in aircraft in which the ATP is rated. ATPs must have a current and much more stringent Class I medical exam, which renew every six months or one year (depending on age). Like all pilots, they must revalidate their certificates every 24 months with a flight review.
Multi-Crew Pilot License
MPL pilots must be at least 18 years old, have a minimum of 240 hours of flying training, and 750 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction. Developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization, requirements for the Multi-Crew Pilot License (Aeroplane) - MPL(A) were included in the 10th edition of Annex 1 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Personnel Licensing), which superseded all previous editions of the Annex on 23 November 2006. MPL is a significant development in training professional pilots. It represents the first time in 30 years that ICAO has significantly reviewed the standards for the training of flightcrew. The Center Air Pilot Academy in DenmarkDenmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
was the first FTO worldwide to graduate MPL pilots for Sterling
Sterling Airlines
Sterling Airlines A/S was a low-cost airline with its head office at Copenhagen Airport South in Dragør, Dragør Municipality, Denmark. It was created in September 2005 through the merger of two Danish airlines — Sterling European Airlines and Maersk Air — which had been bought by the Icelandic...
.
Other licenses include:
- Sport pilot certificate (United States only), used for Light-sport aircraftLight-sport AircraftA Light-sport aircraft, also known as light sport aircraft or LSA, is a small aircraft that is simple to fly and which meets certain regulations set by a National aviation authority restricting weight and performance...
, a category that was designated in 2004. These aircraft are larger and faster than U.S. ultralightsUltralight aviationThe term "ultralight aviation" refers to light-weight, 1- or 2-person airplanes., also called microlight aircraft in the UK, India and New Zealand...
, and carry more fuel and often one passenger. The ultralightUltralight aircraft (United States)Ultralight aircraft in the United States are much smaller and lighter than ultralight aircraft in all other countries.In the USA ultralights are classified as vehicles and not aircraft and are thus not required to be registered or for the pilot to have a pilot licence or certificate.- US definition...
category of aircraft in the U.S. requires no specific training and no certification. Unlike all other pilot categories, medical certification is not required.
- Night rating, enables the private pilot to fly at night. A total of 5 hours night flying (including at least 3 hours of dual instructions), 1 hour cross country navigation, 5 solo flights and 5 full stop landings are required to gain this rating.
- The pilot can add various ratings as they wish.
See also
- Pilot certification in the United StatesPilot certification in the United StatesPilot certification in the United States is required for an individual to act as a pilot of an aircraft. It is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration , a branch of the Department of Transportation...
- Pilot licensing in CanadaPilot licensing in CanadaPilot licensing in Canada is administered by Transport Canada under the Aeronautics Act and the Canadian Aviation Regulations .Other than when flying a hang glider or paraglider, a person may only operate a Canadian-registered aircraft or act as a flight crew member in Canada with a licence or...
- Pilot licensing in the United KingdomPilot licensing in the United KingdomPilot licensing in the United Kingdom is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority under the auspices of the Joint Aviation Authorities and European Aviation Safety Agency. Each member nation in the EU has responsibility for regulating their own pilot licensing...
- Cross-country flyingCross-country flyingCross-Country flying is a type of distance flying which is performed in a powered aircraft on legs over a given distance and in operations between two points using navigational techniques; and an unpowered aircraft by using upcurrents to gain altitude for extended flying time...
- Joint Aviation AuthoritiesJoint Aviation AuthoritiesThe Joint Aviation Authorities, or JAA, was an associated body of the ECAC representing the civil aviation regulatory authorities of a number of European States who had agreed to co-operate in developing and implementing common safety regulatory standards and procedures...