
There are a total of 4 types of pilot licenses (in US we call them certificates):
- Student Pilot License (SPL)
- Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL), and
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
How many type certificates can a pilot hold?
There is no limit on type ratings to hold at any given time. However, as far as i know EASA does not allow one pilot in commercial operations to use more than two at any given time.
What are the different types of pilot licenses?
Types of Pilot Licenses: From Part-Time Hobby to Lifetime Career and Everything In Between
- Student Pilot License. ...
- Private Pilot License. ...
- Instrument Rating. ...
- Commercial Pilot License. ...
- Commercial Multi-Engine Land. ...
- Airline Transport Pilot License. ...
- Certified Flight Instructor. ...
- Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument. ...
- Multi-Engine Instructor. ...
- Frequently Asked Questions. ...
What does it take to get your private pilot certificate?
To earn a private pilot certificate, a pilot must:
- Be 17 years of age
- Read, speak, write and understand the English language
- Hold a U.S. ...
- Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor
- Meet the aeronautical experience requirements for the aircraft rating sought
- Pass a practical test for the aircraft rating sought
What are the requirements for a private pilot certificate?
You must meet the following prerequisites before you can take the private pilot knowledge test:
- Have an acceptable form of identification
- Be at least 15 years old
- Meet or will meet the age requirements for the private pilot certificate before the expiration date of the airman knowledge test report
- Receive an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that you accomplished the appropriate ground-training or a home-study course
What is a sport pilot certificate?
What is a commercial pilot license?
How many hours do you need to fly commercially?
What is an ATP pilot?
How old do you have to be to be a recreational pilot?
How many hours of training do you need to be a sport pilot?
When will pilot certificates be available for 2020?
See 2 more

What are the 6 types of pilots?
Types of Pilot LicensesStudent Pilot.Sport Pilot.Recreational Pilot.Private Pilot.Commercial Pilot.Airline Transport Pilot.
What are the 3 types of pilot?
6 Different Types of Pilots and Their JobsType #1: Airline Transport Pilots.Type #2: Private Pilots.Type #3: Sport Pilots.Type #4: Recreational Pilots.Type #5: Flight Instructors.Type #6: Commercial Pilots.
How many types of pilot license are there?
Generally speaking, there are 7 major types of pilot licenses, and they are: Student, Sport, Recreational, Private Pilot (PPL), Commercial Pilot (CSEL, CMEL), Airline Transport Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor.
What is a Category 3 pilot?
Generally, first-class is designed for the airline transport pilot; second-class for the commercial pilot; and third-class for the student, recreational and private pilot.
What are the 4 license for pilot?
Student Pilot License (SPL) Private Pilot License (PPL) Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
Which type of pilot has highest salary?
8 high-paying pilot jobsCargo pilot.Flight instructor.Airline transport pilot.Agricultural pilot.Ambulatory pilot.Helicopter pilot.Government service pilot.Military pilot.
Which is best CPL or PPL?
If you intend to fly just for pleasure, a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) is the most suitable option. If you intend to fly for a career, a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) is the most suitable option.
What are the five grades of pilot certificates?
What are the grades of pilot certificates? There are five grades of pilot certificates that are available: student pilot, recreational pilot, private pilot, commercial pilot, and airline transport pilot. What types of certificates can a deaf pilot obtain?
Can a private pilot fly a jet?
A common question is can you fly a jet with a private pilot's license? A private pilot's license won't certify you to fly jets. In almost all situations you'll also need an instrument rating, commercial license, multi-engine rating, and a type rating for the type of jet you'll be flying.
What disqualifies you from being a pilot?
These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.
Can you be a pilot with ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ), formerly called Attention Deficit Disorder ( ADD ), and medications used for treatment may result in cognitive deficits that would make an airman unsafe to perform pilot duties.
Can you be a pilot with glasses?
The answer is YES – you can wear glasses and be an airline pilot! Perfect uncorrected vision is not a requirement to be a pilot or an air traffic controller. Glasses, contact lenses and refractive surgery are all (with certain limitations) acceptable ways to correct visual acuity problems.
Which type of pilot is the best?
The airline transport pilot (ATP) is the most advanced pilot certificate one can obtain, and it's necessary for those who want to fly commercial airliners for a living. All commercial airlines now require a pilot applicant to have an ATP certificate.
What is pilot profession called?
These professionals are also considered as aviators because they are involved in operating the aircraft's navigation systems. In the aviation industry, an airline pilot is someone who operates aircraft to transport passengers or goods from one location to another.
What must I study to become a pilot?
The Private Pilot's Licence (PPL) requires Radio licence exams and seven exams comprising of: Aviation Meteorology; Flight Performance and Planning; General Navigation; Aircraft General; Principles of Flight (Aerodynamics); Human Performance and Limitations; Air Law; and to complete, a practical flight test.
Who is a private pilot?
A private pilot is a certified aviation specialist with a private pilot certificate that allows them to fly an aircraft legally. Private pilots receive training on small aircraft operation, navigation, aircraft maneuvers, cross-country flight planning and emergency procedures.
A Breakdown of the 7 Different Types of U.S. Pilot Certificates
This article explains each of the 7 major types of pilot certificates that you can earn in the United States, and which is suitable for you.
IACRA - Federal Aviation Administration
Paperwork Reduction Act. A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection of information displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.
eCFR :: 14 CFR Part 61 -- Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors ...
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the official legal print publication containing the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government. The Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) is a continuously updated online version of the CFR. It is not an official legal edition of the CFR.
Form FAA 8610-2 - AIRMAN CERTIFICATE & / OR RATING APPLICATION
Number FAA 8610-2 Title AIRMAN CERTIFICATE & / OR RATING APPLICATION Edition Date February 01, 1985 Orientation Portrait Responsible Office
Light Sport Aircraft - AOPA
Light Sport Aircraft. Currently certificated aircraft that can be flown exercising sport pilot privileges: Aircraft Type
What is a commercial pilot certificate?
The commercial pilot certificate allows a pilot to be paid for their flying services. Since there are separate regulations for scheduled flights, commercial pilots must also abide by any additional federal aviation regulations pertaining to commercial flying operations.
What is a sport pilot?
A sport pilot is the easiest and least restrictive certificate a student can obtain. It’s meant for those pilots who wish to fly in light aircraft only, at low altitudes in their local area. Sport pilot certificates can be earned in one of multiple categories: Airplane, powered parachute, glider, rotorcraft and lighter-than-air.
What is the purpose of a flight instructor certificate?
The flight instructor certificate allows pilots to share their knowledge of flight with others while gaining necessary experience to move on to an airline.
What is an ATP certificate?
The airline transport pilot (ATP) is the most advanced pilot certificate one can obtain, and it’s necessary for those who want to fly commercial airliners for a living. All commercial airlines now require a pilot applicant to have an ATP certificate. To become eligible for an ATP certificate, a pilot must have logged at least 1,500 hours, be at least 23 years old, and A restricted ATP with lower requirements is available for some pilots, like military pilots and students graduating from approved universities.
How many hours of training do you need to be a recreational pilot?
The recreational pilot certificate requires at least 30 hours of logged flight time, including 15 hours of dual instruction. Recreational pilots are limited to flights less than 50 nautical miles from their departure airport, can only fly during the day and must stay out of controlled airports (class B, C and D airspace).
What is the next step for a pilot?
For those that want to gain hours or go into a career as a pilot, a flight instructor certificate is the next step for many. Although some pilots bypass the flight instructor certificate, many choose to instruct as a way to build experience while getting paid to fly.
How many passengers can a sport pilot fly?
Sport pilots are limited to just one passen ger, and are prohibited from flying at night, above 10,000 feet, or in Class B, C or D airspace.
What is a student pilot certificate?
A student pilot is defined as an individual who is learning to fly under a flight instructor and who is permitted to fly alone under limited circumstances, however they don’t need one in order to start training.
What is a private pilot license?
If a student pilot license is the “learning permit” of the sky, a private pilot license is the “driver’s license”. A private pilot license allows you to fly in most airplanes (some additional instrument rating tests may be required for more advanced aircraft) alone or with other people, almost anywhere inside the U.S., as well as outside the country (as long as regulations of that country are followed). However, there are restrictions; for example, you may not receive compensation for flying or fly in certain weather conditions.
What is inflight training?
Inflight is a leading pilot training company serving the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. With a reputable training program and extensive roster of highly skilled, certified flight instructors, it’s our goal to help you achieve the certification you want. From private pilot certificates to airline transport pilot certificates and everything in between, we can help you reach your goals – get in touch with our team of flight instructors to find out more.
What do you need to fly before you can fly?
Before you can get behind the control wheel of a plane, you must first qualify for a pilot certificate (the official term for a pilot’s license). These certificates dictate things such as type of aircraft you’re allowed to fly, when you can fly, how far you can fly and much more. There are seven main types of pilot certificates a pilot can earn in the United States – this article breaks down their individual purposes and requirements so you can pinpoint which one is right for you. Keep reading to find out more!
What is an ATP certificate?
At the tip-top of the certificate scale is the highly desired airline transport pilot ( ATP) certificate. This certification authorizes you to fly for a scheduled airline, a dream of many aspiring pilots. By far the most difficult to obtain, the requirements to become certified are much more in-depth than other certifications on this list.
What is a recreational pilot license?
Introduced in late 2014, a recreational pilot license (RPL) is a relatively new alternative to a private and sport pilot license. It allows pilots to fly light, single-engine aircraft as the pilot in command, independently of a flying school, without supervision. In addition, the pilot can only fly during daytime, must remain within 50 nautical miles (NM) from the origination airport and cannot fly into controlled (A, B C or D) airspace or towered airports. For some farmers or enthusiasts who simply want to go for an airplane ride every so often, the RPL is a good choice, as recreational pilots may fly larger aircraft than sport pilots, but they have more limitations on where they may fly.
How old do you have to be to fly a glider?
Be at least 16 years old. If you plan to pilot a glider or balloon, you must be at least 14 years old.
What are the requirements for a pilot's license?
Most types of pilot licenses in the US share a few common requirements. To start with, obtaining any airman certificate requires you to be able to read , speak , write , and understand the English language. The International Civil Aviation Organization ...
What are the requirements to become a pilot?
Nearly every pilot must meet the following eligibility requirements: Receive proper ground instruction, flight training, and logbook endorsements. Pass the appropriate aeronautical knowledge and practical tests. Other than English proficiency, the aforementioned requirements apply to most types of pilot licenses.
What is ATP CTP?
Complete an Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) for a multiengine rating or when issued concurrently with a type rating
How old do you have to be to fly an airplane?
Be at 17 years is the minimum age for any aircraft. Log a minimum of flight 30 hours. Have either a student or sport pilot certificate. Nearly the same restrictions of the sport pilot certificate apply to the recreational one.
How old do you have to be to get a pilot's license?
Besides the common requirements, getting your sport pilot certificate requires you to be: Be at least 17 years old (or 16 for glider or balloon) Log a minimum of 20 flight hours. Hold a valid US State driver’s license or at least a third-class medical certificate. As a sport pilot, your privileges are limited.
How old do you have to be to become a pilot?
However, you need to be at least 16 years old (or 14 for glider or balloon) for its issuance.
How many hours of flight time do you need to get a commercial pilot license?
You must also log at least 190 or 250 hours of flight time. Again, the number of hours depends on your choice of flight school. The commercial pilot license has very few limitations, and you may further enhance it with an instrument rating (IR) and a multi-engine rating (ME).
What are the different types of pilot licenses?
There are several main classifications for FAA pilot licenses, certificates, and ratings. For instance, the most common are:
What is a student pilot certificate?
A Student Pilot Certificate authorizes you to take flight instruction from a licensed instructor. This is the first step toward earning an actual license. The FAA requires you to meet basic eligibility requirements. Once met, you can obtain a Student Pilot Certificate, which allows you to begin flight training.
How long does it take to earn all of these licenses and ratings?
Training time varies among individuals and flight schools. For instance, factors such as weather, aircraft maintenance, and student aptitude all play a role. We have been training commercial airline pilots at Epic Flight Academy since 1999. Therefore, we can provide reasonable time estimates for training based on our 20+ years of experience. Specifically, our program takes USA student pilots with no experience through all levels of training in approximately 1 year. However, we have had many students complete much more quickly. In fact, some complete in as few as 7 months. International students require less training time. Our students typically complete their ratings in the following time frames:
What is a sport pilot license?
A sport pilot license certificate authorizes you to fly a light sport aircraft without an FAA medical certificate. The FAA requires these pilots to have at least 20 hours of flight experience. Additionally, they must pass a relatively simple test. The Sport Pilot is allowed to fly light-sport aircraft without an FAA medical certificate. However, a sport pilot must hold at least a current and valid U.S. driver’s license. Most surprising, you can earn this certificate in as little as two weeks. To begin training, you must be at least 17 years old and proficient in English.
What is a CPL?
The commercial pilot license (CPL) allows you to be paid for your pilot services. In order to receive your CPL, you will need to meet the following FAA CPL certificate requirements:
What is the FAA?
The FAA is the governing institution that establishes and enforces all aviation rules and regulations. This includes pilots and other aviation careers and industries. There are several main classifications for FAA pilot licenses, certificates, and ratings. For instance, the most common are:
How old do you have to be to be a recreational pilot?
The FAA requires you to be at least 17 years old to obtain this license. Additionally, they require you to pass a written knowledge test and a practical (flight) test. A recreational pilot certificate requires 30 hours of training hours. Furthermore, recreational pilots receive fewer hours of cross-country navigation training. This is because you must always fly within 50 nautical miles of your home base (unless you earn additional endorsements). Recreational pilots are not required to learn to fly in airspace requiring communications with air traffic control (ATC). Additionally, the FAA does not require recreational pilots to receive training to fly at night. Likewise, they are not required to take instrument training. The FAA strictly enforces these limitations for recreational pilots.
What is a sport pilot certificate?
Sport Pilot Certificate. The Sport Pilot certificate came about as part of an effort to introduce more new pilots to aviation and make flying more affordable. The certification issued by the FAA is called “Pilot” and belongs to a category of aircraft known as “light sport.”. Sport Pilot certificates are issued to those who meet medical ...
What is a commercial pilot license?
Pilots with a Commercial license are usually those seeking to make a career in the cockpit. Commercial Pilots are taught to consider their passengers and employers and to demonstrate more precise control of an aircraft than a Private Pilot. Holding a Commercial Pilot certificate requires a second-class medical clearance.
How many hours do you need to fly commercially?
Pilots seeking this certification must have turned 18. The are required to rack up at least 250 flight hours. FAA tests, both written and practical, are also involved.
What is an ATP pilot?
The Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, called the “ATP” in the aviation community. The ATP is the highest certification a pilot can obtain. It is considered the gold standard of American aviation and is required to fly under Part 121 airline operations, as well as most Part 135 charter operations.
How old do you have to be to be a recreational pilot?
They may fly only in good weather and during hours of daylight. Recreational pilots must be at least 17 years of age and pass a practical and written knowledge test. For gliders and balloons, the minimum age is 16.
How many hours of training do you need to be a sport pilot?
Sport Pilot certificates are issued to those who meet medical and FAA Sport Pilot Knowledge examination requirements. Students must also receive twenty hours of total training in a light sport aircraft. Two of the required hours must take place in cross-country training, fifteen hours have to take place with an authorized CFI, and at least five hours should be conducted in solo flight. The cross-country flight should cover at least 75 nautical miles, 25 of which must be in one leg. Candidates must complete ten takeoffs and landings, with the landings coming to a full stop.
When will pilot certificates be available for 2020?
April 20, 2020 Matthew Johnston. New student pilots in the United States are sometimes surprised to learn that they can earn many different types of pilot certificates. Knowing about these certificates and their requirements can help with financial planning, setting goals, and exploring the many options available to them.
