Pilot Licensing in the United Kingdom

                        


Pilot Licensing in the United Kingdom is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under the auspices of the European Aviation Safety Agency. Each member nation in the EU has responsibility for regulating their own Pilot Licensing. The principal reference for flight crew Licensing in the UK is CAP804[1] which is published by the CAA on paper and online.

Contents   

1 Levels of Licence 
1.1 NPPL
1.2 PPL
1.3 CPL
1.4 ATPL
2 Licence currency
3 Licensing by Aircraft 
3.1 Type and Class ratings
4 Other ratings and qualifications 
4.1 Instrument qualifications in the UK
4.2 Transition to EASA Licence


                                 
Levels of Licence

The UK currently grants several levels of Licence:
UK National Private Pilot Licence (NPPL)
UK Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
EASA Part-FCL Light Aircraft Pilot Licence (LAPL)
EASA Part-FCL Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
EASA Part-FCL Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
EASA Part-FCL Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)

The Licence held by a Pilot confers privileges on the sort of flying they may carry out—broadly, whether or not they may receive remuneration for doing so—and are independent of any Aircraft type, or class, ratings included in the holder's Licence and other ratings required for flying under specified conditions.

Currently British glider Pilots do not require a CAA-granted Licence. Regulation of gliding is through the British Gliding Association and its affiliated clubs. However from April 2015 they will require a CAA issued LAPL( S) (or the international Sailplane Pilots Licence - SPL) to fly EASA registered sailplanes. The UK NPPL has close links with the gliding community and a gliding Licence can be converted.
NPPL

The UK National Private Pilot Licence is a restricted form of the PPL introduced in 2002 for recreational Pilots. It has a less stringent medical requirement than the EASA-FCL PPL and a reduced flying syllabus.

The NPPL is administered by the National Pilots Licensing Group under supervision of the CAA. It is granted in two forms:
NPPL (SSEA/SLMG) for Simple Single Engined Aircraft and Self-Launching Motor Gliders
NPPL (Microlight and Powered Parachute)

The NPPL is a sub-ICAO Licence meaning the holder is limited to operating only UK-registered Aircraft and it cannot be used outside of the UK without permission from the regulatory authority of any foreign jurisdiction whose airspace the holder intends to operate into. The holder, when operating under the privileges of the NPPL, is furthermore restricted to operations in accordance with the VFR. The NPPL is more restricting in respect of additional Aircraft ratings which may be added compared with an EASAFCL PPL.
PPL


                                            
Licensing

The Private Pilot Licence confers on the holder a privilege to act as the Pilot in command of certain kinds of Aircraft. The holder may not operate for valuable consideration, i.e. any form of reward, either financial or in kind. However, subject to national restrictions governing the soliciting of passengers to be carried on board an Aircraft operated by a PPL holder, and in addition to several other requirements, a PPL holder may carry passengers who make a pro-rata remunerative contribution toward the direct cost of the Aircraft operating costs (NB: the Pilot's contribution must be no less than a pro-rata share).

A Flying Instructor rating may be included, subject to requirements under EASA-FCL being satisfied, in an EASA-FCL PPL provided the applicant has successfully completed a number of additional examinations. Such a person giving instruction in flying training may be remunerated.

Applicants for a Private Pilot Licence must be at least 17 years old, hold a valid EASA Part-MED Class 2 Medical Certificate, and have met the specified practical and theoretical training requirements laid down in EASA-FCL. This presently includes nine written theory examinations, completing at least 45 hours' flying training, including ten hours' solo flying, five hours' solo 'cross-country' flying and at least one solo flight of not fewer than 150 nautical miles with full-stop landings at two or more different aerodromes other than the aerodrome of departure.
CPL

The Commercial Pilot Licence allows the holder to act as the Pilot in command of an Aircraft for valuable consideration in single Pilot operations. It also permits the holder to act as a co-Pilot of a multi-crew Aircraft for which they are qualified: subject to their (i) holding a valid certificate of Multi-Crew Cooperation, (ii) having successfully completed an approved ATPL Theoretical Knowledge Course together with 14 ATPL theoretical examinations, (iii) having a valid Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine Class Rating.

Applicants for a Commercial Pilot Licence must be at least 18 years old, hold a valid EASA Part-FCL Class 1 Medical Certificate, have met the specified practical and theoretical training requirements laid down in EASA Part-FCL: including at least 200 hours' flying time (150 hours for applicants who have completed an approved course of aeroplanes) including 100 hours' flying experience acting as the Pilot in command (abbreviated to 70 hours for applicants who have completed an approved course of aeroplanes), 20 hours' 'cross-country' flying experience with at least one solo flight of not fewer than 300 nautical miles with full-stop landings at two or more different aerodromes, 10 hours' instrument instruction of which no more than 5 may be instrument ground time and 5 hours of night instruction including 5 take-offs and landings if the privileges are to be exercised at night.
ATPL

In addition to the privileges of the CPL, the holder of an Airline Transport Pilot Licence may act as the commander of a multi-crew Aircraft under IFR. An applicant for an ATPL must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid class 1 medical certificate, a type rating for a multi crew Aircraft and have completed the required theoretical and flight training and have at least 1,500 hours of flight time. Where a simulator is permitted, no more than 100 hours (of which 25 may be in basic instrument training devices) may be credited towards the issue of the Licence. Of the 1,500 hours, the applicant is to have completed 250 hours as PIC of which 150 may be PICUS (Pilot In Command Under Supervision), 200 hours cross country of which 100 must be as PIC or PICUS, 75 hours instrument time of which not more than 30 may be Instrument Ground Time, 100 hours night flight as PIC or Co-Pilot and 500 hours in multi-Pilot operations in aeroplanes with a maximum take-off weight of at least 5700 kg.

Licence currency
                                      
TYPE AND CLASS RATINGS

EASA Licenses do not expire. EASA Licenses have been issued in the UK from 17 September 2012.
Licensing by Aircraft

EASA Part-FCL Licences are issued for a particular category of Aircraft:
Aeroplanes (A) - including motor-gliders, but not gliders
Helicopters (H)

UK Licences are issued for:
Gyroplanes (G)
Balloons and Airships (BA)

The abbreviations are combined with the Licence level held, for example a Commercial Pilot Licence for Balloons and Airships can be written as CPL(BA).

Type and Class Ratings

A Licence will contain one or more ratings. These are sub-qualifications that specify in more detail the exact privileges that the Licence conveys. One type of rating is an Aircraft rating. This specifies the type or types of Aircraft which can be flown, and is either a Class rating, when a whole broad class of Aircraft can be flown, or a Type rating where the privileges are confined to a single type or group of very closely related types.

The very basic Aircraft rating usually obtained by PPL(A) holders at their initial skills test is the Single Engine Piston Landplane (SEP-land) Class Rating. This allows flight of single-piston-engined, non-turbocharged, fixed-pitch propeller, fixed tricycle gear, non-pressurised land aeroplanes (with a few exceptions).

SEP class rating holders may optionally extend the privileges of this rating to cover complex features by taking formal differences training from a suitably qualified instructor. There are five categories of difference: tailwheel Aircraft, retractable undercarriage, variable-pitch propeller, turbocharged engine and cabin pressurisation. There is no formal test for any difference training; the training is signed off as satisfactorily completed in the Pilot's logbook by the instructor conducting the training.

Other class ratings include Multi Engine Piston (MEP) landplane, Single and Multi engined piston Seaplane, and Touring Motor Gliders. To add these to their Licence a Pilot has to undergo a course of training and pass an additional skills test. Differences training is also required for certain complex features within these class ratings.

Aircraft ratings are type-specific for turbine (turboprop & jet) Aircraft and for a few other very complex types. To obtain one of these a Pilot must undergo specific training and pass a skills test.

It is also possible to obtain permission from the CAA to fly an Aircraft not covered by any type or class rating.
Other ratings and qualifications
                                   
                        
ADDITIONAL RATINGS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Additional ratings and qualifications may be included in a Licence to extend the Pilot's operating privileges.

The Night Rating may be included in an EASA Part-FCL Pilot Licence. The rating is, subject to the relevant conditions made under EASA Part-FCL being satisfied, included in the holder's Licence without a Skill Test being required. Additionally, there is no requirement made which requires retesting of the holder of a Night Rating.

The Night Rating privileges are to, subject to regulations enforced in and by jurisdictions other than the United Kingdom, operate in Visual Meteorological Conditions at night. (UK Air Navigation Order 2009, Schedule 7 refers.) 'Night' for the purpose of this section is defined under the UK Air Navigation Order 2009 Art. 255(1) as:
"'Night' means the time from half an hour after sunset until half an hour before sunrise (both times inclusive), sunset and sunrise being determined at surface level".

Flight Instructor and Examiner ratings extend the holder's privileges to act, respectively, as an instructor and to act as an examiner for proficiency checks and, or, skill tests. These ratings both exist in a variety of forms whose domains, or ranges of privileges, are for specified Aircraft operations.
Instrument qualifications in the UK

Unless a Pilot holds a current instrument qualification they must remain in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) at all times. The exact definition of VMC varies in the different classes of airspace, but they prescribe a certain inflight visibility and distance to be kept away from cloud, and may require the Pilot to remain in sight of the surface.

When meteorological conditions are worse than the VMC minima, Instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) are said to exist. The training for the full Instrument Rating is very stringent and costly. Because of this, the UK CAA also issues the IR (Restricted) Rating, which is a limited form of instrument rating which is a lot simpler to obtain. This was known as the (IMC) rating. It allows flight in IMC but only in certain classes of airspace and with restrictions on conditions for take-off and landing. This is a national rating, meaning it is not ordinarily recognised outside of the UK. It had previously been agreed that Pilots who already held the rating before April 2014 would be allowed to use it indefinitely within the UK and to transfer it to a new EASA Private Pilot’s Licence as an Instrument Rating (Restricted). EASA proposed in October 2013 that the UK should be able to issue new restricted instrument ratings for UK Pilots until April 2019.[2]

The full Instrument Rating can also be added onto an EASA Licence. This allows flight in instrument meteorological conditions in all classes of airspace, provided the Aircraft is capable of the conditions encountered. In particular, an IR is required to act as a Pilot on a scheduled flight.
Transition to EASA Licences

JAR Pilot Licences will transition to be based on EASA regulations between September 2012 and September 2017. The same levels of Licence listed above will apply and most procedures remain unchanged with the exception that the NPPL will become a European-wide Licence named the LAPL (was Leisure now Light Aircraft Pilot Licence). The UK CAA has published their interpretation of how these changes will affect Pilots.[3] EASA has published an explanation of Basic Regulation 216/2008 w[4]

Pilot Licensing in Canada

                                   

Pilot Licensing in Canada

Pilot licensing in Canada is administered by Transport Canada under the Aeronautics Act and the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).
A Bell 212 crew from Alpine Helicopters scrambles on a medevac mission. Both the Aircraft Captain (left) and the CoPilot in this case are holders of the Airline Transport Pilot Licence - Helicopter.
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 permit issued by Transport Canada.

Canada is the second largest population of Licenced Pilots in the world.
Contents  
1 Overview 
1.1 Ratings
2 Permits and Licences 
2.1 Student Pilot permit
2.2 Gyroplane Pilot permit
2.3 Ultra-light Pilot permit
2.4 Recreational Pilot permit—aeroplane
2.5 Recreational Pilot permit—Helicopter
2.6 Glider Pilot Licence
2.7 Balloon Pilot Licence
2.8 Private Pilot Licence—aeroplane
2.9 Private Pilot Licence—Helicopter
2.10 Commercial Pilot Licence—aeroplane
2.11 Commercial Pilot Licence—Helicopter
2.12 Airline transport Pilot Licence—aeroplane
2.13 Airline transport Pilot Licence—Helicopter
2.14 Flight engineer Licence
3 Ratings 
3.1 Aeroplane class ratings
3.2 Aircraft type ratings
3.3 Night rating
3.4 VFR-Over-the-Top rating
3.5 Instrument rating
3.6 Second officer rating
3.7 Passenger-carrying—ultra-light aeroplane rating
3.8 Aerobatic rating
3.9 Flight instructor ratings
4 Foreign Licence conversion

Overview

A Licence is issued by Transport Canada in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Licence Standards And Recommended Practices (SARPs). A Licence can be used to fly domestically as well as internationally, while a permit does not comply with ICAO standards and therefore can only be used within Canada, unless accepted by another country.[3] In April 1920 the first Commercial Commercial Pilot license in Canada was issued to Roland Groome.[4]

Pilots with Licences from foreign countries that are ICAO contracting states may apply to Transport Canada for a validation of their foreign Licence. This allows them to fly Canadian registered Aircraft in Canada. A foreign Licence may be used to fly an Aircraft registered in the same state as the Licence while in Canada.[5]

The term Licence in Canada is equivalent to the term certificate in the United States. The term Licence is also used in the United Kingdom. Under the ICAO they are all legally equivalent.

                                 
Permit and Licences

The most common type of Canadian Licence is the private Pilot Licence—aeroplane, which is used to fly light, single-engine general Aviation Aircraft privately and recreationally. At the end of 2008 there were 27,138 aeroplane and 596 Helicopter private Pilot Licences in force in Canada. The rarest Licence or permit in Canada is the gyroplane Pilot permit, with only 29 in force at the end of 2008.[1]
Ratings

Every permit and Licence has one or more ratings. A rating is a Transport Canada endorsement that grants additional special privileges. For example, a night rating allows a Pilot to fly at night.[6]

Each Aircraft model requires different knowledge and skill to fly. For example, a single engine general Aviation Aircraft's design and operation is fundamentally different from a gyroplane. Type ratings allow a Pilot to fly a specific Aircraft model. The CARs use the term type instead of model.[6]

Some Aircraft are covered by a blanket type rating which is applicable to a grouping of Aircraft types. For example, the aeroplanes blanket type rating covers all non-high performance, single engine aeroplanes that have a minimum Flight crew requirement of one Pilot. Examples of this type of Aircraft are the Cessna 172 and the Piper Cherokee. These are considered similar enough that specific ratings are not required for each type.[6]

Other Aircraft types are covered only by individual type ratings that apply to a single specific model of Aircraft. For example, all Helicopters are significantly different that each one requires an individual type rating. A person with a private Pilot Licence—Helicopter with a rating for the Bell 407 Helicopter may fly only that type of Helicopter. The specific privileges and requirements for each rating are detailed in the CARs.[6]

Other than Aircraft type ratings there are ratings that allow instrument flying, night flying, VFR over-the-top, ultra-light passenger carrying and other Pilot privileges.[6]
Permits and Licences
Student Pilot permit

Before receiving a permit a student Pilot may only practice dual instruction with an instructor. With a permit, a student Pilot may fly solo under the supervision of a Flight instructor and for purposes of Flight training only. Only domestic day flying under visual Flight rules (VFR) is allowed under this permit and no passengers may be carried.[7]

A student Pilot permit is required for each Aircraft category which a person is training for and is available for the following Aircraft categories:[8]
aeroplane
Balloon
Glider
Gyroplane
Helicopter
Ultra-light aeroplane

In order to attain a student Pilot permit, a student must sit and pass the PSTAR examination.
Gyroplane Pilot permit

The gyroplane Pilot permit allows the holder to fly a gyroplane. Until endorsed with other ratings, only domestic day flying under VFR is allowed under this permit.[9]

The gyroplane Pilot permit is endorsed with a blanket type rating for all single seat gyroplanes. There is no blanket type rating for two-seat gyroplanes and a type rating is required for each specific model of two-seat gyroplane.
Ultra-light Pilot permit

 The holder of a Canadian ultra-light Pilot permit prepares to fly a Blue Yonder Twin Engine EZ Flyer.

The ultra-light Pilot permit allows the holder to fly an ultra-light Aircraft in accordance with day VFR. A passenger may not be carried without a passenger carrying endorsement.

The ultra-light Pilot permit is endorsed with a blanket type rating for all models of ultra-light aeroplanes. Transport Canada defines two general categories of ultra-light aeroplane. The operating and Flight rules for basic ultra-light aeroplanes (BULA) does not allow any passenger carrying. The advanced ultra-light aeroplane (AULA) has stricter design requirements and includes passenger carrying if the Pilot has an ultra-light Pilot permit endorsed with the Passenger-carrying—ultra-light aeroplane rating. Holders of this permit may also fly certified or homebuilt aeroplanes that meet the weight and stall speed requirements of an ultra-light aeroplane.

Aircraft other than aeroplanes also fall under the general classification of ultra-light, in particular powered parachutes and powered paragliders. In such cases, the ultra-light Pilot permit is restricted to the type used by the student for training and qualification.

Ultra-light aeroplanes are often equipped with floats, amphibious floats or designed as a seaplane, however, there is no seaplane rating for the ultra-light Pilot permit. Any ultra-light Pilot may operate on water within the regulations of the CARs and the capabilities of the ultra-light aeroplane used.
Recreational Pilot permit—aeroplane

The recreational Pilot permit—aeroplane is designed to make flying more affordable. It has fewer requirements with respect to training and affords more restrictive privileges compared to the private Pilot Licence—aeroplane.[13]

This permit allows a person to fly as Pilot of an aeroplane. Either the landplane or seaplane aeroplane class rating is included, depending on which type of aeroplane is used in the training for this permit and the appropriate rating is issued with the recreational Pilot permit—aeroplane.[14] This permit can be endorsed with either the seaplane or landplane class rating.[13] Only domestic day flying in a single engine, non-high-performance aeroplane under VFR is allowed. This permit is restricted to single engine aeroplanes designed for a maximum of four people, but with only one passenger.[13]

A Pilot with this permit may also act as Pilot of an ultra-light aeroplane.[13]
Recreational Pilot permit—Helicopter

The recreational Pilot permit—Helicopter was intended to make flying more accessible. It was to have fewer requirements with respect to training and would have afforded more restrictive privileges as compared to the private Pilot Licence—Helicopter.[15]

Due to concerns within Transport Canada about the safety of a 25 hour permit to fly Helicopters, the standards to establish this permit were never instituted and the permit is therefore not currently available.[16] Transport Canada has indicated a desire to rescind this permit from the CARs.[citation needed]
Glider Pilot Licence

 A Canadian glider Pilot is ground briefed prior to solo in a Schweizer SGS 1-34 sailplane

The glider Pilot Licence allows the holder to fly as Pilot of a glider, under day VFR.[17][18]

The glider Pilot Licence is endorsed, in the student's Flight log, by a Flight test examiner or Flight instructor for the type of launch method used during training. The Licence is only valid for those methods of launch for which the glider Pilot has been endorsed.[17]

Once a glider Pilot has completed a minimum of 3 solo Flights using a particular launch method, they may then carry passengers, but only for those launch methods for which they have been endorsed and have completed the 3 solo Flights.[17]
Balloon Pilot Licence

The balloon Pilot Licence allows the holder to act as Pilot co-Pilot of a balloon. Only day flying under VFR is allowed, unless a night rating is added.[19][20]

The balloon Pilot Licence is endorsed, in the student's Flight log, by a Flight test examiner or Flight instructor for the type of inflation method used during training.[19]

Once a balloon Pilot has completed a minimum of 3 solo take-offs, accumulated a minimum of 50 hours Flight time in untethered balloons and 300 hours total balloon Flight time, his Licence may then be further endorsed for take-offs in built-up areas.[19]
Private Pilot Licence—aeroplane

 A Canadian private Pilot


The private Pilot Licence—aeroplane allows the holder to fly as Pilot or co-Pilot of an aeroplane. This is the most commonly held Licence in Canada and is generally the first Licence earned by the aspiring professional Pilot. Generally, the landplane aeroplane class rating is included in the training for this Licence and this rating is issued with the private Pilot Licence—aeroplane. Only day flying of a single engine non-high-performance aeroplane in accordance with VFR is allowed, unless other ratings have been earned.[21][22]

A Pilot with this Licence cannot work for "hire or reward", although reimbursement for some costs is permitted.[23]

A Pilot with this Licence may also act as a Pilot of an ultra-light aeroplane.[21]

The following endorsements can be added:
Landplane rating
Seaplane rating
Multi-engine rating
Multi-engine centre line thrust rating
Night rating
VFR-Over-the-Top rating
Instrument rating
Private Pilot Licence—Helicopter

The private Pilot Licence—Helicopter Licence allows the holder to fly as Pilot or co-Pilot of a Helicopter. Only day flying under VFR is allowed until other ratings are added.[24][25]

There is no blanket type rating for Helicopter Aircraft types and a type rating must be earned for each type of Helicopter. A Helicopter type rating for the specific Helicopter used during training is issued with the private Pilot Licence—Helicopter.[25]

A Pilot with this Licence cannot work for hire, although reimbursement for some costs is permitted.[23]



                                          Ratings

The following endorsements can be added:
Individual type rating for each model of Helicopter
Night rating
VFR-Over-the-Top rating
Instrument rating
Commercial Pilot Licence—aeroplane

The Commercial Pilot Licence—aeroplane Licence allows the holder to fly professionally as Pilot of a single Pilot aeroplane, or as coPilot on a multi-crew aeroplane.[26][27]

The Commercial Pilot Licence—aeroplane includes more advanced Piloting knowledge, skill and experience than the private Pilot Licence—aeroplane. A private Pilot Licence—aeroplane is a prerequisite to earning a Commercial Pilot Licence—aeroplane. A Commercial Pilot Licence—aeroplane is in turn a prerequisite to earning an airline transport Pilot Licence—aeroplane or any class of Flight instructor—aeroplane rating. The privileges of the ultra-light Pilot permit, private Pilot Licence—aeroplane, and VFR-Over-the-Top rating and night flying are included in this Licence.[26][27]

The following endorsements can be added:
Landplane rating
Seaplane rating
Multi-engine rating
Multi-engine centre line thrust rating
Instrument rating
Second officer rating
Flight instructor rating
Commercial Pilot Licence—Helicopter

The Commercial Pilot Licence—Helicopter Licence allows the holder to fly professionally as Pilot of a single Pilot Helicopter or as coPilot of a multi-crew Helicopter.[28][29]

The Commercial Pilot Licence—Helicopter involves more advanced Piloting knowledge, skill and experience than the private Pilot Licence—Helicopter. A private Pilot Licence—Helicopter is not a prerequisite to earning a Commercial Pilot Licence—Helicopter, however, the requirements for knowledge and experience are greater. A Commercial Pilot Licence—Helicopter is a prerequisite to earning an airline transport Pilot Licence—Helicopter or any class of Flight instructor—Helicopter rating. The privileges of the private Pilot Licence—Helicopter are included in this Licence.[28][29]

The Commercial Pilot Licence—Helicopter is restricted to daylight unless endorsed for night flying. The CARs provide for a number of significant options for credit in terms of knowledge and experience for Pilots with previous experience flying with other permits and licenses.[29]

The following endorsements can be added:
Night
Instrument rating
Flight instructor rating
Airline transport Pilot Licence—aeroplane

The airline transport Pilot Licence—aeroplane allows the holder to fly professionally as Pilot or co-Pilot of a single Pilot or multi-crew aeroplane. This Licence is required in order to be a professional airline Captain.[30][31]

The airline transport Pilot Licence—aeroplane involves more advanced Piloting knowledge, skill and experience than the Commercial Pilot Licence—aeroplane. A Commercial Pilot Licence—aeroplane, multi-engine rating and a Group 1 instrument rating are prerequisites for the airline transport Pilot Licence—aeroplane. The privileges of the ultra-light Pilot permit, private Pilot Licence—aeroplane and Commercial Pilot Licence—aeroplane are included.[30][31]

The following endorsements can be added:
Second officer rating
Flight instructor rating
Airline transport Pilot Licence—Helicopter

 A Canadian Pilot who holds an Airline Transport Pilot Licence - Helicopter, flying a Bell 212 on a medevac mission.

The airline transport Pilot Licence—Helicopter allows a Pilot to fly professionally as Pilot or co-Pilot of single Pilot or multi-crew Helicopters.[32][33]

The airline transport Pilot Licence—Helicopter involves more advanced Piloting knowledge, skill and experience than the Commercial Pilot Licence—Helicopter. A Commercial Pilot Licence—Helicopter is a prerequisite to the airline transport Pilot Licence—Helicopter. The privileges of the private Pilot Licence—Helicopter and Commercial Pilot Licence—Helicopter are included.[32][33]

The airline transport Pilot Licence—Helicopter is restricted to aerial work only if the night and instrument Flight time requirements are not met. This means that the Licence is restricted to Commercial flying that does not include air transport (transportation of Commercial passengers) nor Flight training.[32]

The following endorsement can be added:
Flight instructor rating
Flight engineer Licence

Some airliners are flown by a third crew member in addition to the Pilot and co-Pilot, a Flight engineer. The Flight engineer is responsible for monitoring Aircraft systems in Flight and for inspecting the Aircraft before and after each Flight. The Boeing 747-300 is an example of an airliner that employs a Flight engineer. Recent airliners from manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus are designed for a two Pilot crew with Flight management functions previously the responsibility of a Flight engineer now handled by automation. Many older airliners flying require a Flight engineer.[34][35]

The Flight engineer Licence allows the holder to be an aeroplane Flight engineer. Generally, this will be on a large transport Aircraft. Being a Pilot is not a prerequisite to earning a Flight engineer Licence, though many Flight engineers do hold a Commercial Pilot Licence—aeroplane or airline transport Pilot Licence.[34][35]

There is no blanket Aircraft type rating associated with the Flight engineer Licence. The Licence must be endorsed with an individual type rating for each aeroplane type. When issued the Flight engineer rating for the aeroplane type used by a person for training is issued.[34]

The following endorsements can be added:
Flight engineer rating
Ratings
Aeroplane class ratings
Further information: Class rating

Aeroplane class ratings are specific to fixed-wing Aircraft. These include:[36][37]
Seaplane rating
Landplane rating
Multi-engine rating
Multi-engine centre line thrust rating
Aircraft type ratings

Aeroplane Licences may be endorsed with individual Aircraft types or with blanket ratings for groups of Aircraft, for instance "All aeroplanes with a minimum Flight crew requirement of one Pilot excluding high performance".[38][39]

Other blanket type ratings available for the respective Licence or permit include:[39]
Gliders
Balloons
Ultra-light aeroplanes
Gyroplanes

Individual Aircraft type ratings required for the respective Licence or permit include:[39]
Each aeroplane with a minimum Flight crew requirement of at least two Pilots
Each aeroplane with a minimum Flight crew requirement of at least two Pilots utilizing a cruise relief Pilot
Each high performance Aeroplane type to be endorsed on a Pilot Licence - aeroplane category
Each aeroplane type to be endorsed on a Flight engineer Licence
Each aeroplane type to be endorsed on a second officer rating
Each aeroplane type to be endorsed on a Licence for which no blanket type rating is issued
Each type of Helicopter
Each type of power driven balloon or airship
Each type of gyroplane other than single seat gyroplanes
Restricted Licence - Individual Aircraft type ratings for certain medically restricted Licences
Night rating

The night rating allows a Pilot to fly in VMC and navigate in visual reference to the ground, at night. This is different from instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) where the Pilot flies and maintains situational awareness strictly by using instruments and avionics.

The night rating is available only for the following permits and Licences:
Gyroplane Pilot permit
Balloon Pilot Licence
Private Pilot Licence—aeroplane
Private Pilot Licence—Helicopter

For the Commercial and airline Pilot Licences (aeroplane) it is expected that the night rating will have already been earned. If not, a restricted Licence may be issued for day flying only.[27]
VFR-Over-the-Top rating

The VFR-Over-the-Top (VFR OTT) rating allows the holder to fly above and between cloud, without visual reference to the ground under visual Flight rules during the daytime. Pilots are required to takeoff from an aerodrome in normal VMC and VFR and land at the destination aerodrome under VFR. The cruise Flight in between may be flown under VFR OTT Flight rules.i[43]

This rating is an intermediate step between Piloting privileges that allow only for VFR flying and an instrument rating. This rating is included in the privileges of an instrument rating, as well as the Commercial Licence.i

The VFR OTT rating is available for the following Licences:i
Private Pilot—aeroplane
Private Pilot—Helicopter
Commercial Pilot—Helicopter
Airline transport Pilot—Helicopter
Instrument rating

The instrument rating allows a Pilot to fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), for example when cloud layers obscure the Pilot's view of the ground. An instrument-rated Pilot is able to fly and maintain situational awareness strictly by using instruments and avionics. This rating is one of the more complex ratings and is a major step toward earning more advanced Licences such as an airline transport Pilot Licence—aeroplane. It can be added to any aeroplane or Helicopter Licence and is a requirement for the issue of an Airline Transport Pilot Licence - Aeroplanes.[44][45]

The rating may only be exercised for Aircraft in the group endorsed. An instrument rating is often combined with other ratings to form a set of Piloting privileges. For example, the multi-engine rating is required in addition to an instrument rating to fly a multi-engined Aircraft under instrument Flight rules.

VFR-Over-the-Top privileges are included in an instrument rating.i

The requirements for an instrument rating are the same for both a private Pilot Licence—aeroplane and a private Pilot Licence—Helicopter. Helicopters certified for IFR operations are generally complex multi-crew and multi-engine Aircraft, so a Helicopter instrument rating is generally issued in conjunction with other ratings.

Transport Canada issues distinct instrument ratings for each of the following four groups of Aircraft types dependent upon the nature of the training for the instrument rating and the associated Flight test.[45]
Group 1 for multi-engine aeroplanes
Group 2 for multi-engine centre line thrust aeroplanes
Group 3 for single engine aeroplanes
Group 4 for Helicopters
Second officer rating

The second officer rating can be added to the professional aeroplane Licences to allow the holder to act as second officer on a multi-crew Aircraft. By itself the rating does not confer Piloting privileges.[46][47]

The second officer rating is available only for the following Licences:[46]
Commercial Pilot Licence—aeroplane
Airline transport Pilot Licence—aeroplane
Passenger-carrying—ultra-light aeroplane rating

Transport Canada defines two general types of ultra-light aeroplane, basic ultra-light aeroplanes are not allowed to carry passengers, while advanced ultra-light aeroplanes are allowed to carry one passenger, if the Pilot has an ultra-light Pilot permit endorsed with this rating.[48][49]

The passenger-carrying—ultra-light aeroplane rating applies only to the ultra-light Pilot permit. Pilots with a recreational Pilot permit—aeroplane and higher aeroplane Licences are allowed to carry passengers in an Aircraft that is authorized for passenger-carrying.
Aerobatic rating

There is no aerobatic rating for Pilots to carry out Aerobatics in Canada, although there are ratings for instructors to teach students aerobatics on aeroplanes and gliders.[6]
Flight instructor ratings

 A Canadian aeroplane Flight instructor (left) and her student, with the Cessna 172 they have just completed a lesson in.

The following Flight instructor ratings are available to be added to the applicable Licence or permit:[51]
Aeroplane instructor rating - Class 1, 2, 3 or 4
Aeroplane aerobatic instructor rating - Class 1 or 2
Helicopter instructor rating - Class 1, 2, 3 or 4
Gyroplane instructor rating
Glider instructor rating
Glider aerobatic instructor rating
Balloon instructor rating
Ultra-light Aeroplane instructor rating
                                  
Foreign Licence conversion

As of 1 December 2006 Canadian Pilots who hold certain Pilot Licences are able to convert those Licences into FAA Certificates with greater ease than in the past. Similarly, American Pilots who hold certain Pilot certificates are able to convert those certificates into Canadian Licences.

Questionnaires::

1) Any other brief words on 
a)CHECKRIDE.

As a Pilot candidate, you should be aware that the FAA or TC Transport Canada  Publishes charts for each stage of Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations. As you prepare for your checkride, you have practiced with various publications not only for training alone, but also for Flight Planning and the Departure, Enroute, Approach, and Taxiing phases of Flight. 
                            
b)Computarised Aerounatics Knowledge Test 
Every Pilot in Canada for Certificate you will be required by the TC Transport Canada  to take and pass a Knowledge  Test along with taking and passing an oral and Practical (Flight) Test. This guide covers the process for the Knowledge Test.

2) What is called PSTAR Examination.

The PSTAR, originally standing for Pre-Solo Test of Air Regulations but now called Student Pilot Permit too  is a written examination that a student studying for their Private Pilot Licence in Canada must pass before being awarded their Student Pilot Permit. All students must achieve a pass mark of 90% before commencing their first solo Flight.

The exam is a multiple choice test of 50 questions covering the areas of;

Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)
Air traffic control Clearances and Instructions
Air traffic control procedures as they apply to the control of VFR traffic at 
controlled airports
Air traffic procedures at uncontrolled airports and aerodromes
Special VFR Regulations
Aeronautical Information Circulars
NOTAM (Notice to Airmen)

The exam is administered by authorized flight training centres across Canada, or by Transport Canada regional offices.

3) The term VMC and IFR.

Visual Meteorological Conditions ( VMC) an Aviation Flight category in which Visual Flight Rules (VFR) Flight is permitted.

Instrument Flight Rating [ IFR ] referred to as IFR, is a highly technical aspect of flying. A Pilot without IFR endorsements and certification is not legally allowed 
to Fly in IFR conditions. 

Pilot Certification in the USA

                           
  

Pilot Certification in the United States is typically required for an individual to act as a Pilot of an Aircraft. It is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a branch of the Department of Transportation (DOT). A Pilot is Certified under the Authority of Parts 61 or (if Training was conducted by an FAA-approved school) 141 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, also known as the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs).

An FAA-issued Pilot Certificate is evidence that an individual is duly Authorized to exercise Piloting privileges. The Pilot Certificate is one of several kinds of Airman Certificates issued by the FAA.

Contents   

1 General structure of Certification
2 Pilot Training 
2.1 Knowledge tests
2.2 Practical tests
2.3 Becoming a professional Pilot
3 Pilot Certificates 
3.1 Student Pilot
3.2 Sport Pilot
3.3 Recreational Pilot
3.4 Private Pilot
3.5 Commercial Pilot
3.6 Airline transport Pilot
4.Other Certificates and ratings
5.Medical Certification and requirements 
5.1 Third class
5.2 Second class
5.3 First class
5.4 Special issuance
5.5 Restrictions
6 Non-Pilot Certifications

                           
General Structure of Certification

A Pilot is Certified to fly Aircraft at one or more named privilege levels and, at each privilege level, rated to fly Aircraft of specific categories. Privilege levels of Pilot Certificates are, in order of increasing privilege:[1]
Student Pilot: an individual who is learning to fly under the tutelage of a Flight instructor and who is permitted to fly alone under specific, limited circumstances
Sport Pilot: an individual who is Authorized to fly only Light-sport Aircraft
Recreational Pilot: an individual who may fly Aircraft of up to 180 horsepower (130 kW) and 4 seats in the daytime for pleasure only
Private Pilot: an individual who may fly for pleasure or personal business, generally without accepting compensation
Commercial Pilot: an individual who may, with some restrictions, fly for compensation or hire
Airline Transport Pilot (often called ATP): an individual Authorized to act as Pilot for a scheduled Airline. (First Officers that fly under 14CFR 121 are required to hold an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate as of August 1, 2013.)

Categories of Aircraft for which a Pilot may be rated are:[1][2]
Aircraft
Rotorcraft
Glider
Lighter than Air
Powered lift
Powered parachute
Weight-shift-control

Most Aircraft categories are further broken down into classes. If a category is so divided, a Pilot must hold a class rating to operate an Aircraft in that class:[1]
The Aircraft category is divided into single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea, and multi-engine sea classes
The Rotorcraft category is divided into helicopter and gyroplane classes
The Lighter-than-Air category is divided into Airship and balloon classes
The Powered parachute category is divided into powered parachute land and powered parachute sea
The Weight-shift-control category is divided into weight-shift-control land and weight-shift-control sea

A student Pilot Certificate does not list category or class ratings but is instead endorsed by a Flight instructor to confer privileges in specific makes and models of Aircraft.

A type rating is required in a specific make and model of Aircraft if the Aircraft weighs more than 12,500 lb (5,700 kg) at takeoff or is powered by one or more turbojet engines. The Boeing 747, Beechcraft Super King Air 350, and the Hawker Hunter are examples of Aircraft that require type ratings.[1]

In order to be able to operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), a Pilot can separately add an instrument rating to a Private or Commercial Certificate. An Airline Transport Pilot implicitly holds an instrument rating, and so the instrument rating does not appear on an ATP Certificate. Instrument ratings are issued discretely for Aircraft and Powered Lift categories and the Helicopter class.[1] Glider and Airship Pilots may operate under Instrument Flight Rules under certain circumstances as well.[3] An individual may hold only one Pilot Certificate at one time; that Certificate may Authorize multiple privilege levels distinguished by Aircraft category, class or type. For example, an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate holder may be permitted to exercise ATP privileges when flying multi-engine land Aircrafts, but only Commercial Pilot privileges when flying single-engine land Aircrafts and gliders. Similarly a Commercial Pilot holder with a glider rating may have only Private Pilot privileges for single-engine land Aircrafts.

The FAA may impose limitations on a Pilot Certificate if, during Training or the practical test, the Pilot does not demonstrate all skills necessary to exercise all privileges of a privilege level, category, class or type rating. For example, a holder of a DC-3 type rating who does not demonstrate instrument flying skills during the practical test would be assigned a limitation reading, "DC-3 (VFR Only)".

To obtain a Certificate or add a rating, a Pilot usually has to undergo a course of Training with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) under 14CFR61 or enroll at an approved course at a 14CFR141 approved Flight school. The applicant must accumulate and log specific aeronautical experience, and pass a three-part examination: a knowledge test (a computerized multiple-choice test, typically called the "written test"), an oral test, and a practical test carried out by either an FAA inspector or a Designated Pilot Examiner.

Another form of Authorization is an endorsement from a Flight instructor that establishes that the Certificate holder has received Training in specific skill areas that do not warrant a full test, such as the ability to fly a tailwheel-equipped, high-performance, complex, or pressurized Aircraft.

Pilot Certificates other than student Pilot Certificates do not expire, although they may be suspended or revoked by the FAA.[4] However, a Pilot must maintain currency — recent Flight experience that is relevant to the Flight being undertaken. To remain current, every Pilot has to undergo a Flight review with an instructor every 24 calendar months unless he gains a new Pilot Certificate or rating in that time or satisfies the Flight review requirement using an alternate approved means. For most types of Certificate, he must also undergo a medical examination at intervals ranging from six months to five years, depending on the Pilot's age and desired Flight privileges. Other currency requirements apply to the carriage of passengers or to Flight under instrument Flight rules (IFR).
                  
                                  
Pilot CertificatE AND RATING

A medical Certificate is not necessary to fly a glider, balloon, or light-sport Aircraft. An ultralight Aircraft may be Piloted without a Pilot Certificate or a medical Certificate.

In addition to Pilot Certificates, the FAA issues separate Airman Certificates for Flight Engineers, Flight Instructors, Ground Instructors, Aircraft Dispatchers, Mechanics, RepAirmen, Parachute Riggers, Control Tower Operators, Flight Navigators, and Flight Attendants.[5]
Pilot Training[edit]

Most Pilots in the U.S. undergo Flight Training as private individuals with a Flight instructor, who may be employed by a Flight school. Those who have decided on Aviation as a career often begin with an undergraduate Aviation-based education. Some Pilots are trained in the armed forces, and are issued with civilian Certificates based on their military record. Others are trained directly by Airlines. The Pilot may choose to be trained under Part 61 or Part 141 of the FARs. Part 141 requires that a Certified Flight school provide an approved, structured course of Training, which includes a specified number of hours of ground Training (for example, 35 hours for Private Pilot in an Aircraft). Part 61 sets out a list of knowledge and experience requirements, and is more suitable for students who cannot commit to a structured plan, or for Training from freelance instructors.


Knowledge tests


Most Pilot Certificates and ratings require the applicant to pass a knowledge test, also called the written test. The knowledge test results are valid for a period of 2 years, and are usually a prerequisite for practical tests. Resources available to prepare for the knowledge test may be obtained from Pilot supply stores or vendors. The exceptions where a knowledge exam is not required for a practical test are for some add-on ratings after the initial license, such as a powered Aircraft Pilot adding an additional category rating at the same license level.[6]

In order to take knowledge tests for all Pilot Certificates and ratings, the applicant must have a sign-off from a ground or Flight instructor. These are usually given by an instructor who has taught a ground school course, provided ground instruction or reviewed the applicant's self-study preparations.

Under certain circumstances, sign-offs are not required for certain Flight Instructor or Airline Transport Pilot knowledge tests.
Practical tests 

All Pilots Certificates and ratings require a practical test, usually called a "check ride". For each practical test, the FAA has published a Practical Test Standards document which is expected to be used by the applicant to prepare, by the Flight instructor to teach and evaluate readiness for the exam, and by the examiner to conduct the exam. A practical test is administered by an FAA Inspector or an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. The check-ride is divided into two parts: the oral exam followed by a Flight test in the Aircraft. Upon successful completion of the practical test, the examiner will issue a temporary Airman Certificate with the new license or rating.

In order to take practical tests for all Pilot Certificates and ratings (except Airline Transport Pilot), the applicant must have proper logbook endorsements from their Flight instructor.

Becoming a professional Pilot

In Aviation, a Pilot's level of income and experience are closely related. There are multiple ways to gain the experience to be hired by a scheduled Air carrier. Air carriers generally require that the Pilots they hire have hours of experience far in excess of the legal minimum. Effective August 1, 2013, all Airline Pilots must have An Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP) or an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate with restricted Privileges (ATP-r). An ATP allows a Pilot to act as the Captain or First Officer of an Airline Flight and requires 1,500 hours of Total Flight time as well as other requirements (i.e. 25 hours of night, 23 years old). see 14CFR61.159. An ATP-r Certificate allows a Pilot to act as a First Officer in a two Pilot crew if they don't meet certain requirements. For example the total Flight time requirement is reduced to as little as 750 hours and the age requirement is reduced to 21. see 14CFR61.160.


Experience is often gained using these common methods:

Military Training (because of increased retention efforts by the military services and reduced numbers of active Pilots, this is no longer a major source of Pilots entering civilian careers),
Independent Training followed by becoming a part- or full-time instructor.
A college-level Aviation program, in which a bachelor's degree (commonly in Aviation Science or a related field) is conferred upon the completion of both Flight and classroom coursework. Frequently, upperclassmen are employed as Flight instructors for other students.
Banner towing, traffic reporting, sky diver Pilot, fire patrol, pipeline patrol, aerial photography, glider towing, or other "odd jobs" in Aviation are fAirly low-paying and require only the legal minimum experience. Reaching the regulatory 1,200 hour Flight time minimum to act as Pilot-in-command under part 135 on-demand operations is a common means of gaining experience in line operations, weather flying, etc., leading to passenger Airline jobs.

Pilot Certificates 

The FAA offers a progression of Pilot Certificates or licenses. Each license has varying experience and knowledge requirements and has varying privileges and limitations.
Student Pilot 

A student Pilot Certificate is issued by an Aviation medical examiner (AME) at the time of the student’s first medical examination. For operations not requiring a medical Certificate a student Pilot Certificate can be issued by an FAA inspector or an FAA-designated Pilot examiner. The student Pilot Certificate is only required when exercising solo Flight privileges. The student Certificate is valid until the last day of the month either 24 months (older than 40) or 60 months (younger than 40) after it was issued.[7] Once a student has accrued sufficient Training and experience, a CFI can endorse the student's Certificate to Authorize limited solo Flight in a specific type (make and model). Additional endorsements must be logged for specific Airports that a student will operate at while solo.

There is no minimum aeronautical knowledge or experience requirement for the issuance of a student Pilot Certificate other than the medical requirements for the class of medical Certificate (see below) the student Certificate is based upon. There are, however, minimum aeronautical knowledge and experience requirements for student Pilots to solo, including:[8]

Solo requirements:

Be at least 16 years of age (14 for glider or balloon)
Read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
Demonstrate satisfactory aeronautical knowledge on a knowledge test, including knowledge of the following areas: 
Airspace rules and procedures for the Airport where the solo Flight will be performed
Flight characteristics and operational limitations for the make and model of Aircraft to be flown
Receive and log Flight Training for the maneuvers and procedures appropriate to the make and model of Aircraft to be flown, including: 
PreFlight preparation
Taxiing or surface operations, including run-ups
Takeoffs and landings, including normal and cross-wind
Straight and level Flight, and turns in both directions
Climbs and climbing turns
Airport traffic patterns, including entry and departure procedures
Collision avoidance, wind shear avoidance, and wake turbulence avoidance
Descents, with and without turns, using high and low drag configurations
Flight at various Airspeeds from cruise to slow Flight
Stall entries from various Flight attitudes and power combinations with recovery initiated at the first indication of a stall, and recovery from a full stall
Emergency procedures and equipment malfunctions
Ground reference maneuvers
Approaches to a landing area with simulated engine malfunctions
Slips to a landing
Go-arounds

Limitations while Flying Solo:

May not carry passengers
May not fly for hire or in furtherance of a business.
May not fly in other than VMC or above clouds when visual reference cannot be made to the surface.
May not fly in contrary to limitations placed in logbook by instructor.
Sport Pilot[edit]

The Sport Pilot Certificate was created in September 2004 after years of work by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). The intent of the new rule was to lower the barriers of entry into Aviation and make flying more affordable and accessible.

The new rule also created the Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) category of Aircraft which are smaller, lower-powered Aircraft. The sport Pilot Certificate offers limited privileges mainly for recreational use. It is the only powered Aircraft Certificate that does not require a medical Certificate; a valid vehicle driver's license can be used as proof of medical competence provided the prospective Pilot was not rejected for their last Airman Medical Certificate.

Before a trainee can start the solo phase of Flight Training, a Student Sport Pilot Certificate must be issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These may be obtained from an FAA Flight Standards District Office or FAA Designated Pilot Examiner.

To qualify for the Sport Pilot Certificate, an applicant must:[9]
Be at least 16 years of age (14 for glider or balloon)
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
5 hours must be solo Flight
Fly one solo cross-country Flight over a total distance of 75 or more nautical miles to two different destinations to a full-stop landing. At least one leg of this cross-country must be over a total distance of at least 25 nautical miles (46 km).
Have received 2 hours of dual instruction in the preceding 60 days, in preparation for the Practical Test
Pass a Knowledge (written) test
Pass a Practical (oral and Flight) test
Have a valid US State drivers license or a current 3rd class or higher Airman Medical Certificate

The above requirements are for heavier-than-Air powered Aircraft (Aircrafts). The requirements for gliders, balloons, helicopters, and dirigibles vary slightly.

Sport Pilots are only eligible to fly Aircraft that are either Certified specifically as light-sport Aircraft (LSA) or were Certified prior to the LSA regulations and are within the maximum weight and performance limitations of light-sport Aircraft.

The restrictions placed on a Pilot exercising the privileges of a Sport Pilot Certificate are:
No more than one passenger
Daytime Flight only (civil twilight is used to define day/night)
Maximum Takeoff Weight of 1320 lbs,[10] compared to 12,500 lb (5,700 kg) of the Private Pilot Certificate or the Recreational Pilot Certificate.
No Flight above 10,000 feet (3,000 m) MSL or 2,000 feet (610 m) AGL, whichever is higher (this automatically excludes Flight in Class A Airspace)
No Flight in any of the Airspace classes that require radio communication (B, C, or D) without first obtaining additional instruction and instructor endorsement

The Sport Pilot Certificate is also ineligible for additional ratings (such as an Instrument rating), although time in light-sport Aircraft can be used towards the experience requirement of other ratings on higher Certificate types.
Recreational Pilot[edit]

The recreational Pilot Certificate requires less Training and offers fewer privileges than the private Pilot Certificate. It was originally created for flying small single-engine planes but has since been largely replaced by the Sport Pilot Certificate. According to AOPA, in 2009 about only 0.04% of Certificated Pilots in the US hold a recreational license.[11]
 Eligibility requirements:
Be at least 17 years old
Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language
Pass a required knowledge test
Pass a required oral and practical Flight test administered by a FAA designated examiner
Hold either a student or sport Pilot Certificate.[12]
Meet the following experience requirements: 
30 hours of Flight time (15 hours of Flight Training, 3 hours of solo time, 2 hours of cross country > 25NM)[13]

Limitations and restrictions:
May not carry more than one passenger
May not fly to an Airport further than 50 nmi from the departure point without an instructor endorsement to the specific Airport.
May not fly in Class B, C, D Airspace or to any controlled Airport without an instructor endorsement to the specific Airport.
May not fly an Aircraft that has more than four seats, more than one engine, more than 180HP, retractable landing gear or between sunset and sunrise.
If Pilot has logged less than 400 hours and has not acted as Pilot in command within 180 days, a Flight review is required.
May not fly above 10,000 ft MSL or 2,000 ft AGL (whichever is higher)[14]
Private Pilot[edit]

The private Pilot Certificate is the Certificate held by the majority of active Pilots. It allows command of any Aircraft (subject to appropriate ratings) for any non-commercial purpose, and gives almost unlimited Authority to fly under visual Flight rules (VFR). Passengers may be carried and Flight in furtherance of a business is permitted; however, a private Pilot may not be compensated in any way for services as a Pilot, although passengers can pay a pro rata share of Flight expenses, such as fuel or rental costs. Private Pilots may also operate charity Flights, subject to certain restrictions, and may participate in similar activities, such as Angel Flight, Civil Air Patrol and many others.

The requirements to obtain a private Pilot Certificate for "Aircraft, single-engine, land", or ASEL, (which is the most common Certificate) are:[15]
Be at least 17 years old (14 years old for glider or balloon rating)
Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language
Obtain at least a third class medical Certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (except for glider or balloon)
Pass a computerized aeronautical knowledge test
Accumulate and log a specified amount of Training and experience, including the following: 
If Training under Part 61, Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) section 61.109, requires at least 40 hours of Flight time, including 20 hours of Flight with an instructor and 10 hours of solo Flight (i.e., by yourself), and other requirements including cross-country Flight, which include 
Solo requirements: 
5 hours of solo cross-country time
One solo cross-country Flight of at least 150 nmi (280 km) total distance, with full-stop landings at a minimum of three points and with one segment of the Flight consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nmi (93 km) between the takeoff and landing locations
Three solo takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an Airport with an operating control tower.
Night requirements: 
3 hours of night Flight Training
One cross-country Flight of over 100 nautical miles (190 km) total distance
10 takeoffs and 10 landings to a full stop (with each landing involving a Flight in the traffic pattern) at an Airport
3 hours of Flight Training on the control and maneuvering solely by reference to instruments
3 hours of Flight Training for cross country Flights
3 hours of Flight Training with an Authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test, which must have been performed within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test
If Training under Part 141, at least 40 hours of Piloting time including 20 hours with an instructor and 5 hours of solo Flight, and other requirements including cross-country and night Flights
Pass an oral test and Flight test administered by an FAA inspector, FAA-designated examiner, or Authorized check instructor
Commercial Pilot[edit]

A commercial Pilot may be compensated for flying. Training for the Certificate focuses on a better understanding of Aircraft systems and a higher standard of Airmanship.[16] The commercial Certificate 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 nautical miles (93 km) when flying for hire.[17]

A commercial Aircraft Pilot must be able to operate a complex Aircraft, as a specific number of hours of complex (or turbine-powered) Aircraft time are among the prerequisites, and at least a portion of the practical examination is performed in a complex Aircraft.

The requirements are:
Be at least 18 years of age
Hold a private Pilot Certificate
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
Accumulate and log a specified amount of Training and experience; the following are part of the Aircraft single-engine land class rating requirements: 
If Training under Part 61, at least 250 hours of Piloting time including 20 hours of Training with an instructor and 10 hours of solo Flight, and other requirements including several "cross-country" Flights, i.e. more than 50 nautical miles (93 km) from the departure Airport (which include Day VFR and Night VFR 100 nmi (190 km) between points, with a time of at least 2hrs; also one cross country which is done solo 250 nmi (460 km) one way, 300 nmi (560 km) total distance with landings at 3 Airports) and both solo and instructor-accompanied night Flights
If Training under Part 141, at least 190 hours of Training time including 55 hours with an instructor and 10 hours of solo Flight, and other requirements including several cross-country, solo, and night Flights
Pass a 100-question aeronautical knowledge test
Pass an oral test and Flight test administered by an FAA inspector, FAA-designated examiner, or Authorized check instructor

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 (In the case of lighter-than-Air, only a commercial Pilot Certificate is required to teach for that category). To fly for hire, the Pilot must hold a second class medical Certificate, which is valid for 12 months.

Often, the commercial Certificate will reduce the Pilot’s insurance premiums, as it is evidence of Training to a higher safety standard.
Airline transport Pilot[edit]

An Airline transport Pilot (commonly called an "ATP") is tested to the highest level of Piloting ability. The Certificate is a prerequisite for acting as a Flight crew-member in scheduled Airline operations.

The minimum Pilot experience is 1,500 hours of Flight time (1200 for Helicopters), 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.[18]

An Airline Transport Pilot - restricted (ATP-r) is also available for Pilots that do not meet the more rigorous requirements of an ATP. The only hour requirement for the ATP-r is 1,500 total and 200 cross country. The "total time" requirement is reduced to 750 hours for former military Pilots, 1,000 hours for graduates of university bachelors degree programs, or 1,250 for graduates of university associates degree programs. The holder of an ATP-r is limited to only serving as the First Officer in a two Pilot operation. Upon obtaining the requisite age and aeronautical experience, the Pilot is issued an unrestricted ATP without further examination. see 14CFR61.160 (requirements) and 14CFR61.167(privileges and limitations)
Number of active Pilots[edit]

Medical Certification and requirementS
                                
FAA Medical Certificate

All Certified Pilots, with the exception of those with a sport or Recreational Pilot Certificate[21] (or when in command of balloons or gliders, including power assisted gliders), are required to maintain a medical Certification commensurate with the privileges they intend to exercise as Pilot-in-command of an Aircraft.

For sport Pilot Certificate applicants or holders, regulations state that a medical is required if the applicant/Pilot does not hold a valid United States drivers license.

To obtain a medical Certification, Pilots are required to undergo a medical examination from an Aviation Medical Examiner, or AME. The Aviation Medical Examiner performs an examination based upon the class of Certification desired.

Medical Certifications are divided into three classes:

Third class

Third class Certifications require the least involved examinations of all medical Certifications. They are required for those intending to be Pilot-in-command of an Aircraft under the Private or Recreational Pilot Certificates or while exercising solo privileges as a student Pilot. To qualify for a third class medical Certificate, Pilots must meet the following requirements:
Distant vision: 20/40 or better in each eye separately,[22] with or without correction
Near vision: 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction, as measured at a distance of 16 inches (410 mm)
Color vision: Demonstrate the ability to perceive the colors necessary for the safe performance of Airman duties
Hearing: Demonstrate the ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room, using both ears, at a distance of six feet, with their back turned to the examiner, or pass an approved audiometric test
Ear, Nose, and Throat: Exhibit no ear disease or condition manifested by, or that may reasonably be expected to be manifested by, vertigo or a disturbance of speech or equilibrium
Blood Pressure: Under 155/95
Mental Status: No diagnosis of psychosis, bipolar disorder, or severe personality disorders
Substance Dependence: No dependence on alcohol or any pharmacological substance in the previous two years

For Pilots under 40 years of age, third class medical Certificates expire on the last day of the month they were issued, five years from the date of issue. The FAA changed this rule from three to five years on July 24, 2008.[23][24] For all others, they expire on the last day of the month they were issued, two years from the date of issue.

Second clasS

A second class medical is required for those intending to exercise the privileges of the commercial Pilot Certificate. It is possible to obtain a commercial Pilot Certificate while holding a third class medical, but the licensee cannot exercise privileges beyond that of a private Pilot.

To qualify for a second class medical Certificate, Pilots must meet the requirements for the third class Certificate plus:
Distant vision: 20/20 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction
Intermediate vision: 20/40 or better in each eye separately, with or without correction, at age 50 and over, as measured at 32 inches

Second class Certificates are valid until the last day of the month, twelve months after they were issued. The Certificate holder may then only exercise the privileges of a third class medical Certificate.

First clasS

First class Certificates are required for those intending to be Pilot-in-command in an Air carrier operation requiring an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate. Other operations, including those under Part 91, may require a first class medical for insurance purposes, although it is not a federal requirement in such cases.

To qualify for the first class medical Certificate, Pilots must meet the requirements for the third and second class Certificates plus:
Heart Function: Electrocardiogram must show normal heart function once at age 35 and annually for those age 40 and over

For Pilots under 40 years of age, first class medical Certificates expire on the last day of the month they were issued, one year from the date of issue. The FAA introduced this rule on July 24, 2008.[23][24] For all others, they are valid until the last day of the month, six months after they were issued. The Certificate holder may then only exercise the privileges of a second class medical Certificate until the last day of the month, twelve months after the Certificate was issued, thereafter the privileges of a third class medical until the last day of the month, twenty four months after the medical was issued ( FAA $61.23 (d-1-iii) ).

Special issuance

Pilots who do not meet the above requirements may be issued a medical Certificate under a "special issuance." A special issuance is essentially a waiver for a disqualifying condition and are evaluated case-by-case depending on the class of Certificate requested. Minor problems can be overcome by a special issuance from an Aviation Medical Examiner, while others require a special issuance from the FAA directly.
Restrictions

Restrictions may be placed upon a medical Certificate to mitigate any concern for safety. A common restriction for Pilots who require glasses or contacts to meet the required visual acuity standards is that they "MUST WEAR CORRECTIVE LENSES." Color-blind Pilots are typically issued a restriction reading, "NOT VALID FOR NIGHT Flight OR BY COLOR SIGNAL CONTROL." This mitigates the concern that color-blind Pilots may not be able to identify those colors required for the performance of safe Airman duties by preventing situations that are considered potentially unsafe.

For color blind Pilots, in many cases these restrictions can be removed through use of an FAA approved alternative office based color vision test, which if passed, the applicant must continue to retake that same test (or any other passable tests) at every renewal. If the Pilot applicant is unable to pass any of the office based tests, a real world operational test is available. This test consists of a ground based chart reading and signal light test for Third Class (Called the Operational Color Vision Test or OCVT), and in addition to that, a specialized "Medical Flight Test" (MFT) is required for Second and First classes, in which the applicant performs an actual Flight test with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) for the purpose of further demonstrating the ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of Airmen duties. If passed, a "Letter of Evidence" (LoE) from the FAA is issued, which indicates that the Pilot's deficiency is of no concern. This allows the Pilot to receive a medical Certificate with no restrictions at every subsequent renewal.

Non-Pilot Certifications

In addition to Pilot licenses the FAA also issues other Airmen Certificates.
Flight Instructor Certification is separate from Pilot Certification. For every rating on a Flight instructor Certificate, there must already be a corresponding rating on the individual's commercial Pilot Certificate. The applicant must also pass written and Flight skills tests.
Flight Engineer Certifications are applicable to large transportation Aircraft (more than 80,000 lb). Flight Engineer Certificates are further Rated by type of engine they are trained and tested on: Turbojet Powered, Turbopropeller Powered, Reciprocating Engine Powered. Flight Engineers are becoming less common as modern jets move towards two person Flight crews.

Flight Navigators Certificates are still available, but modern technology and the high speed of jets has made the rating obsolete.
Aviation Medical Examiner, Ground Instructor, Parachute rigger, Aircraft Maintenance Technician, RepAirman and Air Traffic Controller are also federally Certified Aviation-related positions. Most of these also have their rating systems. For example, an A&P is a Certified mechanic with both Airframe and powerplant ratings, and a Ground Instructor may be rated to give Basic, Advanced, and/or Instrument Training. Aircraft Inspection Authorization (IA) is an additional privilege conferred on Certificated mechanics who meet specific experience and Training requirements.
An Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate is required for people involved in operational control/dispatch under 14 CFR Part 121 commercial operations. Qualification requirements can be found in FAR 65.53

Pilots do not need FCC licenses to use the radio within the United States (Pilot Certificates double as FCC radio licenses); however, other countries may require that a Pilot have an FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR), and the Aircraft radio station be licensed.

Flight attendants are trained to the level required to earn an FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency. This is not considered to be an Airman Certification.
Avionics Techs. General radiotelephone operator license or (GROL) are Certified by the FCC.