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Basic pilot certificates are: (a) student; (b) sport; (c) recreational;
(d) private; (e) commercial; and (f) airline transport pilot. Examples of other
certificates include (a) flight instructor and (b) ground instructor.
Pilot certificates have associated ratings. All certificates except the
student pilot certificate have at least one aircraft category/class rating
(e.g., Private Pilot with ASEL rating). A type rating is required for any
aircraft over 12,500 lbs MGTOW and/or with a turbojet powerplant. There are also ratings
for operating privileges (e.g., instrument rating.)
An endorsement attests to the completion of ground and/or flight training
required for airman certification testing, or for specific operating privileges. The
endorsements required by 14 CFR Part 61 fall into several broad categories:
- Student Pilots: Because a student pilot certificate has no aircraft
category and class ratings, operating privileges and limitations for solo are conveyed
exclusively through instructor endorsements. Endorsements in this category are usually
limited not just to category and class, but also to a specific make and model.
- Testing for Certificate or Rating: To take a practical test for a
pilot certificate or rating, the applicant must have endorsements attesting to aeronautical
knowledge and flight proficiency (including aeronautical experience and practical test
preparation required in 14 CFR 61.31(a)(6). The flight instructor applicant endorsements
for completing the fundamentals of instruction and spin training also fall into this
category.
- Recurrent Training: To maintain the operating privileges conferred
by a pilot certificate or instrument rating, the pilot must have the appropriate
endorsement for satisfactory completion of required recurrent training (e.g., flight review
or, if needed, instrument proficiency check).
- Aircraft Characteristics: The requirement for a type rating is
limited to large (greater than 12,500 lbs MGTOW) and turbojet-powered aircraft. However,
certain small and piston-powered aircraft have characteristics that require additional
training for safe operation. For example, 14 CFR 61.69 specifies training and experience
required for towing a glider. Specific aircraft training requirements are outlined in
14 CFR 61.31, and instructor endorsements that attest to the satisfactory completion of
this training are the mechanism used to confer the necessary operating privilege.
Endorsements related to aircraft characteristics include those for complex,
high performance, high altitude, tailwheel, and glider ground operations. In addition,
14 CFR 61.31(h) provides for "additional aircraft type-specific training"
in those cases where the Administrator has determined that such training is required.
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