Types of Pilot Licenses

What are the Different Types of Pilot Licenses?

There are many different types of pilot licenses (pilot certificates in FAA speak). Each has different requirements, privileges and restrictions.  The first licenses (other than student) the everyone must get is a private pilot certificate. See the step by step instructions on how get a private pilot license.

Student pilot certificate

Technacally this is a type of pilot license, but it is just a license to learn. A student pilot certificate allows you to fly under the supervision of a certified flight instructor (CFI) and learn the basics of flying. You can apply for a student pilot certificate when you are at least 16 years old (or 14 for gliders and balloons) and meet the FAA medical standards. You will need to pass a knowledge test and a practical test to obtain your student pilot certificate, which is valid for 24 or 60 months depending on your age.

Private Pilot Certificate

A private pilot certificate is the most common and versatile type of pilot certificate. It is what most people call a Private Pilot License. It allows you to fly any single-engine or multi-engine aircraft that you are rated for, in any airspace, at any time of the day or night, in any weather conditions, and with any number of passengers. You can also fly for personal or business purposes, as long as you do not receive compensation for your services. You can apply for a private pilot certificate when you are at least 17 years old and meet the medical standards. You will need to complete at least 40 hours of flight training and pass a knowledge test and a practical test to obtain your private pilot certificate, which is valid for 24 or 60 months depending on your age.

Learn more about getting your Pilot Certificate

Private Pilot Certificate Alternatives

Sport Pilot Certificate

A sport pilot certificate is a relatively new option that was introduced in 2004. It allows you to fly light-sport aircraft (LSA) that have a maximum takeoff weight of 1,320 pounds, a maximum speed of 120 knots, and no more than two seats. You can apply for a sport pilot certificate when you are at least 17 years old and meet the medical standards. You will need to complete at least 20 hours of flight training and pass a knowledge test and a practical test to obtain your sport pilot certificate, which has no expiration date.

Recreational Pilot Certificate

A recreational pilot certificate is similar to a sport pilot certificate, but with some additional privileges and limitations. The recreational pilot license is no longer very common. It allows you to fly any single-engine aircraft that has a maximum takeoff weight of 4,000 pounds, a maximum speed of 250 knots, and no more than four seats. However, you can only fly within 50 nautical miles of your departure airport, during the day, in good weather conditions, and with no more than one passenger. You can apply for a recreational pilot certificate when you are at least 17 years old and meet the medical standards. You will need to complete at least 30 hours of flight training and pass a knowledge test and a practical test to obtain your recreational pilot certificate, which has no expiration date.

Commercial Pilot Certificate

A commercial pilot certificate is the next level after a private pilot certificate. It allows you to fly any single-engine or multi-engine aircraft that you are rated for, in any airspace, at any time of the day or night, in any weather conditions, and with any number of passengers. However, unlike a private pilot certificate, it also allows you to receive compensation for your services as a pilot. You can apply for a commercial pilot certificate when you are at least 18 years old and meet the medical standards. You will need to complete at least 250 hours of flight training and pass a knowledge test and a practical test to obtain your commercial pilot certificate, which is valid for 24 or 60 months depending on your age.

Commercial Single-Engine License (CSEL)

Here are the requisite steps to obtain a CSEL:

Total Flight Time: A minimum of 250 hours of flight time as a pilot.

• Including at least 100 hours in powered aircraft, with 50 of those hours in airplanes.
• 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, comprising:
  • 50 hours in airplanes.
  • 50 hours in cross-country flight, with at least 10 of those hours in airplanes.

Training on Areas of Operation: 20 hours of specialized training which includes:

• Ten hours of instrument training using a view-limiting device. Half of this instrument training (5 hours) must be in a single-engine airplane.
• Ten hours of training in an airplane equipped with retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller.
• One 2-hour cross country flight in a single-engine airplane during daytime with a total straight-line distance exceeding 100 nautical miles from the departure point.
• One 2-hour cross country flight in a single-engine airplane during nighttime with a total straight-line distance exceeding 100 nautical miles from the departure point.
• Three hours of preparation for the practical test in a single-engine airplane with an authorized instructor, conducted within the two calendar months preceding the month of the test.

Solo Flight Time or Equivalent: Ten hours of solo flight time in a single-engine airplane or ten hours of flight time while performing the duties of pilot in command with an authorized instructor on board, including:

• One cross-country flight covering a total distance of at least 300 nautical miles, with landings at a minimum of three different points and one segment of the flight being a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the departure point.
• Five hours of night VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings, each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern, at an airport with an operating control tower.

Commercial Multi-Engine License (CMEL)

Here are the requisite steps to obtain a CMEL:

Total Flight Time: A minimum of 250 hours of flight time as a pilot.

• 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes.
• 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, including:
  • 50 hours in airplanes.
  • 50 hours in cross-country flight, with at least 10 of those hours in airplanes.

Training on Areas of Operation: 20 hours of specialized training which includes:

• Ten hours of instrument training using a view-limiting device. This training encompasses attitude instrument flying, partial panel skills, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, and intercepting and tracking navigational systems. Five of the 10 hours required for instrument training must be in a multi-engine airplane.
• Ten hours of training in a multi-engine airplane equipped with retractable landing gear, flaps, and controllable pitch propellers.
• One 2-hour cross country flight in a multi-engine airplane during daytime with a total straight-line distance exceeding 100 nautical miles from the departure point.
• One 2-hour cross country flight in a multi-engine airplane during nighttime with a total straight-line distance exceeding 100 nautical miles from the departure point.
• Three hours of preparation for the practical test in a multi-engine airplane with an authorized instructor, conducted within the two calendar months preceding the month of the test.

Solo Flight Time or Equivalent: Ten hours of solo flight time in a multi-engine airplane or ten hours of flight time while performing the duties of pilot in command with an authorized instructor on board, including:

• One cross-country flight covering a total distance of at least 300 nautical miles, with landings at a minimum of three different points and one segment of the flight being a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the departure point.
• Five hours in night VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings, each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern, at an airport with an operating control tower.

Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate

A flight instructor certificate is a special type of pilot certificate that allows you to teach other pilots how to fly. You can instruct students who are pursuing their student, sport, recreational, private, or commercial pilot certificates, as well as other flight instructors who want to renew their certificates. You can apply for a flight instructor certificate when you have a commercial pilot certificate or an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate and meet the medical standards. You will need to complete an instructor training course and pass a knowledge test and a practical test to obtain your flight instructor certificate, which is valid for 24 months.

Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) Certificate

A Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) Certificate is a certification that allows a commercial pilot to be a flight instructor and also teach advanced students in instrument readings.

Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (MEI) Certificate

A Multi-Engine Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) Certificate is a certification that allows a commercial pilot to be a flight instructor training students on multi-engine aircraft.

 

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate

An airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is the highest level of pilot certification. It allows you to fly any aircraft that requires an ATP rating, such as large jets or turboprops that carry passengers or cargo for hire. You can apply for an ATP certificate when you have a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating and meet the medical standards. You will need to complete at least 1,500 hours of flight experience and pass a knowledge test and a practical test to obtain your ATP certificate, which is valid for 60 months.

Multi-Crew Pilot License (MPL)

An MPL permits a pilot to act as a co-pilot in multi-crew aircraft. To obtain an MPL, applicants must be at least 18, hold a Class 1 medical certificate, and complete theoretical training for an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP). The training comprises at least 240 flying hours, including simulator training. A majority of the flight training can be in a full-motion flight simulator, with a minimum of 40 hours and 12 take-offs and landings in an actual airplane. Additionally, 750 hours of classroom theoretical knowledge instruction is required.

These are the main types of pilot licenses that you can obtain in the United States. Each license has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on your goals and preferences. If you want to learn more about how to become a pilot and what license suits you best, you can visit the FAA website or contact Flex Air Flight School more information.