Pilot Certificates & Ratings

Pilot Certification and Requirements for Public Aircraft Operations:

• When operating as a PAO, the operator is required to train and the agency will self−certify pilots as competent to safely operate in the NAS
• For more information and best practices on pilot certification and training within the framework of a PAO, refer to AC 00−1.1, Public Aircraft Operations-Manned and Unmanned

Instructor Certificates:

There are two types of instructor certificates, flight, and ground:

Flight Instructor Ratings:

• The following ratings are placed on a flight instructor certificate when an applicant satisfactorily accomplishes the training and certification requirements for the rating sought:
  • Aircraft category ratings:
    • Airplane
    • Rotorcraft
    • Glider
    • Powered-lift
    • Single-engine
    • Multiengine
    • Helicopter
    • Gyroplane
    • Instrument -- Airplane
    • Instrument -- Helicopter
    • Instrument -- Powered-lift

    Flight instructor limitations and qualifications:

    Hours of training:

    • In any 24-consecutive-hour period, a flight instructor may not conduct more than 8 hours of flight training

    Aircraft Ratings:

    • Except as detailed for instrument ratings, a flight instructor may not conduct flight training in any aircraft unless the flight instructor:
      • Holds a flight instructor certificate with the applicable category and class rating;
      • Holds a pilot certificate with the applicable category and class rating; and
      • Meets the requirements of paragraph (e) of this section, if applicable

      Instrument Rating:

      • A flight instructor may conduct instrument training for the issuance of an instrument rating, a type rating not limited to VFR, or the instrument training required for commercial pilot and airline transport pilot certificates if the following requirements are met:
        • The flight instructor must hold an instrument rating appropriate to the aircraft used for the instrument training on his or her flight instructor certificate, and:
          • Meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section; or
          • Hold a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate with the appropriate category and class ratings for the aircraft in which the instrument training is conducted provided the pilot receiving instrument training holds a pilot certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft in which the instrument training is being conducted

          Endorsement Limitations:

          • A flight instructor may not endorse a:
            • Student pilot's logbook for solo flight privileges, unless that flight instructor has:
              • Given that student the flight training required for solo flight privileges required by this part; and
              • Determined that the student is prepared to conduct the flight safely under known circumstances, subject to any limitations listed in the student's logbook that the instructor considers necessary for the safety of the flight
              • Given that student ground and flight training in that Class B airspace or at that airport; and
              • Determined that the student is proficient to operate the aircraft safely
              • Given that pilot the ground and flight training required by this part; and
              • Determined that the recreational pilot is proficient to operate the aircraft safely

              Training in an aircraft that requires a type rating:

              • A flight instructor may not give flight instruction, including instrument training, in an aircraft that requires the pilot in command to hold a type rating unless the flight instructor holds a type rating for that aircraft on his or her pilot certificate

              Training received in a multiengine airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift:

              • A flight instructor may not give training required for the issuance of a certificate or rating in a multiengine airplane, a helicopter, or a powered-lift unless that flight instructor has at least 5 flight hours of pilot-in-command time in the specific make and model of multiengine airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift, as appropriate

              Position in aircraft and required pilot stations for providing flight training:

              • A flight instructor must perform all training from in an aircraft that complies with the requirements of § 91.109 of this chapter
              • A flight instructor who provides flight training for a pilot certificate or rating issued under this part must provide that flight training in an aircraft that meets the following requirements:
                • The aircraft must have at least two pilot stations and be of the same category, class, and type, if appropriate, that applies to the pilot certificate or rating sought
                • For single-place aircraft, the pre-solo flight training must have been provided in an aircraft that has two pilot stations and is of the same category, class, and type, if appropriate

                Qualifications of the flight instructor for training first-time flight instructor applicants:

                • The ground training provided to an initial applicant for a flight instructor certificate must be given by an authorized instructor who:
                  • Holds a ground or flight instructor certificate with the appropriate rating, has held that certificate for at least 24 calendar months, and has given at least 40 hours of ground training; or
                  • Holds a ground or flight instructor certificate with the appropriate rating, and has given at least 100 hours of ground training in an FAA-approved course
                  • Meet the eligibility requirements prescribed in § 61.183 of this part;
                  • Hold the appropriate flight instructor certificate and rating;
                  • Have held a flight instructor certificate for at least 24 months;
                  • For training in preparation for an airplane, rotorcraft, or powered-lift rating, have given at least 200 hours of flight training as a flight instructor; and
                  • For training in preparation for a glider rating, have given at least 80 hours of flight training as a flight instructor
                  • Meet the requirements of paragraph (h)(2) of this section; or
                  • Have trained and endorsed at least five applicants for a practical test for a pilot certificate, flight instructor certificate, ground instructor certificate, or an additional rating, and at least 80 percent of those applicants passed that test on their first attempt; and:
                    • Given at least 400 hours of flight training as a flight instructor for training in an airplane, a rotorcraft, or for a powered-lift rating; or
                    • Given at least 100 hours of flight training as a flight instructor, for training in a glider rating

                    Prohibition against self-endorsements:

                    • A flight instructor shall not make any self-endorsement for a certificate, rating, flight review, authorization, operating privilege, practical test, or knowledge test that is required by this part

                    Additional qualifications required to give training in Category II or III operations:

                    • A flight instructor may not give training in Category II or Category III operations unless the flight instructor has been trained and tested in Category II or Category III operations, pursuant to § 61.67 or § 61.68 of this part, as applicable

                    Training for night vision goggle operations:

                    • A flight instructor may not conduct training for night vision goggle operations unless the flight instructor:
                      • Has a pilot and flight instructor certificate with the applicable category and class rating for the training;
                      • If appropriate, has a type rating on his or her pilot certificate for the aircraft;
                      • Is pilot in command qualified for night vision goggle operations, in accordance with § 61.31(k);
                      • Has logged 100 night vision goggle operations as the sole manipulator of the controls;
                      • Has logged 20 night vision goggle operations as the sole manipulator of the controls in the category and class, and type of aircraft, if aircraft class and type is appropriate, that the training will be given in;
                      • Is qualified to act as pilot in command in night vision goggle operations under § 61.57(f) or (g); and
                      • Has a logbook endorsement from an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector or a person who is authorized by the FAA to provide that logbook endorsement that states the flight instructor is authorized to perform the night vision goggle pilot in command qualification and recent flight experience requirements under § 61.31(k) and § 61.57(f) and (g)

                      Training on control and maneuvering an aircraft solely by reference to the instruments:

                      • A flight instructor may conduct flight training on control and maneuvering an airplane solely by reference to the flight instruments, provided the flight instructor:
                        • Holds a flight instructor certificate with the applicable category and class rating; or
                        • Holds an instrument rating appropriate to the aircraft used for the training on his or her flight instructor certificate, and holds a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate with the appropriate category and class ratings for the aircraft in which the training is conducted provided the pilot receiving the training holds a pilot certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft in which the training is being conducted

                        Ground Instructor:

                        • Ground instructor certificates come in three variations:
                          • Basic Ground Instructor
                          • Advanced Ground Instructor
                          • Instrument Ground Instructor

                          Basic Ground Instructor:

                          • A person who holds a basic ground instructor rating is authorized to provide:
                            • Ground training in the aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of a sport pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, private pilot certificate, or associated ratings under this part;
                            • Ground training required for a sport pilot, recreational pilot, and private pilot flight review; and
                            • A recommendation for a knowledge test required for the issuance of a sport pilot certificate, recreational pilot certificate, or private pilot certificate under this part

                            Advanced Ground Instructor:

                            • A person who holds an advanced ground instructor rating is authorized to provide:
                              • Ground training on the aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of any certificate or rating under this part except for the aeronautical knowledge areas required for an instrument rating
                              • The ground training required for any flight review except for the training required for an instrument rating
                              • A recommendation for a knowledge test required for the issuance of any certificate or rating under this part except for an instrument rating

                              Instrument Ground Instructor:

                              • A person who holds an instrument ground instructor rating is authorized to provide:
                                • Ground training in the aeronautical knowledge areas required for the issuance of an instrument rating under this part;
                                • Ground training required for an instrument proficiency check; and
                                • A recommendation for a knowledge test required for the issuance of an instrument rating under this part

                                Ground Instructor Eligibility Requirements:

                                • To be eligible for any ground instructor certificate or rating a person must:
                                  • Be at least 18 years of age;
                                  • Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's ground instructor certificate as are necessary;
                                  • Pass a knowledge test on the Fundamentals of Instructing in
                                    • The learning process;
                                    • Elements of effective teaching;
                                    • Student evaluation and testing;
                                    • Course development;
                                    • Lesson planning; and
                                    • Classroom training techniques

                                    Ground Instructor Testing Requirements:

                                    • With exception, see below, pass a knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas in:
                                      • For a basic ground instructor rating 61.97, 61.105, and 61.309;
                                      • For an advanced ground instructor rating 61.97, 61.105, 61.125, 61.155, and 61.309; and
                                      • For an instrument ground instructor rating, 61.65
                                      • Holds a ground instructor certificate or flight instructor certificate issued under part 61;
                                      • Holds a teacher's certificate issued by a State, county, city, or municipality that authorizes the person to teach at an educational level of the 7th grade or higher; or
                                      • Is employed as a teacher at an accredited college or university

                                      Ground Instructor Recency Requirements:

                                      • The holder of a ground instructor certificate may not perform the duties of a ground instructor unless the person can show that one of the following occurred during the preceding 12 calendar months:
                                        • Employment or activity as a ground instructor giving pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor training;
                                        • Employment or activity as a flight instructor giving pilot, flight instructor, or ground instructor ground or flight training;
                                        • Completion of an approved flight instructor refresher course and receipt of a graduation certificate for that course; or
                                        • An endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the person has demonstrated knowledge in the subject areas prescribed under 61.213(a)(3) and (a)(4) [See: Eligibility Requirements], as appropriate

                                        Flight Instructor Certificates:

                                        • The holder of an expired flight instructor certificate who has not complied with the flight instructor renewal requirements of 61.197 may reinstate that flight instructor certificate and ratings by filing a completed and signed application with the FAA and satisfactorily completing one of the following reinstatement requirements:
                                          • A flight instructor certification practical test, as prescribed by 61.183(h), for one of the ratings held on the expired flight instructor certificate
                                          • A flight instructor certification practical test for an additional rating

                                          Flight Instructor Ratings:

                                          • A flight instructor rating or a limited flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate is no longer valid and may not be exchanged for a similar rating or a flight instructor certificate
                                          • The holder of a flight instructor rating or a limited flight instructor rating on a pilot certificate may be issued a flight instructor certificate with the current ratings, but only if the person passes the required knowledge and practical test prescribed in this subpart for the issuance of the current flight instructor certificate and rating

                                          Flight Instructor Refresher Courses:

                                          • For more information, see advisory circular 61-83, Nationally Scheduled, FAA-Approved, Industry-Conducted Flight Instructor Refresher Course

                                          Pilot Certificate Ratings:

                                          The following ratings are placed on a pilot certificate (other than student pilot) when an applicant satisfactorily accomplishes the training and certification requirements for the rating sought:

                                          Aircraft category ratings:

                                          • Airplane
                                          • Rotorcraft
                                          • Glider
                                          • Lighter-than-air
                                          • Powered-lift
                                          • Powered parachute
                                          • Weight-shift-control aircraft

                                          Airplane class ratings:

                                          • Single-engine land
                                          • Multiengine land
                                          • Single-engine sea
                                          • Multiengine sea

                                          Rotorcraft class ratings:

                                          • Helicopter
                                          • Gyroplane

                                          Lighter-than-air class ratings:

                                          Weight-shift-control aircraft class ratings:

                                          • Weight-shift-control aircraft land
                                          • Weight-shift-control aircraft sea

                                          Powered parachute class ratings:

                                          • Powered parachute land
                                          • Powered parachute sea

                                          Aircraft type ratings:

                                          • Large aircraft other than lighter-than-air
                                          • Turbojet-powered airplanes
                                          • Other aircraft type ratings specified by the Administrator through the aircraft type certification procedures
                                          • Second-in-command pilot type rating for aircraft that is certificated for operations with a minimum crew of at least two pilots

                                          Instrument ratings (on private and commercial pilot certificates only):

                                          • Instrument-Airplane
                                          • Instrument-Helicopter
                                          • Instrument-Powered-lift

                                          Instrument Rating Eligibility:

                                          • Hold at least a current private pilot certificate, or be concurrently applying for a private pilot certificate, with an airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift rating appropriate to the instrument rating sought;
                                          • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet any of these requirements due to a medical condition, the Administrator may place such operating limitations on the applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft;
                                          • Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or accomplish a home-study course of training on the aeronautical knowledge areas that apply to the instrument rating sought;
                                            • Receive a logbook or training record endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the person is prepared to take the required knowledge test;
                                            • Receive a logbook or training record endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that the person is prepared to take the required practical test;
                                            • An airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift appropriate to the rating sought; or
                                            • A full flight simulator or a flight training device appropriate to the rating sought and for the specific maneuver or instrument approach procedure performed. If an approved flight training device is used for the practical test, the instrument approach procedures conducted in that flight training device are limited to one precision and one nonprecision approach, provided the flight training device is approved for the procedure performed

                                            Instrument Rating Aeronautical Knowledge:

                                            • A person who applies for an instrument rating must have received and logged ground training from an authorized instructor or accomplished a home-study course on the following aeronautical knowledge areas that apply to the instrument rating sought:
                                              • Federal Aviation Regulations of this chapter that apply to flight operations under IFR;
                                              • Appropriate information that applies to flight operations under IFR in the "Aeronautical Information Manual;"
                                              • Air traffic control system and procedures for instrument flight operations;
                                              • IFR navigation and approaches by use of navigation systems;
                                              • Use of IFR en route and instrument approach procedure charts;
                                              • Procurement and use of aviation weather reports and forecasts and the elements of forecasting weather trends based on that information and personal observation of weather conditions;
                                              • Safe and efficient operation of aircraft under instrument flight rules and conditions;
                                              • Recognition of critical weather situations and windshear avoidance;
                                              • Aeronautical decision making and judgment; and
                                              • Crew resource management, including crew communication and coordination

                                              Instrument Rating Flight Proficiency:

                                              • A person who applies for an instrument rating must receive and log training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft, or in a full flight simulator or flight training device, in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section, that includes the following areas of operation:
                                                • Preflight preparation;
                                                • Preflight procedures;
                                                • Air traffic control clearances and procedures;
                                                • Flight by reference to instruments;
                                                • Navigation systems;
                                                • Instrument approach procedures;
                                                • Emergency operations; and
                                                • Postflight procedures

                                                Instrument Rating Aeronautical Experience:

                                                • Aeronautical experience for the instrument-airplane rating
                                                • Aeronautical experience for the instrument-helicopter rating
                                                • Aeronautical experience for the instrument-powered-lift rating

                                                Instrument Rating Privileges and Limitations:

                                                Pilot Endorsements:

                                                High-Altitude Endorsement:

                                                • The FAA requires a high-altitude endorsement to act as pilot in command of a pressurized airplane with a service ceiling or maximum operating altitude above 25,000 feet
                                                • Note that no rating is required by pilots flying nonpressurized airplanes

                                                Prerequisites for practical tests:

                                                • Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), and (e) of this section, to be eligible for a practical test for a certificate or rating issued under this part, an applicant must:
                                                  • Pass the required knowledge test:
                                                    • Within the 24-calendar-month period preceding the month the applicant completes the practical test, if a knowledge test is required; or
                                                    • Within the 60-calendar month period preceding the month the applicant completes the practical test for those applicants who complete the airline transport pilot certification training program in § 61.156 and pass the knowledge test for an airline transport pilot certificate with a multiengine class rating after July 31, 2014;
                                                    • Has received and logged training time within 2 calendar months preceding the month of application in preparation for the practical test;
                                                    • Is prepared for the required practical test; and
                                                    • Has demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which the applicant was deficient on the airman knowledge test; and
                                                    • As a flightcrew member by a part 119 certificate holder conducting operations under parts 125 or 135 of this chapter at the time of the practical test and has satisfactorily accomplished that operator's approved pilot-in-command training or checking program; or
                                                    • As a flightcrew member by a part 119 certificate holder conducting operations under part 121 of this chapter at the time of the practical test and has satisfactorily accomplished that operator's approved initial training program; or
                                                    • By the U.S. Armed Forces as a flight crewmember in U.S. military air transport operations at the time of the practical test and has completed the pilot in command aircraft qualification training program that is appropriate to the pilot certificate and rating sought
                                                    • As a flightcrew member by a part 119 certificate holder conducting operations under parts 125 or 135 of this chapter at the time of the practical test and has satisfactorily accomplished that operator's approved pilot-in-command training or checking program; or
                                                    • By the U.S. Armed Forces as a flight crewmember in U.S. military air transport operations at the time of the practical test and has completed the pilot in command aircraft qualification training program that is appropriate to the pilot certificate and rating sought
                                                    • If the applicant passed the knowledge test after July 31, 2014, present the graduation certificate for the airline transport pilot certification training program in § 61.156, at the time of application for the practical test;
                                                    • If applying for the practical test under the aeronautical experience requirements of § 61.160(a), the applicant must present the documents required by that section to substantiate eligibility; and
                                                    • If applying for the practical test under the aeronautical experience requirements of § 61.160(b), (c), or (d), the applicant must present an official transcript and certifying document from an institution of higher education that holds a letter of authorization from the Administrator under § 61.169
                                                    • Holds a foreign pilot license issued by a contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation that authorizes at least the privileges of the pilot certificate sought;
                                                    • Is only applying for a type rating; or
                                                    • Is applying for an airline transport pilot certificate or an additional rating to an airline transport pilot certificate in an aircraft that does not require an aircraft type rating practical test

                                                    Certificates and Ratings Information:

                                                    • The FAA provides access to their database for aviators to view and update
                                                    • Begin by creating an account at FAA.gov
                                                    • Once logged in, pilots can update their records, order replacement certificates, verify privileges, and request temporary authorizations

                                                    Airman Compliance:

                                                    • Airman need to respond to any requests for records and self-report as applicable
                                                    • FAA Airmen and Drug- and/or Alcohol-Related Motor Vehicle Action(s)

                                                    Certificate Revocation:

                                                    • You must wait one full year from the date of revocation before you can reapply for a pilot certificate
                                                    • To be issued a new airman certificate following revocation, an individual must retake all tests, whether written, oral, or practical
                                                    • Any experience requirements for the new certificate may be met with flight time obtained before the revocation

                                                    Combined Private/Instrument Test:

                                                    • Applicants for a combined Private Pilot Certificate with Instrument Rating, in accordance with 14 CFR part 61, section 61.65(a) and (g), must pass all areas designated in the Private Pilot for Airplane ACS and the Instrument Rating – Airplane ACS. Evaluators need not duplicate Tasks. For example, only one preflight demonstration would be required; however, the Preflight Task from the Instrument Rating – Airplane ACS would be more extensive than the Preflight Task from the Private Pilot for Airplane ACS to ensure readiness for Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight. Applicants for a combined test must present the applicable test reports
                                                    • A combined certificate and rating evaluation should be treated as one practical test, requiring only one application and resulting in only one temporary certificate, disapproval notice, or letter of discontinuance, as applicable. Failure of any Task will result in a failure of the entire test and application. Therefore, even if the deficient maneuver was instrument related and the performance of all visual flight rules (VFR) Tasks was determined to be satisfactory, the applicant will receive a notice of disapproval

                                                    Private Pilot (Airplane) Pilot Qualifications Airman Certification Standards:

                                                    • Objective: To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with airman and medical certificates including privileges, limitations, currency, and operating as pilot-incommand as a private pilot
                                                    • References: 14 CFR parts 61, 68, 91; AC 68-1; FAA-H-8083-2 (Risk Management Handbook), FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook), FAA-H-8083-25 (Pilot Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge)
                                                    • Lesson Plan: Private Pilot Pilot Qualifications Lesson Plan