Pilot Category and Class

A pilot is certified in a particular category and class of aircraft. The category refers to the general characteristics of the aircraft, while class is more specific within each category. Categories of aircraft include airplane, rotorcraft, glider, and lighter than air. Examples of classes include single engine, multiengine, land, water, gyroplane, helicopter, airship, and free balloon. For example, after completing this course and your flight training, you will be certified as a private pilot.

Your private pilot certificate will show you are authorized to fly aircraft of the airplane category, single engine-land classes.

Glider Towing

In order to tow gliders, a pilot is required to have at least 100 hours pilot time in the category, class, and type of aircraft being used for towing, or 200 hours of pilot time. Additionally, the pilot must have made three flights while towing within the last 24 calendar months. If a pilot has not made these three flights or has not met the 24 month requirement, then the pilot may make three actual or simulated tows with a qualified pilot who gives a logbook endorsement certifying the fulfillments of these requirements.

Pilot Ratings

Pilots seeking additional privileges may add ratings to their pilot certificate. These ratings require additional training, experience, and certification.

An instrument rating is a common rating, which allows the pilot to fly under the instrument flight rules, or IFR. Without an instrument rating, the pilot is limited to flying under visual flight rules, or VFR, which require certain weather minimums.

A pilot may also add a category or class rating to his or her pilot certificate. For example, the addition of a rotorcraft, helicopter category and class rating. It is common for pilots to add multi-engine and water class ratings.

A type rating is a certification for a specific aircraft type, for example a Learjet or a Boeing 757. A type rating is required to fly a large aircraft, which is an aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds, or a turbojet powered aircraft. Additionally, some types of aircraft are specifically determined to require a type rating, due to their performance characteristics or complexity.

Additional Endorsements

Additional training and a flight instructor endorsement is required prior to a pilot being authorized to fly a tail wheel, high performance, high altitude, or complex airplane. A high performance airplane is an airplane having an engine of more than 200 horsepower. High altitude refers to an airplane which is capable of operating above 25,000 feet altitude. A complex airplane is any airplane having retractable landing gear, a controllable pitch propeller, and flaps.

§ 1.1 General definitions.

§ 61.69 Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing: Experience and training requirements.

§ 61.31 Type rating requirements, additional training, and authorization requirements.