Types of private pilot licenses uk

The ratings include aircraft category, class, and type. Category means a broad classification of aircraft, and 7 aircraft categories exist for pilot certification:.

Class denotes a classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics. For instance, the airplane category includes four classes:. Another example? Aircraft with a maximum gross takeoff weight MGTOW of over 12, Ibs or with a turbojet engine require a type rating. Examples of type ratings include Boeing , Airbus , and Embraer Category, class, and type ratings determine the kind of aircraft you may fly. Most common of which is the instrument rating IR , which requires intensive training.

An instrument rating permits you to conduct flights under instrument flight rules, which means flying by reference to aircraft instruments. Endorsements are logbook entries made by flight instructors indicating the completion of either or both ground and flight training.

The FAA issues different types of pilot licenses, each with its requirements, privileges, and limitations. Start by deciding the type of aircraft you want to fly as different aircraft require different pilot licenses. You should also consider your intended aviation activity. A PPL grants you far more privileges than a sport pilot certificate. Pilot Institute may earn commission from sales that happen when you click on links.

We are a member of the Amazon Affiliate Program. Your email address will not be published. Sign me up for the newsletter! You must be at least 21 years of age to apply. In order to apply for this type of license, you will first likely need to qualify for others that are stepping stones to this point.

For example, you will likely need to obtain a Multi-Purpose Licence first, which serves as an intermediary point between a PPL and this. If you meet that requirement, you will have to take specialized theoretical, skill-related, and flying exams in order to qualify for your ATPL. In addition, you will also have to pass a medical examination.

Table of Contents U. Pilot Licenses U. Pilot Licenses. Related Article:. What is a Sport Pilot Certificate? About the Author Editorial Team. More Like This Flight Training. Flight Training. Sport Pilot is a certificate that allows you to fly a Light Sport Aircraft with a number of limitations. Typically this certificate is ideal for individuals that do not want to go through the hassle of obtaining a medical and only wish to fly for purely recreational purposes.

A Private Pilot Certificate is the go-to for most that are seeking recreational flying. You have far less limitations than the sport pilot license, can fly larger aircraft, and are not limited to just one passenger. In order to acquire further certifications needed for flying as a career, you must start with your private pilot license.

A common misconception is that the Sport Pilot Certificate will be cheaper and faster than the Private Pilot Certificate. In most cases the amount of training and flight time it takes to become proficient enough to obtain the Sport Pilot Certificate is almost the same as the Private Pilot Certificate. The commercial certificate is specifically for career pilots. If you want to fly as a paid service you must have your commercial certificate. This is not the final certificate you will need as an airline pilot, but it does open up other job opportunities to you such as corporate jet, tour guide, crop-duster and other types of flying jobs.

Interested in what types of jobs you can have as a commercial pilot? Check out our blog post about how much pilots can make. This is the goal for most career pilots, and is the certificate with the most requirements. Typically if you are starting from 0 hours, it takes around 2 years to complete your Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. The biggest reason it takes so long is the required hours. There are other ratings that can be obtained and attached to pilot certificates but refer to different categories and classes of aircraft such as helicopters, gyroplanes, gliders, balloons, airships, seaplanes, etc.

Each new class and category require the successful completion of the exam that pertains to that particular course. Unlike the certificates and ratings, endorsements do not require an exam. They do require at least one hour of theoretical training, as well as a minimum of one hour of flight training.

The FAA Endorsements are as follows:. The High-Performance Endorsement permits pilots to fly aircraft with an engine thrust of or more horsepower. To successfully receive this endorsement, one must complete one hour of theoretical training and one hour of flight training.

Training in this type of aircraft consists of one hour of theoretical training and one hour of flight training. This aircraft type carries its two main wheels under the forward section of the aircraft, followed by a small wheel under the tail in the rear. Operating a tailwheel aircraft, as opposed to a tricycle nose landing gear aircraft, is extremely different.

The challenges faced are your basic taxi, take off, and landing, which are executed completely differently than the tricycle gear aircraft. Along with the traditional hour of theory, one must conduct at least five flights to become proficient in a tailwheel aircraft and earn the Tailwheel Endorsement.