What Are Pilot Certificates?
Pilot certificates are the foundational qualifications that allow someone to legally operate an aircraft. From student pilot to Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), each certificate establishes a pilot’s base level privileges. These certificates are awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) upon successful completion of training and testing.
Certificates are often a starting point in a pilot’s aviation journey. However, they are just one piece of the broader system of qualifications. To unlock more advanced flight capabilities or teach others, pilots add ratings and endorsements to their certificates.
Pilot Ratings: Expanding Privileges and Aircraft Capabilities
Ratings are formal additions to a certificate that allow a pilot to operate under specific conditions or with certain types of aircraft. Unlike endorsements, ratings often require structured training and a checkride. Here are the most common:
- Instrument Rating: The ability to fly solely by reference to instruments and operate under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). This rating improves safety and reliability, especially in poor weather.
- Multi-Engine Rating: Allows the operation of aircraft with more than one engine. It is a critical step for pilots pursuing commercial or airline careers.
- Seaplane Ratings: Enables flight operations on water. It requires only a few hours of focused training and can be added to a Private Pilot License.
- Instructor ratings can also fall under this category:
- CFII (Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument): Authorizes a flight instructor to teach instrument flying.
- MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor): Allows CFIs to instruct students to multi-engine aircraft, a valuable asset for those looking to advance in aviation instruction or airline hiring.
Each rating enhances a pilot’s skill set and unlocks new career opportunities.
Pilots Endorsements: Specialized Training for Unique Aircraft and Operations
Endorsements are instructor-authorized sign-offs that allow pilots to conduct specific types of operations or fly certain aircraft. These don’t require a checkride, but they must be recorded in the pilot’s logbook and backed by relevant flight and ground instruction.
Common types of endorsements include:
- Tailwheel Endorsement: Necessary for aircraft with a tailwheel configuration. These planes handle differently during takeoff and landing, requiring refined control skills.
- High-Performance Endorsement: Required to operate aircraft with engines producing more than 200 horsepower. Training focuses on power management, emergency procedures, and safety considerations.
- Complex Endorsement: For aircraft with retractable landing gear, flaps, and controllable-pitch propellers. This endorsement involves systems knowledge and hands-on flight training.
- High-Altitude Endorsement: Mandated for flying about 25,000 feet MSL. It includes training in cabin pressurization, hypoxia, and emergency procedures related to flight in the upper atmosphere.
These endorsements enable pilots to access a wider range of aircraft and mission profiles, while also sharpening decision-making and safety skills.