Pilot certification in the United States
Pilot certification in the United States is typically required for an individual to act as a pilot-in-command of an aircraft.
The Boeing 747, Beechcraft Super King Air 350, and the Hawker Hunter are examples of aircraft that require type ratings.
The FAA issues instrument ratings separately for airplane and powered lift categories and the helicopter class (INSTA and INSTH).
For example, a holder of a DC-3 type rating who does not demonstrate instrument flying skills during the practical test would be assigned a limitation reading, "DC-3 (VFR Only)".
Another form of authorization is a logbook endorsement from a flight instructor that establishes that the certificate holder has received training in specific skill areas that do not warrant a full test, such as the ability to fly a tailwheel-equipped, high-performance, complex, or pressurized airplane.
For most types of certificate, she or he must also undergo a medical examination at intervals ranging from six months to five years, depending on the pilot's age and desired flight privileges.
Part 61 sets out a list of knowledge and experience requirements, and is more suitable for students who cannot commit to a structured plan, or for training from freelance instructors.
[7] To take knowledge tests for all pilot certificates and ratings, the applicant must have a sign-off from a ground or flight instructor.
Certain circumstances don't require sign-offs for some flight instructor or airline transport pilot knowledge tests.
All pilots certificates and ratings, except sUAS, require a practical test, usually called a check ride.
Upon successful completion of the practical test, the examiner issues a temporary airman certificate with the new license or rating.
Air carriers generally require that the pilots they hire have hours of experience far in excess of the legal minimum.
An ATP-r certificate allows a pilot to act as a first officer in a two-pilot crew if they do not meet certain requirements.
Before a trainee can start the solo phase of flight training, a Student Sport Pilot Certificate must be issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
To qualify for the sport pilot certificate, an applicant must:[12] The above requirements are for heavier-than-air powered aircraft (airplanes).
The private pilot certificate allows command of any aircraft (subject to appropriate ratings) for any non-commercial purpose, and gives almost unlimited authority to fly under visual flight rules (VFR).
[citation needed][28] Otherwise, a commercial pilot can be paid for certain types of operation, such as banner towing, agricultural applications, and photography, and can be paid for instructing if she or he holds a flight instructor certificate (In the case of lighter-than-air, only a commercial pilot certificate is required to teach for that category).
[29] Often, the commercial certificate reduces the pilot's insurance premiums, as it is evidence of training to a higher safety standard.
Other requirements include being 23 years of age, an instrument rating, being able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language, a rigorous written examination, and being of good moral character.
Upon obtaining the requisite age and aeronautical experience, the pilot is issued an unrestricted ATP without further examination.
These minimums were set decades ago, before the era of complex GPS units and an increasingly regulated National Airspace System.
[42][43] According to FAR Part 61.65(d),[38] to be eligible for an Instrument Rating the following aeronautical experience requirements must be met: According to FAR Part 61.129(a),[39] to be eligible for a Commercial Pilot Certificate the following aeronautical experience requirements must be met: According to FAR Part 61.129(a),[39] to be eligible for a Commercial Pilot Certificate, Multi-Engine Rating the following aeronautical experience requirements must be met: According to FAR Part 61.159(a),[40] to be eligible for an Air Transport Pilot Certificate the following aeronautical experience requirements must be met: United States military pilots are issued an Aviator Badge upon completion of flight training and issuance of a pilot's certificate.
[52][53] A pilot who has held a valid Third class or higher medical certificate since 2006 may fly certain aircraft under certain conditions under FAR Part 68 commonly known as BasicMed by having a physician fill out an examination form every 4 years stating that the physician knows of no reason why the pilot shouldn't fly and taking an online test every 24 months.
BasicMed FAQs A second class medical is required for those intending to exercise the privileges of the commercial pilot certificate.
A special issuance is essentially a waiver for a disqualifying condition and are evaluated case-by-case depending on the class of certificate requested.
Color-blind pilots are typically issued a restriction reading, "NOT VALID FOR NIGHT FLIGHT OR BY COLOR SIGNAL CONTROL."
This mitigates the concern that color-blind pilots may not be able to identify those colors required for the performance of safe airman duties by preventing situations that are considered potentially unsafe.
The applicant performs an actual flight test with an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) for the purpose of further demonstrating "the ability to perceive those colors necessary for the safe performance of airman duties", which is the color vision requirement as written in the FARs.
If the tests are passed, a "Letter of Evidence" (LOE) from the FAA is issued, which serves as evidence that the pilot meets the standards for Color Vision and the AME is permitted to issue the class of Medical Certificate indicated on the LOE (All classes if both the OCVT and MFT are passed) with no related restriction if all other medical requirements are met.
Therefore, this method of restriction removal is seen as a high-risk high-reward option for aspiring pilots with color vision deficiency.
