Pilot Licensing & Certification
Student Pilot Certificate
What is a student pilot certificate?
What is a student pilot certificate?
A student pilot certificate is necessary for individuals undergoing pilot training who are prepared to fly solo with an instructor's approval.
What are the eligibility requirements for a student pilot certificate?
What are the eligibility requirements for a student pilot certificate?
To qualify for a student pilot certificate, you must be at least 16 years old, proficient in English, and medically cleared by an Aviation Medical Examiner.
How do you apply for a student pilot certificate?
How do you apply for a student pilot certificate?
You can submit an application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website.
Do you have to pass an exam to receive a student pilot certificate?
Do you have to pass an exam to receive a student pilot certificate?
No, there is no exam required to obtain a student pilot certificate. However, a written exam must be successfully completed before flying solo.
Do you have to renew a student pilot certificate?
Do you have to renew a student pilot certificate?
No, student pilot certificates issued after April 1, 2016 do not expire. Upon achieving a higher certification, your student pilot certificate will be superseded.
What type of aircraft does a student pilot certificate allow you to fly?
What type of aircraft does a student pilot certificate allow you to fly?
A student pilot certificate permits you to operate any aircraft weighing less than 12,500 lbs. That does not require a Type rating.
Are there any airspace restrictions on a student pilot certificate?
Are there any airspace restrictions on a student pilot certificate?
With an instructor's endorsement, a student pilot can navigate through Bravo airspace.
Does a student pilot certificate allow you to carry passengers?
Does a student pilot certificate allow you to carry passengers?
No, a student pilot may fly solo with instructor permission or accompanied by an instructor but is not authorized to carry other passengers.
Can a pilot holding a student pilot certificate fly in any weather conditions?
Can a pilot holding a student pilot certificate fly in any weather conditions?
No, holders of student pilot certificates are restricted to flying only when specific weather conditions are met, usually 5 miles of visibility and 3000 feet clear of clouds. Typically, a Certified Flight Instructor will enforce weather restrictions on a solo endorsement.
Private Pilot License
What is a private pilot license?
What is a private pilot license?
A private pilot license or certificate enables an individual to operate private aircraft. However, it's important to note that a private pilot license/certificate does not authorize pilots to be compensated for their flight services.
What are the eligibility requirements for a private pilot certificate?
What are the eligibility requirements for a private pilot certificate?
To qualify for a private pilot license or certificate, individuals must be at least 17 years old, proficient in English, and have completed a minimum of 40 total flight hours. Additionally, obtaining a student pilot certificate is a prerequisite for commencing the training.
How do you apply for a private pilot license?
How do you apply for a private pilot license?
You can submit an application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website.
Do you have to pass an exam to receive a private pilot license?
Do you have to pass an exam to receive a private pilot license?
Yes, attaining a private pilot license/certificate requires passing both a written exam and a practical exam, commonly known as the FAA Practical Exam or "checkride." The checkride comprises an oral examination and an in-flight evaluation.
Do you have to renew a private pilot license?
Do you have to renew a private pilot license?
To maintain the validity of a private pilot license/certificate, a comprehensive flight review is mandatory every 24 calendar months. To carry passengers, a pilot must perform a minimum of three landings every 90 days. To carry passengers at night, pilot must have 3 full stop night landings in the preceding 90 days.
What type of aircraft does a private pilot license allow you to fly?
What type of aircraft does a private pilot license allow you to fly?
A private pilot license/certificate grants the privilege to operate any aircraft weighing less than 12,500 lbs. They can fly any category/class on their license that doesn't require a type rating.
Are there any airspace restrictions on a private pilot license?
Are there any airspace restrictions on a private pilot license?
A private pilot license/certificate is essential for operating in Bravo airspace. Individuals with a private pilot certificate can't fly in Alpha airspace without an instrument rating.
Does a private pilot license allow you to carry passengers?
Does a private pilot license allow you to carry passengers?
Certainly, a private pilot license/certificate permits the carriage of passengers, but not for compensation. They may split their costs at a pro-rata share. Private pilots may also engage in flying for charity on nonprofit events, so long as they are not compensated for their time.
Can a pilot holding a private pilot license fly in any weather conditions?
Can a pilot holding a private pilot license fly in any weather conditions?
No, private pilots are subject to specific weather restrictions that vary depending on the airspace they are operating in.
Commercial Pilot License
What is a commercial pilot license?
What is a commercial pilot license?
A commercial pilot license or certificate offers many of the same capabilities as a private pilot license or certificate, but also grants the privilege to fly for hire on non-scheduled routes. Examples of commercial pilot jobs include banner towing, skydiving, aerial survey, and more.
What are the eligibility requirements for a commercial pilot license?
What are the eligibility requirements for a commercial pilot license?
To obtain a commercial pilot license or certificate, applicants must be at least 18 years old, proficient in English, and hold a private pilot certificate. The FAA mandates a total of 250 flight hours for a commercial pilot certificate. However, specific commercial carriers may have additional requirements, such as higher total flight hours or experience in certain conditions or aircraft.
How do you apply for a commercial pilot license?
How do you apply for a commercial pilot license?
To apply for a commercial pilot license or certificate, you can submit an application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website.
Do you have to pass an exam to receive a commercial pilot license?
Do you have to pass an exam to receive a commercial pilot license?
Yes, obtaining a commercial pilot license or certificate requires passing both a written exam and a practical exam. The practical exam, also known as the FAA Practical Exam or "checkride," includes an oral exam and an in-flight exam.
Do you have to renew a commercial pilot license?
Do you have to renew a commercial pilot license?
For a commercial pilot license or certificate to remain valid, a flight review is required every 24 calendar months. To carry passengers, a pilot must perform at least three landings every 90 days.
What type of aircraft does a commercial pilot license allow you to fly?
What type of aircraft does a commercial pilot license allow you to fly?
A commercial pilot license or certificate allows you to fly any aircraft under 12,500 lbs. They can fly any category/class on their license that doesn't require a type rating.
Are there any airspace restrictions on a commercial pilot license?
Are there any airspace restrictions on a commercial pilot license?
Without an instrument rating, there are some airspace limitations for commercial pilots.
Does a commercial pilot license allow you to carry passengers?
Does a commercial pilot license allow you to carry passengers?
Yes, a commercial pilot is authorized to carry passengers for hire.
Can a pilot holding a commercial pilot license fly in any weather conditions?
Can a pilot holding a commercial pilot license fly in any weather conditions?
Commercial pilots with an instrument rating can operate in any weather conditions. There are certain restrictions if flying Part 135.
Instrument Rating
What is an instrument rating?
What is an instrument rating?
An instrument rating is an additional rating that can be added to a private pilot license or a commercial pilot license. The training for an instrument rating focuses on flying by relying solely on instruments, which allows a pilot to fly in low to no visibility.
What are the eligibility requirements for an instrument rating?
What are the eligibility requirements for an instrument rating?
To obtain a commercial pilot license, applicants must be at least 18 years old, proficient in English, and either hold a private pilot license or apply for the instrument rating and private pilot license together.
Do you have to pass an exam to receive an instrument rating?
Do you have to pass an exam to receive an instrument rating?
Yes, obtaining an instrument rating requires passing both a written exam and a practical exam. The practical exam, also known as the FAA Practical Exam or "checkride," includes an oral exam and an in-flight exam.
Does an instrument rating require renewal?
Does an instrument rating require renewal?
An instrument rating does not expire, however, in order for an instrument rating to remain current it is required to make six approaches every six months. Or IPC (Instrument Proficiency Check).
Does an instrument rating authorize a pilot to fly in any weather?
Does an instrument rating authorize a pilot to fly in any weather?
With an instrument rating, a pilot is authorized to fly when the weather does not meet VFR minimums.
Flight Instructor Certification
What is a flight instructor certification?
What is a flight instructor certification?
A flight instructor certification allows pilots to train other pilots for private or commercial rating.
What are the eligibility requirements for a flight instructor certification?
What are the eligibility requirements for a flight instructor certification?
Pilots looking to acquire a flight instructor certification must be at least 18 years old, be proficient in English, hold a commercial pilot license or an airline transport pilot license, and hold an instrument rating. Pilots must also have at least 250 hours of flight time.
How do you apply for a flight instructor certification?
How do you apply for a flight instructor certification?
You can submit an application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application website.
Do you have to pass an exam to receive a flight instructor certification?
Do you have to pass an exam to receive a flight instructor certification?
Yes. In order to receive a flight instructor certification you will have to pass a written exam and a practical exam. The practical exam is the FAA Practical Exam, or “checkride.” This consists of an oral exam in addition to the in-flight exam.
Does a flight instructor certification require renewal?
Does a flight instructor certification require renewal?
Yes. It is required that pilots complete an FAA-approved Flight Instructor Refresher Course (FIRC) every 24 calendar months in order for a flight instructor certification to remain valid.
Does a flight instructor certification allow you to carry passengers?
Does a flight instructor certification allow you to carry passengers?
Yes, pilots who hold a flight instructor certification may carry passengers.
Can a pilot holding a flight instructor certification fly in any weather conditions?
Can a pilot holding a flight instructor certification fly in any weather conditions?
A pilot who holds a flight instructor certification may fly in any weather conditions if they also hold an instrument rating.
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
What is an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate?
What is an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate?
An ATP allows a pilot to carry passengers or items for compensation or hire on a scheduled airline, and is required for many professional pilot jobs.
What are the eligibility requirements for an airline transport pilot certificate?
What are the eligibility requirements for an airline transport pilot certificate?
In order to be eligible for an ATP certificate, a pilot must be 23 years old, hold a commercial pilot license with an instrument rating, pass a medical exam, and have 1,500 hours of total flight time. While airlines may hire a pilot with the minimum amount of flight time, they may have additional training from their own ground schools. May also be eligible for R-ATP if a former military pilot, or has graduated from a university flight program.
How do you apply for an airline transport pilot certificate?
How do you apply for an airline transport pilot certificate?
You can submit an application through the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application website.
Do you have to pass an exam to receive an airline transport pilot certificate?
Do you have to pass an exam to receive an airline transport pilot certificate?
Yes. In order to receive an airline transport pilot certification you will have to pass a written exam and a practical exam. The practical exam is the FAA Practical Exam, or “checkride.” This consists of an oral exam in addition to the in-flight exam.
Aviation Equipment
Headsets
How do I choose the right headset?
How do I choose the right headset?
Choosing the right headset is dependent on many factors like the type of aircraft you are flying (general aviation or commercial), noise reduction, comfort, and more.
What is ANR vs. PNR vs. Bluetooth?
What is ANR vs. PNR vs. Bluetooth?
All aviation headsets offer Passive Noise Reduction (PNR), which physically blocks cockpit noise, but some headsets also provide Active Noise Reduction (ANR) with electronic noise canceling for enhanced hearing protection at a higher cost. Additionally, Bluetooth aviation headsets can connect wirelessly to cell phones or tablets, allowing pilots to access weather/traffic reports, listen to music, or make emergency calls without extra wires.
Why aren't bluetooth headsets wireless?
Why aren't bluetooth headsets wireless?
Aviation headsets with Bluetooth capabilities still have a cable to connect to the aviation panel because there's no need for wireless mobility in a cockpit; the Bluetooth feature is for wirelessly connecting to cell phones or tablets for accessing weather reports, music, or making emergency calls.
What is In-Ear vs. On-Ear vs. Over-Ear and Why?
What is In-Ear vs. On-Ear vs. Over-Ear and Why?
Over-ear headsets are generally preferred by pilots for long flights due to their ability to distribute weight and pressure evenly, enhancing comfort. On-ear headsets, being lighter and less pressuring, are better suited for low-noise environments like turbine cockpits, while in-ear headphones offer a sleek, lightweight design that can be more comfortable, especially for pilots who wear glasses. Learn more here.
What are the different types of headset connectors?
What are the different types of headset connectors?
The most common type of aviation headset connectors is the Dual Plug (G.A.), used mainly in general aviation. It is also common in many Commercial Aircraft. The 6-pin (LEMO) plug offers power from the panel. It is not compatible with Dual Plug G.A. jacks. LEMO connectors are commonly found in Cirrus Aircraft. There is also a 5-Pin XLR connector which is also known as an Airbus Connector. It also provides power from the aircraft and is used in different commercial Aircraft. Additionally, there are U174/U single plug connectors, commonly used in military and helicopter applications. Note that although the U174/U plug looks the same when used in both Military and Helicopter aircraft, the Panel Impedence means that you would need an adapter to use a Helicopter Headset in Military Aircraft and vice-versa.
GPS
What are the different types of aviation GPS systems available?
What are the different types of aviation GPS systems available?
Aviation GPS systems come in various forms, including iPads with built-in GPS capabilities, which offer a cost-effective solution. Portable handheld GPS units can be mounted in the cockpit and often come with features like ADS-B receivers for weather and traffic information. Aviator GPS smartwatches provide longer battery life and aviation-specific functionalities such as flight logging and weather updates, offering a convenient, wearable option for pilots.
How do I choose the right GPS for my aircraft?
How do I choose the right GPS for my aircraft?
When choosing an aviation GPS unit, first consider whether you need a separate GPS unit as a backup to your plane's navigation system, which provides added safety. Next, decide on the type of GPS that best suits your needs—whether it's a portable handheld unit, an iPad with GPS capabilities, or an aviator GPS smartwatch—each offering unique features and levels of convenience. Then, consider the features you need, such as real-time weather updates, air traffic data, and compatibility with other devices, balancing your requirements against the cost of advanced capabilities. Learn more here.
What is ADS-B In vs. ADS-B Out?
What is ADS-B In vs. ADS-B Out?
ADS-B Out transmits an aircraft's location and other data to ground stations and to other aircraft, while ADS-B In allows pilots to receive information about nearby aircraft and weather updates. Learn more here.
Can I use my iPad for GPS?
Can I use my iPad for GPS?
Yes, if you already own an LTE/cellular-model iPad, it has a built-in GPS receiver that can serve as a cost-effective option for navigation without needing a cellular network connection. However, signal drops may occur since they are designed to find a near-by cellular tower, and those can be hard to find at-altitude! WiFi-only models require an external GPS receiver, adding to the overall cost, but providing more reliable GPS reception.
What is Moving-Map GPS?
What is Moving-Map GPS?
Moving-Map GPS shows your aircraft’s real-time position at the center of a map, which moves as the aircraft moves, providing detailed and easily digestible information compared to just coordinates or headings. This feature is common and available on many different GPS units.
What is AHRS?
What is AHRS?
AHRS, or Attitude and Heading Reference System, provides essential flight information like an aircraft’s attitude, heading, and yaw using sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to enhance situational awareness and safety.
What is Artificial Horizon?
What is Artificial Horizon?
An Artificial Horizon is a flight instrument that displays an aircraft's orientation relative to the horizon, assisting pilots in maintaining proper attitude during flight.
What is Terrain Awareness?
What is Terrain Awareness?
Terrain Awareness is a feature in moving map GPS units that warns of possible collisions with terrain by shading the map in yellow or red as proximity increases. It can also monitor your position relative to adjacent airspace and provide alerts for sudden altitude changes or excessive banking angles, making it especially useful in low-visibility or high-traffic areas.
Transceivers
What is the difference between handheld and mobile / base-station transceivers?
What is the difference between handheld and mobile / base-station transceivers?
Handheld transceivers are portable devices that offer flexibility and convenience for pilots on the move, while mobile/base-station transceivers are more powerful units typically installed in aircraft or ground stations, providing greater range and reliability. The key difference lies in their portability, power, and intended use environment. Learn more here.
What is a Scanner vs. Comm Only vs. NAV/COM?
What is a Scanner vs. Comm Only vs. NAV/COM?
A Scanner is a listen-only device covering Airband frequencies, ideal for new students and plane-spotters to get accustomed to Air Traffic Communications. In contrast, Comm-Only transceivers allow you to transmit and receive over Airband frequencies, while NAV/COM transceivers add the capability to interpret and display VOR signals and other navigational aids for navigation purposes. Learn more about transceivers here.
What is VOR?
What is VOR?
VOR, an aviation term for Very High Frequency (VHF) omnidirectional Range, is a short-range radio navigation system that pilots use for navigation. It provides directional information to help pilots determine their position and stay on course.
What are transceivers mostly used for?
What are transceivers mostly used for?
Transceivers are handheld radios primarily used as a backup means of communication and VOR navigation, aiding pilots in learning aviation communication. They are also useful for receiving weather updates and clearances before starting the engine, helping to save money and fuel.
Are transceivers rechargeable or battery-powered?
Are transceivers rechargeable or battery-powered?
Most transceivers come with both a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and an alkaline battery tray. The Lithium-Ion battery is ideal for consistent use as long as it is regularly charged, while the alkaline battery tray provides a reliable option for emergency use without the need for constant recharging.
Aviation Terminology
What is CFIT?
What is CFIT?
CFIT, or Controlled Flight Into Terrain, occurs when an aircraft under the control of the pilot unintentionally flies into terrain, often due to loss of spatial awareness or poor preflight planning. It is a significant safety concern in aviation.
What is EGNOS?
What is EGNOS?
EGNOS is the first pan-European satellite navigation system that augments the US GPS, making it suitable for safety-critical applications like flying aircraft or navigating ships with enhanced precision.
What is GLONASS?
What is GLONASS?
GLONASS is a Russian satellite navigation system that operates as part of a radionavigation-satellite service, providing an alternative to GPS with global coverage and comparable precision.
What is a METAR and how do weather codes work?
What is a METAR and how do weather codes work?
METAR, or Meteorological Aerodrome Report, provides a succinct overview of weather conditions near an airport, using standard weather codes to convey information efficiently.
What are VHF Communication Frequencies?
What are VHF Communication Frequencies?
VHF Communication Frequencies, ranging from 118.000 to 136.000 MHz, are used for communication between pilots and air traffic control.
What is VFR vs IFR?
What is VFR vs IFR?
VFR (Visual Flight Rules) governs flights in visual conditions, while IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) applies when weather conditions fall below visual standards and require more stringent regulations.
What is RAIM?
What is RAIM?
RAIM (Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring) is a technology used in aviation to ensure the reliability and accuracy of GPS signals by detecting faults in the satellite navigation data.
What is SBAS?
What is SBAS?
SBAS (Satellite Based Augmentation System), equivalent to WAAS, is not commonly used by US pilots and provides enhanced GPS accuracy and reliability through satellite-based corrections.
What is a TFR?
What is a TFR?
A TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) is a regulatory measure that restricts aircraft operations in specific areas for reasons such as aerial firefighting, the presence of the President, or sporting events.
What is WAAS?
What is WAAS?
WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) is a system that enhances GPS navigational accuracy through ground-based verification.
What is ILS (Instrument Landing System)?
What is ILS (Instrument Landing System)?
ILS (Instrument Landing System) is a radio navigation system that uses two radio beams to provide pilots with vertical and horizontal guidance, helping them safely land on a runway, especially in low visibility conditions. Localizer (left-right directional guidance) and Glideslope (vertical guidance).
What is Glideslope?
What is Glideslope?
A glideslope, also known as a glide path (G/P) or glide slope (G/S), is a system of vertical guidance on an ILS that helps aircraft maintain the correct descent angle for landing.
What is VMC?
What is VMC?
VMC (Visual Meteorological Conditions) is a flight category where pilots can fly under visual flight rules due to sufficient visibility, allowing them to maintain visual separation from terrain and other aircraft, with conditions meeting specified minima for visibility, distance from clouds, and ceiling.
What is IMC?
What is IMC?
IMC (Instrument Meteorological Conditions) are weather conditions that require pilots to fly primarily by reference to flight instruments and under instrument flight rules (IFR), rather than relying on outside visual references under visual flight rules (VFR).