Pilot Certificates, Privileges and Limitations

Updated July 8, 2006

    This is a brief summary, or over-view, of this subject. It is meant to be an introduction only. For full details you should consult the Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 61. If you have questions, please feel to contact me:

                                  David@EaglesWings.net

   NOTE: The pronoun "he" is used in this web site in the generic sense, meaning all people. It is in no way an inference that pilots should all be men. My primary instructor was a very competent woman,  Ruth Tolley Gwinn. Later, in preparation for my instrument rating, commercial license, and instructor's certificate, I received many hours of instruction from Merry Casto.  Since then, I have taught many teenage girls, ladies of all ages - even at least one grandmother!

     Whoever you are, welcome to the air.

    A young person, under US law, may begin taking flight trainings at any age, but must be at least 16 years old to qualify for a Student Pilot Certificate. He must have the student certificate, issued in conjunction with his third class medical certificate, to fly solo in a powered aircraft. Solo means to fly alone, as the only occupant of the aircraft. A student pilot cannot act as "pilot in command" of an aircraft carrying any passenger. The purpose of this certificate is to receive training, and allow solo experience, in preparation for a higher class license.
 
     The Recreational Pilot Certificate was established in the 1989 to allow a less expensive, and "easier to obtain" basic pilot license for those who want to fly for recreation only. It allows the pilot to fly, day time only, in aircraft having up to four seats, but only one passenger may be carried at a time. The holder of such a license must stay within 50 nautical miles of his home airport, unless he has had additional training in cross-country navigation. He may not fly at night, or without visual reference to the ground, and may not fly in furtherance of a business.

    As of July 2005, an inquiry to AOPA revealed that there are currently about 290 Recreational Pilots in the United States. This number has stayed relatively constant through the years, despite a few regulatory changes to make it more attractive. Some have used it as a stepping stone toward the Private Pilot's license.

June 2006: AOPA has made another proposal to the FAA to allow pilots exercising  only Recreational Pilot privileges to fly without a medical certificate in many cases - similar to the requirements for the Sport Pilot. (see below) This would make good sense considering that very few aircraft accidents are ever caused by medical incapacitation, and many doctors claim such things simply can not be predicted in advance. The FAA spends a tremendous amount of money processing hundreds of thousands of medical certificates, although it is questionable whether or not it is doing any good.

  The causes of most accidents are pretty well documented, and it would seem more sensible to concentrate our efforts (and tax dollars) on safety related risk management, and proper attitudes towards safety. As of July 8, 2006, we don't know what the FAA response to this will be.

   The Sport Pilot Certificate allows pilots to fly 2-seat aircraft weighing up to 1320 pounds, maximum cruise speed of 120 knots, and some other basic limitations. In some cases a medical certificate in not required.  Many people who already had a higher class of license may continue flying aircraft in this category, using only their driver's license as medical certification. Other new pilots may not need any medical certificate except a valid driver's license. These new regulations went into effect September 1, 2004.

     Click Here for more information Sport Pilot Aircraft and Pilot Certificates.

    The Private Pilot license allows one to fly unlimited distances, day or night, fly airplanes with any number of seats (usually this will be 2, 4, or 6), and carry any number of passengers. The aircraft can be flown in furtherance of a business - just so it is not a flying business. An Instrument Rating can be added to allow flights in restricted visibilities such as clouds, smog, haze, and heavy precipitation.

    For decades, the Private Pilot Certificate has been the "standard" pilot's license. Most trainees continue to go for this option. See: Private Pilot Requirements.

   A Commercial Pilot Certificate requires more training, but allows one to fly for hire - for pay. Contrary to popular belief, among non-aviators, this does not qualify you to fly all kinds of jets, nor hold every kind of flying job! It could be considered as a very important step in that direction.
 
   In the United States all pilots are encouraged to get additional training, and obtain instrument proficiency, and/or a commercial pilot's license. The additional training and experience will help you become a better, safer, and more versatile pilot.

   Persons wishing to fly large aircraft for hire, such as airliners or passenger jets, must have at least 1500 hours of flying time, and obtain an Airline Transport Pilot certificate.

   To fly jet aircraft, or aircraft weighing over 12,500 pounds, a pilot must also have a Type Rating for that make and model of aircraft.

  Since this Web site caters to many in the "new to aviation" category, we will focus our attention, at this time, on the Requirements to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate.