Lesson 1.4 - Type Ratings

What a type rating is

A type rating is a rating on your pilot certificate for a specific make and model of aircraft (or a group of closely related models). It is narrower than category and class.

Category is broad (Airplane).

Class is a step smaller (Single-Engine Land).

Type is the specific airplane when the FAA says that airplane needs its own rating.

Most training airplanes do not need a type rating. A Cessna 172 is Airplane, Single-Engine Land. No type rating.

When a type rating is required

Under 14 CFR § 61.31(a), you may not act as pilot in command of any of the following unless you hold a type rating for that aircraft:

1. Large aircraft (except lighter-than-air)
   “Large” means more than 12,500 pounds maximum certificated takeoff weight.

2. Turbojet-powered airplanes
   Any turbojet airplane, even a light jet. The engine type triggers the rating, not only the weight.

3. Powered-lift

4. Other aircraft the Administrator designates through the type-certificate process

Regulation

14 CFR § 61.31 — Type rating requirements, additional training, and authorization requirements

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-A/section-61.31

What this means for a private pilot student

Your Private Pilot certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land lets you fly a normal light airplane without a type rating.

If you later move into a jet, or an airplane over 12,500 pounds, you will need the type rating for that airplane before you act as Pilot - In - Command (PIC).

Do not confuse type ratings with endorsements

High-performance, complex, tailwheel, and high-altitude (flight above 25,000 feet) are endorsements. They are logbook stamps from an instructor. So no formal checkride/written or FAA exam required.

A type rating is on your certificate itself and usually requires a practical test.

Exam focus

• Type rating required: large aircraft (over 12,500 lb) and turbojet-powered airplanes

• Cessna 172 / typical trainers: category and class only — no type rating

• Rule: 14 CFR § 61.31(a)