Lesson 1.3 - Category, Class and Types of Aircraft
Lesson 1.3 - Category, Class and Types of Aircraft
Aircraft are grouped into categories and classes. Understanding these helps you know what you are legally allowed to fly.
Main Categories:
Airplane
Rotorcraft (helicopters)
Glider (an FAA medical certificate is NOT required for gliders or motorgliders)
Lighter-than-Air (balloons & airships)
Classes of Airplane:
Single-Engine Land
Multi-Engine Land
Single-Engine Sea
Aircraft are grouped into categories and classes. Understanding these helps you know what you are legally allowed to fly.
Main Categories:
Airplane
Rotorcraft (helicopters)
Glider
Lighter-than-Air (balloons & airships)
Classes of Airplane:
Single-Engine Land
Multi-Engine Land
Single-Engine Sea
Multi-Engine Sea
What is a "Type" rating?
Other aircraft and aircraft operations which require an endorsement from an instructor
Most students begin training in single-engine land airplanes such as the fixed gear Cessna 152, 172, Piper Archer, Cherokee, and others.
The picture at the top of the page is a beautiful 1941 Taylorcraft (tailwheel) on skis.
What is a "Type" rating?
Other aircraft and aircraft operations which require an endorsement from an instructor
Table of Contents
Fixed-wing vs. rotorcraft
Single-engine, multi-engine, and jet aircraft
Light sport, experimental, and certified aircraft
Sport Pilot License and Medical Requirements
Type Ratings