Understanding the FAA

Key Regulatory Parts

 CFR Part 61: Pilot Certification

• Part 61 covers the certification of pilots, flight instructors, and ground instructors.

• It includes eligibility criteria, aeronautical knowledge, flight proficiency, training, and testing requirements.

• Subparts F and G are particularly important for detailed pilot certification procedures.

 CFR Part 67: Medical Certification

• Part 67 outlines the medical standards and certification procedures for airmen.

• Pilots must meet specific medical requirements to maintain eligibility for certification.

• The First-Class medical certificate is the highest level of medical certification, required for airline captains and first officers.

 CFR Part 91: General Operating Rules

• Part 91 includes general operating rules, including Visual Flight Rules (VFR), Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), and aircraft maintenance standards.

  CFR Part 121: Air Carrier Operations

• Part 121 regulates the operation of scheduled air carrier services (e.g., major and regional airlines).

• It sets standards for pilot training, aircraft certification, maintenance, flight operations, and safety protocols for commercial flights.

 CFR Part 135: Commuter and On-Demand Operations

• Part 135 covers commuter and on-demand air taxi services, such as charter flights, private jets, and commercial helicopters.

• It applies to aircraft with fewer than 30 passengers and a maximum payload capacity of 7,500 lbs.

Certificates and Ratings

Understanding Pilot Certificates vs. Ratings

In aviation, certificates and ratings are two distinct qualifications. A certificate is the proof of a pilot’s qualifications, while a rating enhances those qualifications, allowing pilots to operate specific types of aircraft or engage in particular operations.

Types of Certificates

1. Student Pilot Certificate

• Issued for the initial flight training phase, requiring a flight instructor’s supervision.

• Allows solo flights with the instructor's endorsement.

2. Recreational & Sport Pilot Certificate (LAPL)

• Limits flight operations to specific aircraft categories, such as ultralights or light sport aircraft.

• Primarily for personal use.

3. Private Pilot Certificate (PPL)

• Enables pilots to fly for personal or recreational purposes (not for compensation).

• For example, flying a small private plane for weekend trips.

4. Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL)

• Authorizes pilots to operate for compensation (e.g., flight operations for hire).

• Requires proficiency in complex aircraft and specific flight hours.

5. Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate

• The highest level of certification, required to fly as a captain or first officer for commercial airlines.

• Requires 1,500 flight hours and a minimum age of 23.

Types of Ratings

1. Category Ratings

• Aircraft vs. Rotorcraft: Determines whether a pilot is flying an airplane or a helicopter.

  • Example: Flying a Gulfstream G650 requires an aircraft category rating, whereas flying an Augusta W139requires a rotorcraft/helicopter category rating.

2. Airplane Class Ratings

• Single Engine Land (ASEL): For single-engine airplanes operating on land.

• Multi-Engine Land (AMEL): For multi-engine airplanes operating on land.

• Single/Multiple Engine Sea (ASES/AMES): For planes designed to take off and land on water.

3. Type Ratings

• Required for larger or more complex aircraft, such as:

  • Boeing 737, Airbus A320, Gulfstream G650.

  • Type ratings often require separate certifications for each aircraft model.

4. Instrument Rating (IR)

• Required for flying under Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), using instruments rather than visual cues.

• Can be added to PPL, CPL, or included in ATP certification.