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If you want to be a licensed pilot and fly aircraft in the United States you must be certified by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). The FAA issues a variety of tests for different types of pilot certifications.
These tests reflect knowledge of Parts 61 and 141 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. The different
types of certificates can be for flying an airplane, rotocraft, powered lift, glider and lighter
than air aircraft (such as a hot air balloon). Certifications are broken down further by class
(commercial, non-commercial, sport).
A student pilot certificate is valid for two years when the student takes his or her first medical
exam issued by an aviation medical examiner. Students are tested on knowledge of aeronautics and rules where the training is held. In the
United States most non-commercial aviation certificates require that the student be at least 16 years of age,
although certification is not granted until the pilot is at least 17 years old. For commercial pilots
the age requirement is 18. The most
widely held certification is for the non-commercial private pilot. In all cases
United States pilots must be able to speak, read, write and understand English. Students must
also complete a flying course.
The rules and regulations for international aviation are shaped by a United Nations agency
called the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Licences relating to aeroplane pilot operation.
101 Private pilot.
The holder of a private pilot licence - aeroplane may act, but not for remuneration, as the pilot-in-command or
co-pilot of any aeroplane engaged in non-revenue flights.
Private pilot
102 Commercial pilot.
The holder of a commercial pilot licence - aeroplane may exercise all the privileges of the holder of a PPL -
aeroplane, act as the pilot-in-command in any aeroplane engaged in operations other than commercial air
transport; act as pilot-in-command in commercial air transport in any aeroplane certificated for single pilot
operation and act as co-pilot in commercial air transport in aeroplanes required to be operated with a co-pilot.
ICAO Annex 1
Commercial pilot
104 Airline transport pilot.
The holder of an airline transport pilot licence - aeroplane may exercise all the privileges of the holder of a
PPL and CPL - aeroplane and act as pilot-in-command and co-pilot in aeroplanes in air transport.
ICAO Annex 1
Airline transport pilot
105 Student pilot.
A student pilot licence is not defined by ICAO although such a licence is issued by member States.
Student pilot
200 Balloon pilots.
201 Private pilot. Private pilot
202 Commercial pilot.
Commercial Balloon pilot
204 Airline Balloon transport pilot. Airline transport pilot
205 Student Balloon pilot.
300 Dirigible or Blimp pilots.
301 Private pilot. Private pilot
302 Commercial pilot. Commercial pilot
304 Airline transport pilot. Airline transport pilot
305 Student pilot. Student pilot
397 None. None
398 Other. Other
399 Unknown. Unknown
400 Glider pilots. Glider pilots
401 Private pilot. Private pilot
402 Commercial pilot. Commercial pilot
404 Airline transport pilot. Airline transport pilot
405 Student pilot. Student pilot
497 None. None
498 Other. Other
499 Unknown. Unknown
500 Helicopter pilots.
Licences relating to helicopter pilot operation.
Helicopter pilots
