Flight Training Center - Certificates
In aviation the prized possession is a pilot certificate. Here's a brief description of the different pilot certification levels. Note that for all levels proof of U.S. citizenship is required.
View Proof of Citizenship Requirements
Student
All pilots start out as students. With the proper training, the student pilot certificate allows you to work toward the first big milestone in aviation, the solo when your instructor cuts you loose to fly on your own. From here, you earn either your private, recreational, or sport pilot certificate, which will allow you to take one or more passengers for rides.
Private
Most of the pilots in the United States earn a traditional private pilot certificate. It has the fewest limitations and with additional training, can be upgraded to include more advanced capabilities such as flying in bad weather, or flying an airplane with two or more engines.
View Private Pilot License Requirements
Recreational
The recreational pilot certificate is a more limited form of the private certificate. It’s a way to earn your wings if you’ll be flying close to your home airport during the daytime with no more than one passenger. It doesn't require as much effort or money as the private certificate, but most people who become recreational pilots eventually go on to upgrade to the private certificate.
Sport
The sport pilot certificate was introduced in 2004. It’s good for people who want to get back to—or want to start with—the basics of flying. Sport pilots fly smaller, lighter, less-complex, one- or two-seat airplanes. Sport pilots can only fly a special limited class of aircraft known as light sport aircraft (LSA). LSAs are popular around the world and are now being manufactured and sold in the United States. Because of their newness, not every flight school will have light sport aircraft available. Sport pilots are not required to have medical certificates. With additional training and a medical certificate, you can easily upgrade to a higher level of certificate.
Advanced
With extensive training, the instrument rating can be added to the private pilot certificate, which enables you to fly in clouds and bad weather by using references to instruments. Beyond that is the commercial pilot certificate, which enables you to fly-for-hire as well as become a certified flight instructor. At the very highest level is the airline transport pilot certificate. It’s required for airline, corporate, and charter pilots.