Summary Type ratings define a pilot's ability to fly a specific aircraft based on its complexity, operation scope, and limitations. Pilot training for type ratings includes comprehensive ground school learning, simulator training, flight hours, and certification. Private pilots must adhere to type rating requirements for each aircraft type or family, with some room for exceptions under special circumstances.

Pilots go through extensive training and other requirements (such as medical, language proficiency, etc.) before obtaining a pilot's license. While the type of license (Private Pilot License PPL or Commercial Pilot License CPL) mainly dictates the type of flight operations a pilot can perform, some aircraft may come with their own type ratings.

Wherever applicable, a pilot must adhere to all requirements, including receiving the type rating of the aircraft. A type rating on a pilot's license authorizes the license holder the ability to fly that particular type and model of the aircraft. Depending on the aircraft's scope of operation, complexity, and limitations, type ratings can be broad or extremely specific.

Private aviation pilots are no exception to the rule if the aircraft they intend to fly is type-certified by the regulatory authority. What are type ratings, and why are they required? Are those different for each aircraft, or can they be combined? This article explores what type-rating regulations are and what it takes for pilots to acquire. Type rating requirement.