Top 10 Pilot Certifications

Certifications are important for pilots in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and proficiency that is required for the job. Certification is often a minimum requirement for many pilot positions, as employers need to know that their pilots have the necessary qualifications and experience to safely fly aircraft. Having a certification can also give a pilot an edge over other applicants when competing for jobs, as it shows employers that they have the necessary skills and training to be successful in the role. Additionally, certain certifications are required for certain types of flying, such as flying over water or at night, so having the right certifications can open up more opportunities.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Pilots and explains how they can help further a pilot's career.

What are Pilot Certifications?

Pilot certification is the process of obtaining a pilot license or certificate from an aviation authority. It is a series of tests and assessments, both written and practical, to ensure that pilots have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to safely operate an aircraft. By ensuring that all pilots are properly certified, aviation authorities can help protect passengers from inexperienced or unqualified pilots who may be unaware of the risks associated with flying. Certification also helps reduce the risk of accidents by ensuring that all pilots are able to identify potential hazards and make appropriate decisions when faced with unexpected circumstances. Pilot certification can also give pilots access to more aircraft types and higher-level positions within aviation organizations. Furthermore, it can provide them with additional job opportunities in other industries where having a pilot’s license is beneficial. Ultimately, pilot certification helps to ensure the safety of air travelers by providing an additional layer of assurance that all pilots operating aircraft meet the highest standards for skill and competency.

Pro Tip: Make sure to keep up with your pilot certifications and stay current on all FAA regulations. Keeping up with your certifications will ensure that you are always in compliance with the latest safety standards and guidelines, allowing you to fly safely and confidently.

Related: What does a Pilot do?

Top 10 Pilot Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Pilots today.

1. Airline Transport Pilot Certification

Airline Transport Pilot Certification (ATP) is a certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that qualifies an individual to act as a pilot-in-command of an aircraft for commercial airline operations. It is the highest level of pilot certification and requires extensive flight experience, knowledge, and skill.

To obtain an ATP certificate, applicants must be at least 23 years old and have a minimum of 1,500 hours of total flight time. This includes 500 hours of cross-country flight time, 100 hours in airplanes, and 75 hours in a multi-engine airplane. Applicants must also pass written exams on aeronautical knowledge, complete an FAA medical exam, and pass a practical test with an FAA examiner.

The cost to obtain an ATP certificate varies depending on the type of training program taken and other factors such as instructor fees and exam fees. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 or more to obtain the necessary qualifications for ATP certification.

It typically takes several months to complete all requirements for obtaining an ATP certificate. The exact amount of time depends on how quickly applicants can accumulate the necessary flight experience and study for the required exams.

2. Commercial Pilot Certification

Commercial Pilot Certification is a license issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows pilots to fly commercial aircraft. To obtain this certification, pilots must meet certain educational and experience requirements.

The educational requirements for Commercial Pilot Certification include obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent, passing an FAA written exam, and completing ground and flight training. The flight training includes a minimum of 40 hours of flight time with an instructor, 10 hours of solo flying, and 5 hours of cross-country flying.

In addition to the educational requirements, pilots must also have at least 250 hours of flight experience in order to qualify for Commercial Pilot Certification. This experience can be obtained through various aviation programs such as military service, private pilot certification programs, or other approved aviation courses.

The process of obtaining Commercial Pilot Certification can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on the individual's experience level and availability of training resources. It is important to note that the FAA requires periodic recertification every two years in order to maintain the license.

The cost of obtaining Commercial Pilot Certification varies depending on the type of training program chosen and other factors such as location and instructor rates. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $10,000-$25,000 USD depending on these factors.

3. Instrument Rating Certification

Instrument Rating Certification is a certification that allows pilots to fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). This means that the pilot can fly in clouds, fog, or other conditions where visibility is limited. To obtain an Instrument Rating Certification, a pilot must first have a Private Pilot License. The process of obtaining the rating typically takes between 3-6 months and involves both ground school and flight training.

The ground school portion of the training includes studying topics such as airspace regulations, navigation systems, weather theory, and aircraft performance. During the flight training portion of the process, pilots learn how to operate their aircraft with reference to instruments instead of relying on visual cues from outside the cockpit. Pilots will also practice instrument approaches and holding patterns during this part of their training.

The cost of obtaining an Instrument Rating varies depending on the type of aircraft being used for training and the number of hours required to complete it. Generally speaking, most pilots spend between $5,000-$10,000 for their Instrument Rating Certification.

4. Multi-Engine Rating Certification

Multi-Engine Rating Certification is a type of pilot certification that allows pilots to fly aircraft with more than one engine. This rating requires additional training and testing beyond the single-engine rating, as pilots must be able to handle multiple engines in various configurations.

In order to obtain a multi-engine rating, pilots must first hold at least a private pilot certificate with an instrument rating. They must then complete an FAA approved course on multi-engine operations and pass a written exam and practical test with an FAA examiner. The course typically takes about 10 hours of ground instruction and 10 hours of flight instruction, though this may vary depending on the instructor.

The cost for obtaining a multi-engine rating can vary significantly depending on the flight school or instructor chosen. Generally speaking, the cost may range from $2,500 - $5,000 or more for all required training and testing.

5. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certification

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certification is a type of pilot certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It allows an individual to teach and certify other pilots in the operation of aircraft. To be eligible for CFI certification, you must have a minimum of 250 hours of flight time, including at least 100 hours as pilot-in-command. You must also pass a written knowledge test and an oral and practical exam administered by an FAA examiner.

The process typically takes several months to complete, depending on how quickly you can accumulate the necessary flight experience and study for the tests. In addition, you will need to obtain an instructor certificate from your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). This requires completing an application form, submitting documents such as medical records, and paying a fee.

The cost of obtaining CFI certification varies depending on the amount of flight training required and other associated costs such as books and materials. Generally speaking, the total cost can range anywhere from $2,000 - $5,000 or more.

6. Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) Certification

A Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) is a certification that allows an individual to teach instrument flight rules (IFR) and instrument navigation to student pilots. The CFII certification is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

To become a CFII, an individual must first obtain a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating. An applicant must also have at least 500 hours of total flight time, including 100 hours in powered aircraft and 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command. Additionally, applicants must have at least 40 hours of instrument training, including 15 hours of simulated or actual instrument flight time.

Once these requirements are met, the applicant can take the CFII written exam and the practical test. The written test is typically taken at an FAA-approved testing center and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as air traffic control procedures, meteorology, navigation systems, instrument approaches and emergency operations. The practical test is conducted by an FAA examiner and consists of oral questions followed by a demonstration of flying skills.

The cost for taking the tests varies depending on the location but generally ranges from $200-$400 for each test. It usually takes several weeks to prepare for both tests, so it may take up to two months to get your CFII certification after meeting all the prerequisites.

7. Certified Flight Instructor – Multi-Engine (MEI) Certification

Certified Flight Instructor – Multi-Engine (MEI) certification is a credential that allows an individual to teach the operation and navigation of multi-engine aircraft. This certification requires a minimum of 100 hours of flight experience in multi-engine aircraft, including at least 10 hours of dual instruction. To obtain this certification, an individual must pass both a written and practical exam administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The process for obtaining MEI certification can take anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the applicant’s level of experience and availability. The first step is to complete a ground school course which covers topics such as aerodynamics, aircraft systems, performance charts, weight and balance calculations, and emergency procedures. Once the ground school is completed, an applicant will need to accumulate the required flight time in order to qualify for the written exam. Most applicants will need to receive additional instruction from an instructor before taking the written exam.

Once all requirements are met and the written exam is passed with a score of 70% or higher, an applicant can schedule their practical test with an FAA examiner. During this test, applicants must demonstrate their ability to safely operate a multi-engine aircraft according to FAA regulations. Upon successful completion of the practical test, applicants will be issued their MEI certificate.

The cost associated with obtaining MEI certification varies depending on factors such as ground school tuition fees, instructor rates for additional training flights or instruction time, and any applicable FAA testing fees. In general, it is estimated that obtaining MEI certification can cost between $2,000 - $5,000 USD.

8. Rotorcraft Rating Certification

Rotorcraft Rating Certification is a type of pilot certification that allows pilots to fly helicopters and other rotary-wing aircraft. This certification requires the pilot to have specific knowledge and skills related to flying these types of aircraft.

In order to obtain this certification, pilots must first have a private pilot certificate or higher. They must also pass an FAA written exam, complete an FAA approved flight training course, and pass a practical test with an FAA designated examiner. The entire process typically takes between four and six months to complete, depending on the individual’s prior experience and commitment level.

The cost of obtaining a Rotorcraft Rating Certification can vary greatly depending on the individual’s flight training provider and the type of aircraft they are learning to fly. Generally speaking, the cost can range anywhere from $5,000-$15,000 USD for all necessary materials and instruction fees.

9. Glider Rating Certification

Glider Rating Certification is a certification program offered by the United States Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association (USHPA). It is designed to recognize pilots who have achieved a certain level of proficiency in hang gliding or paragliding. The certification is based on a point system that takes into account the pilot's experience, skill level, and safety record.

The process of obtaining a Glider Rating Certification typically takes several months. First, the pilot must complete an application form and submit it to USHPA for review. The application includes information about the pilot's flying experience, training history, and any relevant safety records. Once approved, the pilot will be assigned an instructor who will evaluate their skills in person and issue a rating based on their performance.

The cost of obtaining a Glider Rating Certification depends on the individual’s circumstances. Generally speaking, it can range from $150 to $500 depending on the type of rating being sought and other factors such as travel expenses or additional instructional fees.

In order to maintain their certification, pilots must remain active in their chosen sport by participating in at least two USHPA-sanctioned events each year and submitting an annual report detailing their flying activities.

10. Seaplane Rating Certification

Seaplane Rating Certification is a type of pilot certification that allows the holder to fly seaplanes. This certification requires additional training beyond the standard private pilot license and is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The certification process begins with a written exam, followed by a practical test in which the applicant must demonstrate their ability to safely operate a seaplane.

The time it takes to get this rating will vary depending on the individual’s experience level and how quickly they can complete the required training. Generally, it will take several weeks or months to complete all of the necessary requirements for certification.

In order to obtain a Seaplane Rating Certification, an individual must first hold at least a private pilot license from the FAA. They must then receive instruction from an FAA-certified instructor in seaplane operations and pass both a written and practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as aircraft systems, navigation, weather, and regulations related to seaplane operations. The practical test consists of preflight preparation, takeoff and landing procedures, maneuvers in flight, and post-flight procedures.

The cost of obtaining a Seaplane Rating Certification will depend on individual circumstances such as instructor rates and other associated costs like books or study materials. However, it typically ranges between $2,000-$4,000 USD for all necessary training and exams.

Do You Really Need a Pilot Certificate?

Yes, you do need a pilot certificate if you want to fly an aircraft. A pilot certificate is the official document issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows a person to operate an aircraft. It is proof that the holder has met all the necessary requirements and passed all of the necessary tests to be allowed to fly.

The process of obtaining a pilot certificate can be quite complex and time consuming. In order to obtain one, you must first complete an aviation medical examination, take knowledge tests, pass practical tests with an FAA-certified instructor, and obtain endorsements from other pilots. After meeting these requirements, you must then submit all necessary paperwork to the FAA for review and approval before being issued your certificate.

Having a pilot certificate is essential for any person who wants to operate an aircraft safely and in accordance with federal regulations. Without this certification, it would be illegal for someone to fly an airplane or helicopter on their own without proper authorization from the FAA. Additionally, having a valid pilot certificate gives pilots access to certain airspace restrictions that they wouldn’t otherwise have access to when flying without one.

In conclusion, it is very important for anyone interested in flying an aircraft to obtain a valid pilot certificate from the FAA. Not only does it allow them access to certain airspace restrictions but it also ensures that they are operating within federal regulations and doing so safely.

Related: Pilot Resume Examples

FAQs About Pilot Certifications

Q1. What is the difference between a private and a commercial pilot certification?

A1. A private pilot certification allows the holder to fly aircraft for personal use, while a commercial pilot certification allows them to be paid to fly aircraft.

Q2. How long does it take to get a pilot certification?

A2. The amount of time it takes to get a pilot certification varies depending on the type of license and experience level of the individual, but typically it can range from one month to several years.

Q3. What are the requirements for obtaining a pilot certification?

A3. Requirements vary depending on the type of license being sought, but in general all applicants must be at least 16 years old, pass an FAA medical exam, complete ground school and flight training courses, and pass written and practical tests administered by an FAA-designated examiner.

Q4. Are there any age limits for obtaining a pilot certification?

A4. Yes, for most types of licenses you must be at least 16 years old in order to begin training and at least 17 years old in order to receive your certificate from the FAA.

Q5. Is there an expiration date for my pilot certification?

A5. Yes, all certifications have an expiration date which must be renewed every 24 months by completing additional flight training or taking a proficiency check with an FAA-approved instructor or examiner.