Choosing Which Pilot Certificate to Earn
Do you look at the sky whenever you hear an aircraft go by? Did you watch Top Gun and have dreams that night about what it would be like to fly?
Maybe you have a parent, aunt, or uncle who was able to introduce you to the joys of flying early on - someone who can mentor you through the process and answer and questions you have along the way. If so, consider yourself one of the lucky few. For those without someone to mentor them through the process, becoming a pilot can seem intimidating. I personally attended a university program for aviation, and while there were many smarter and more
knowledgeable people to help me along the way, I still sometimes found myself confused and unsure. That's why part of my mission through Gilbert Aviation is to encourage transparency and the development of professional mentor relationships. Let's talk about the pros and cons of different levels of pilot certificate.
Fortunately, there is a very clearly defined path for those of us who want to become pilots, whether as simply a hobby or professionally.
Private Pilot: For most people, their aviation journey will begin with a Private Pilot Certificate. Colloquially, many think of a private pilot as someone who works for a billionaire, flying their personal jet around. The reality is that, as far as the FAA is concerned, a private pilot is limited by being unable to fly passengers or cargo for hire/compensation. There are more limitations, which can be found in Federal Aviation Regulation Part 61.113
Sport Pilot: In 2004, the FAA created the Sport Pilot Certificate. In an effort to lessen the burden for those who only want to fly small planes for fun, the sport pilot certificate has lower eligibility and medical requirements than the private or recreational pilot certificates. However in order to accomplish this, the sport pilot comes with many limitations. Sport pilots may only fly light sport aircraft, which are limited in the size (1,320 pounds max gross takeoff weight) and speed (no more than 120 knots calibrated airspeed).
Recreational Pilot: Similar to the sport pilot is the recreational pilot. A student wishing to earn a recreational pilot certificate has higher requirements that the sport pilot, but less than the private. Privilege and limitations reflect this. Here is a quick snapshot of limitations and requirements for these three pilot certificate levels.
No matter which certificate you choose to train towards, each will require you to fly a certain amount of time with an authorized instructor teaching you about the aircraft and how to fly it. It will also be required that you have a good understanding of weather systems and how they form, aircraft systems and how they work, national airspace including special use airspace, regulations pertaining to flight, flight planning, human and aeromedical factors, and risk management. Much of this information, which we call ground knowledge, can be studied through ground courses offered by companies like Sporty's, King Schools, and more. Alternatively, your flight instructor could also take time to teach you in these areas, but know that it will be more expensive this way. Each certificate also requires you take a written knowledge exam, administered by the FAA and proctored usually by a local test center.
Below is a chart which breaks down specific aeronautical experience requirements and limitations of each certificate.
The chart may make it seem as thought either of the options are feasible. The problems come for those who seek a professional career as a pilot, or even want the option to fly when the skies aren't clear and a million. An instrument rating, which is required for flight in Class A, instrument flight plans, and flight in instrument meteorological conditions, requires the applicant to hold at least a private pilot certificate. The commercial pilot certificate also requires an applicant who holds a private certificate. Want to fly for the airlines? You must have a commercial certificate to be eligible for an airline transport pilot certificate.
Unless you are pursuing aviation as an older civilian that wants to fly around for fun with no more than one passenger and only when the weather is perfect, the suggested route is that listed below.
This roadmap is only the beginning. For some it may take 9 months, for others it may take several years. The length of your journey depends on your consistency and level of motivation. You will notice that the end of this short road comes to a Y, either multi-engine or CFI. If you have built connections and have opportunity to fly and build time without your CFI, then by all means do so. Some people tow banners, fly jump planes, or get on at a charter operation as SIC with enough time.
Instructing, however, is a valuable skill. Being able to fly a plane does not necessarily mean you will be able to teach someone else how to do so. You'll learn a lot about yourself and the industry if you choose to teach.
There are more nuances, priveleges, and limitations than I have covered here. Every pilot certification and add-on rating has an associated by a set of Federal Aviation Regulations to govern the process. All regulations regarding certification of airmen are found in FAR Part 61. The subparts for each certification include eligibility, aeronautical knowledge, and aeronautical experience requirements, as well as limitations and privileges. If you intend to begin your journey in aviation, go ahead and start getting acquainted with the FARs, as they will be referenced for the rest of your career. Most questions can be answered by looking in the regulations.
Hopefully you now have a better understanding of the different certificates available to someone just starting out. If you have any questions, or would like some guidance on which certificate you should seek to obtain based on your specific situation, please send me an email at erica@gilbertaviation.com and I'll get back to you shortly.
Happy flying and good luck!