5.A
Aviation Merit Badge
Digital Resource Guide
Explain the following: the student pilot, the recreational pilot, the remote pilot, and the private pilot certificates.
Here’s an explanation of the various types of pilot certificates:
1. Student Pilot Certificate
Purpose:
The first step for anyone learning to fly. This certificate allows individuals to operate an aircraft solo under the supervision of a flight instructor as they build experience and work toward a higher certificate.
Requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old (14 for gliders or balloons).
- Pass a medical exam (unless operating gliders or balloons).
- Obtain a student pilot certificate from the FAA.
Restrictions:
- Cannot carry passengers or fly for hire.
- Cannot fly in bad weather or outside specific airspace without authorization.
Training Path:
- Focuses on basic flight operations, safety, and preparation for solo flights.
- Usually leads to a recreational or private pilot certificate.
2. Recreational Pilot Certificate
Purpose:
Allows pilots to fly for personal enjoyment within specific limitations.
Requirements:
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Obtain a minimum of 30 flight hours (15 with an instructor).
- Pass a written knowledge test and a practical flight test.
Privileges:
- Fly single-engine aircraft with up to four seats.
- Can carry up to one passenger.
Restrictions:
- Daytime flying only (no night flights).
- Cannot fly more than 50 nautical miles from the departure airport without special training.
- No flying in controlled airspace without additional endorsements.
Did you know?
Recreational pilots often upgrade to a private pilot certificate for more freedom.
Did you know?
Recreational pilots often upgrade to a private pilot certificate for more freedom.
3. Remote Pilot Certificate (Drone License)
Purpose:
For operating small unmanned aircraft systems (drones) commercially or for official purposes.
Requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old.
- Pass the FAA's Aeronautical Knowledge Test or complete a training course (for existing Part 61 certificate holders).
- Register the drone with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs.
Privileges:
- Fly drones for commercial purposes (e.g., photography, mapping, inspections).
- Operate drones under Part 107 rules, which cover altitude, visibility, and airspace restrictions.
Limitations:
- Must maintain visual line of sight with the drone.
- Cannot fly over people, in restricted airspace, or beyond visual line of sight without waivers.
Renewal:
- Certification must be renewed every two years through a recurrent knowledge test.
4. Private Pilot Certificate
Purpose:
The most common certificate, allowing pilots to fly aircraft recreationally or for personal travel.
Requirements:
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Accumulate at least 40 flight hours (20 with an instructor, 10 solo).
- Pass a written knowledge test, a medical exam, and a practical flight test.
Privileges:
- Fly most single-engine airplanes (with additional ratings for others).
- Carry passengers (but cannot charge for flights).
- Fly day or night under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
Restrictions:
- Cannot be paid for flying (except for pro-rata sharing of expenses).
- Requires additional certifications or ratings for instrument flying, multi-engine aircraft, or commercial operations.
Private pilots often add advanced certifications, like instrument or commercial pilot certificates.
The most popular way for people to obtain their student pilot certificate is through enrollment in a flight school or working directly with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).
Here’s a step-by-step outline of the process:
1. Enroll in a Flight School or With a Flight Instructor
-
Flight Schools:
- Most aspiring pilots start at a Part 61 or Part 141 flight school. These schools are certified by the FAA and specialize in providing structured flight training.
- Part 141 schools are typically more formalized with set curricula, often associated with collegiate aviation programs, while Part 61 schools offer more flexibility in scheduling and pacing.
-
Individual Flight Instructors (CFIs):
- Some students work one-on-one with a CFI who operates independently or through a flying club.
2. Obtain a Medical Certificate
-
Why It’s Important:
- To ensure the student is physically and mentally fit to operate an aircraft safely.
- For most aircraft types, students must pass an FAA medical exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
-
Steps:
- Find an AME through the FAA’s website.
- Schedule and pass a medical exam (Class 3 medical is the most common for student pilots).
3. Apply for the Student Pilot Certificate
-
Application Process:
- Go to the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA).
- Create an account and complete the student pilot certificate application.
- Submit the application through your CFI, a flight school representative, or the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).
- The student pilot certificate is free.
-
Certificate Issuance:
- Once approved, the FAA will mail the plastic student pilot certificate to the applicant. A temporary certificate can be downloaded for immediate use.
4. Begin Flight Training
Once the certificate is received, the student can officially begin flight training, including solo flight operations under the supervision of their instructor.
-
Typical Training:
- Dual instruction flights to learn basic maneuvers, takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures.
- Solo flights when the instructor determines the student is ready.
Flight Schools:
-
Comprehensive Training Programs (Part 61): Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) is a national flight school that provides a range of programs under Part 61, including private pilot certification, instrument ratings, and commercial pilot training. Their flagship Airline Career Pilot Program is designed to guide students from zero experience to airline-ready pilots efficiently.
-
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Part 141): Known as "The Harvard of the Skies," Embry-Riddle offers comprehensive aviation programs and has campuses in Daytona Beach, Florida, and Prescott, Arizona.
-
University of North Dakota (UND) (Part 141): UND's John D. Odegard School of Aerospace Sciences provides a diverse range of aviation degrees and operates one of the largest civilian aircraft fleets in North America.
When selecting a flight school...
Consider factors such as location, program offerings, cost, and how well the school’s training approach aligns with your career objectives. Visiting campuses, speaking with current students, and reviewing each school’s success rates can provide valuable insights to inform your decision.
Good luck!
When selecting a flight school...
Consider factors such as location, program offerings, cost, and how well the school’s training approach aligns with your career objectives. Visiting campuses, speaking with current students, and reviewing each school’s success rates can provide valuable insights to inform your decision.
Good luck!
