Audie Tarpley has successfully led numerous construction and property businesses over the last three-plus decades. When he is not overseeing business development and project management activities at Dillon in Indianapolis, Audie Tarpley enjoys flying with his private pilot’s license. Individuals interested in taking to the skies can pursue several different types of pilot licenses through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Each license follows distinct FAA regulations. While planning their flight training, aspiring pilots should consider which license they want to secure.
Generally, a pilot’s license, also known as a pilot certificate, entitles a person to legally fly an aircraft. That said, the type of aircraft varies considerably, and there are rule distinctions, such as when a person can fly, how far they can travel from their point of departure, and several others. Pilot licenses work much like driver’s licenses in this regard; for example, the average person cannot drive an 18-wheeler unless they obtain a Class A commercial license. There are multiple classes of pilot certificates.
To begin, all aspiring pilots need to fill out paperwork and determine if they meet basic FAA eligibility requirements. Candidates verify their identity and acquire a student pilot license, which they can use to start training. The initial steps for flight certification look the same for all pilots, regardless of whether they want to fly small aircraft recreationally or start a career as a commercial airline pilot. These steps include ground school courses, one-on-one flight-instructor training, passing the written private pilot license (PPL) exam, and finally, the check ride. Upon completion of their check ride, individuals receive their PPL and can enjoy solo flying, albeit with several restrictions.
While many people simply enjoy flying as a hobby, nearly 60 percent of private pilots have achieved at least one instrument rating, according to Pilots of America. An instrument rating is an advanced qualification that permits flying in certain conditions, such as low visibility or poor weather. During these situations, pilots must know how to command their aircraft solely through the use of cockpit instruments, without the aid of visual references.
Regardless of the additional certifications and instrument ratings a pilot might want to pursue, the first step is to fly more. Acquiring advanced certifications demands increased flight time requirements, sometimes hundreds of hours in the air. Under FAA rules, passenger airline pilots need at least 1,500 hours of flight time. One of the best ways to increase flight time involves acquiring a certified flight instructor (CFI) certificate. Pilots can significantly increase their flight time, gain invaluable experience, and help others learn the ins and outs of piloting, all while earning money.
However, anyone interested in a career as a pilot nust acquire commercial pilot license (CPL). In fact, a CPL is a prerequisite for a CFI. Pilots need at least 250 hours of varied flight time before they can receive their CFI, among other standards.
Even a CFI, however, does not permit a pilot to fly for a commercial airline. Before flying a major passenger aircraft, pilots need to qualify for an airline transport pilot license (ATPL). Additional ratings and certifications that can aid in the pursuit of an ATPL range from the CFI instrument rating to a multi-engine instructor certification.
