Certificates and ratings issued under this part

In plain English

Part 61 lists the pilot certificates (student, sport, recreational, private, commercial, ATP), the instructor certificates, and the category/class/type and instrument ratings placed on them. It is the map of the certificate system.

Key points

• Pilot certificates: student, sport, recreational, private, commercial, airline transport.
• Flight instructor and ground instructor certificates.
• Ratings: aircraft category (airplane, rotorcraft, glider, etc.), class (single/multi-engine land or sea), type ratings, and instrument ratings.

Common pitfalls

• Confusing a "certificate" (the licence level) with a "rating" (what you may fly or do).

Summary: Part 61 defines the pilot certificate levels (student through ATP), instructor certificates, and the category/class/type and instrument ratings placed on them.