A pilot license authorizes an individual to operate certain aircraft within defined airspace. However, commercial aviation requires specialized authorization beyond this foundational certification. Pilots transitioning to large transport category jets must undergo rigorous, aircraft-specific training to safely manage advanced systems and performance characteristics. This training acknowledges that handling a multi-engine turbofan aircraft requires unique knowledge and skill sets distinct from those used in smaller piston-powered planes. Earning this authorization bridges the gap between holding a general pilot license and commanding a modern airliner.
Defining the Type Rating
A type rating is an official endorsement added to a pilot’s existing certification, such as a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). This designation authorizes the holder to act as a Pilot-in-Command or Second-in-Command of a particular make and model of aircraft. Regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) mandate this authorization to ensure operational safety. The rating confirms that the pilot has demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the aircraft’s unique systems and proven proficiency in its handling and operational procedures.
Why Specific Aircraft Require Type Ratings
The requirement for a type rating is triggered by the complexity and size of an aircraft. Generally, any aircraft that weighs over 12,500 pounds (5,670 kilograms) maximum takeoff weight necessitates a type rating for its flight crew. This weight threshold is a standard regulatory benchmark recognizing that heavier aircraft possess greater inertia and more complex systems. Furthermore, all aircraft powered by turbojet or turbofan engines automatically require a type rating, regardless of their weight, due to the unique performance parameters and operational considerations they introduce.
The rating is typically specific to an entire aircraft family, such as the Boeing 737 series or the Airbus A320 family. While models within a family share many commonalities, the rating ensures competency across the specific design features and handling characteristics unique to that manufacturer’s platform. For example, a pilot rated for a Boeing 737 cannot automatically fly an Airbus A320 because the two aircraft utilize fundamentally different cockpit philosophies, flight control laws, and system logic.
Prerequisites for Training
Before a pilot can begin the training required for a type rating, they must satisfy several foundational qualifications. The fundamental requirement is holding a valid Commercial Pilot License or, more commonly for large transport category aircraft, the Airline Transport Pilot License. These licenses ensure the pilot has already demonstrated a high level of general airmanship and regulatory knowledge.
Many training providers and airlines also require minimum flight experience totals before enrollment. This experience often includes a specified number of flight hours in multi-engine aircraft and documented instrument flight time.
The Type Rating Training Process
Acquiring a type rating is a structured, multi-stage process designed to transition a pilot from general competency to expert proficiency on a specific aircraft. The process begins with the Ground School phase, an intensive academic review of the aircraft’s systems and operational procedures. Pilots spend several weeks studying flight controls, hydraulics, electrical power, fuel management, and emergency procedures. This classroom instruction is complemented by computer-based training modules that allow pilots to interactively learn the function of every switch and indicator.
Following the theoretical training, the pilot moves into the Simulator Training phase. This training is conducted in a Full Flight Simulator (FFS), a sophisticated device that accurately replicates the motion and visual environment of the actual aircraft. The FFS environment allows instructors to introduce complex scenarios that would be unsafe or impractical to practice in a real aircraft, such as engine failures, hydraulic leaks, and severe weather operations. Pilots practice normal operations before progressing to a comprehensive series of emergency and non-normal procedures.
The simulator phase culminates in the final assessment, known as the Checkride or Practical Test. This evaluation is administered by a certified examiner, who observes the pilot’s performance across a wide range of operational tasks. The pilot must demonstrate procedural mastery, sound decision-making, and precise aircraft handling under both routine and emergency conditions. Successful completion of this final examination results in the official type rating endorsement on their license.
Costs and Time Commitment
The financial investment required to obtain a type rating reflects the cost of utilizing advanced training facilities and certified instructors. For pilots who are self-funding their training, the cost typically ranges from $15,000 to over $30,000, depending on the aircraft type and training provider selected. Ratings for popular airliners, such as the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, often fall within the upper end of this range.
The time commitment for a full-time type rating course is typically between four and eight weeks. This duration includes all phases, from initial ground school through the final checkride. However, the financing structure often changes when a pilot is hired by an airline. Many major carriers offer airline-sponsored training, covering the entire cost of the rating as part of the new hire process, often in exchange for a service commitment. This arrangement reduces the financial burden on the individual pilot and is a common path for entry into commercial aviation.
Maintaining Currency and Recurrent Training
A type rating requires ongoing commitment to maintain its validity and the pilot’s proficiency. Pilots must continually meet regulatory requirements to remain “current,” meaning they are legally authorized to exercise the privileges of their rating. This requirement is enforced through mandatory Recurrent Training and proficiency checks, typically conducted every six months or annually, depending on the regulatory body.
During recurrent training, pilots return to the full flight simulator to practice emergency procedures and demonstrate competency in handling the aircraft under challenging conditions. Failing to complete these periodic proficiency checks results in the rating becoming invalid. A lapsed rating necessitates a renewal process, which often involves additional training and another full checkride to restore authorization.
Career Impact of Holding a Type Rating
Holding a specific type rating positively impacts a pilot’s career trajectory and marketability. Ratings for the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 are sought after because these aircraft form the backbone of global commercial fleets. Possessing a current rating on a mainline jet makes a pilot immediately employable and reduces the training burden for a prospective airline employer.
The type rating functions as a prerequisite for most entry-level airline pilot positions, offering a competitive edge during the hiring process. This specialization also correlates directly with increased earning capacity, as pilots qualified to command large, complex transport aircraft are compensated at the highest levels of the industry.