| If you have been developing an interest in becoming a | | | | such as airplanes that are single engine land, single |
| pilot then you will be interested in knowing that you | | | | engine sea, and multi engine land. There are ratings for |
| have quite a selection of pilot categories to choose | | | | instrument, glider and rotorcraft or helicopter. |
| from. You will be best able to determine the most | | | | Many individuals first entering into the world of flying |
| feasible for you by learning the basics about each of | | | | opt for their Sports Pilot license. This license is for |
| them and seeing which one best suit's the goals you | | | | pleasure flying lightweight aircraft. Your training will |
| have set for yourself. | | | | entail 20 hours of flight time and a written exam as |
| You must understand two major categories. First of all | | | | well. There are several restrictions to this type of |
| licensing for flying are issued by the Federal Aviation | | | | license as it is designated for pleasure only. You will not |
| Administration. They are the governing body and have | | | | be allowed to fly in air space that is controlled by air |
| set the syllabus for the flight courses. All of their rules | | | | traffic control towers such as those situated at the |
| and regulations must be strictly adhered to. The first | | | | airports. In addition, you will only be allowed to fly during |
| requirement is obtaining a certificate and the second | | | | daylight, and in perfect weather conditions. You are |
| part is the training. The type of certificate you require | | | | restricted to no higher that 10,000 feet. |
| will depend on what type of Pilot you are going to | | | | If you decide that you would like something with a few |
| become. It is the certificate that dictates your | | | | less restrictions then you could consider a Recreational |
| restrictions. When you hear reference to a rating this is | | | | Pilot license. The requirements are very similar to a |
| applicable to the various types and classes of aircraft | | | | Private Pilot license but have more limitations. One |
| you will be able to pilot. | | | | interesting note is that Sports Pilots have more choices |
| -Flight Instructor, Airline transport pilot or Commercial | | | | as to the types of aircraft they want to fly as |
| pilot will afford you the possibility of making a career | | | | opposed to the Recreational Pilot. This pilot is restricted |
| out of your Pilot training. | | | | to a single engine aircraft and helicopters with specific |
| Private pilot, recreational pilot, sport pilot, and student | | | | horsepower. The plane can be a maximum of four |
| pilot licenses all have their own restrictions attached to | | | | seats but the recreational pilot is only allowed one |
| these certificates and for the most part, you will not be | | | | passenger at a time. It would be well worth |
| able to earn a living as a Pilot in these categories. | | | | contemplating between a Sports Pilot and Recreational |
| When it comes to ratings these are applicable to the | | | | Pilot, as there are still significant restrictions on both, but |
| three categories that you can use for a career as well | | | | a fair amount more training and costs for the |
| as the Private Pilots. The ratings refer to the aircraft | | | | Recreational Pilot. |