What is a pilot type rating?

A type rating is an aircraft-specific qualification added to a pilot licence. It allows the pilot to operate a specific aircraft type or aircraft family when a separate rating is required.

After the simulator: Type ratings are common for larger, complex and multi-crew aircraft, including most airline jets. The course focuses on aircraft systems, normal procedures, abnormal and emergency procedures, performance, limitations, crew coordination and simulator checks.

For airline pilots, the type rating is normally required before flying the aircraft in commercial operation. A pilot trained on the Airbus A320 family, for example, is not automatically qualified to fly a Boeing 737 without the appropriate training and checking.

Authorities such as EASA, the FAA and others publish their own rating lists and rules, so the exact requirement depends on the licence authority and aircraft.

Before paying for a type rating, check whether it is airline-sponsored, self-funded or linked to an employment offer. Also check bond terms, refund rules and whether the training provider is approved by the relevant authority.

A type rating is different from line training. The type rating proves that the pilot has passed the aircraft-specific training and checking. Line training then teaches the pilot to operate that aircraft in the airline's real route network under supervision.

Currency also matters. A pilot who holds a type rating but has not flown the type recently may need refresher training, simulator checks or operator training before returning to service.

Some type ratings cover a family of variants, but differences training may still be required. The approved training footprint depends on the authority, aircraft and operator.

Next step: Read the Pilot Training Guide to see where this topic fits in the full path.