What is an initial type rating?
A type rating is a licensing agency’s certification of an airplane pilot to fly a certain aircraft type that requires additional training beyond the scope of the initial license and aircraft class training.
How does a type rating work?
Simply put, a type rating is what allows aspiring pilots to navigate and operate the larger commercial jet planes, such as a Boeing 737 or an Airbus 320. Then, pilots must go through and pass rigorous testing, including several thousand hours of flight training, written exams, and more.
When should I do my type rating?
The type rating is normally done after being hired by an airline, since the airline wants you to learn how to fly the plane “their way”.
When do you need a type rating for an airplane?
Requirements for a type rating are spelled out in FAR 61.31 (a): “A person who acts as a pilot in command of any of the following aircraft must hold a type rating for that aircraft: Large aircraft [or] turbojet-powered airplanes.” Illustration by Taylor Callery
What are the requirements for SIC Type Rating?
Issuance of this “SIC type rating” requires only that the pilot have documented minimal aircraft system and flight manual review, three takeoffs and landings, and some element of maneuvering with a simulated engine failure.
What’s the difference between single pilot and multiple type ratings?
A single type rating often covers multiple variants of an aircraft. Sometimes the differences between these models are minuscule, sometimes immense. With a few exceptions, jets that weigh less than 18,000 pounds MTOW have the capability to be flown single-pilot.
Do you need a type rating to fly a Boeing 737?
You would most certainly need a type rating to fly a 737. Any turbine-powered airplane or aircraft gross weight greater than 12,500 lbs (5.67 t) requires a type rating. In this case, you will need quite a bit of extra training to fly a 737 and need to pass a practical test to earn a type rating.