The Breakdown of Type Rating Requirements in Aviation

In today’s aviation landscape, pilots must be skilled in multiple disciplines to maintain their roles. Whether the pilot holds a commercial pilot license or a Singapore private pilot license, there are various type ratings to choose from and obtain. Each rating is a segment of certification that focuses on a specific aircraft type. This blog post will explore the various type rating requirements in the aviation industry.

What is a Type Rating? 

A type rating is a certification that a pilot has been trained on a specific aircraft type. All commercial airlines require a type rating to pilot their aircraft as there are significant differences between the aircraft types.

A type rating is one of the most important certifications required to be a commercial pilot. While a commercial pilot license (CPL) allows a pilot to fly any aircraft, an aircraft type rating allows a pilot to fly a specific type of aircraft. The aircraft type rating is added to the end of the CPL so that it becomes a CPL/type rating.

Why is a Type Rating Important?

A type rating is important for several reasons. Primarily, the type rating is a way to demonstrate to prospective employers that the pilot has received special training and education that pertains specifically to the aircraft.

Another reason why a type rating is important is that it allows a pilot to fly more hours. For instance, a pilot who only holds a commercial pilot’s license and works for an airline is only permitted to fly a set number of hours each month. However, those hours might be logged as type rating hours if the pilot also possesses a type rating for the particular aircraft that they fly. This allows them to fly more hours per month and may help them to advance their career as a commercial pilot.

Type Ratings 

There are many different types of aircraft type ratings. Ultimately, it depends on the airline that the pilot wishes to work for and the type of aircraft they want to operate.

Earning a Type Rating

Most pilots will have more than one type rating. It is common for a pilot to have multiple type ratings because of the different aircraft types within the airline industry.

There are no specific requirements set in stone for airlines, but most airlines have a standardised set of rules for type ratings. In order to earn a type rating, a pilot must be employed by an airline that requires the type rating. There are a couple of different ways to earn a type rating based on the airline and their hiring needs.

Most of the time, a pilot will be hired by an airline and begin training on the aircraft type they will eventually be flying. There is a certain amount of time that must be flown in order to receive the type rating. This can range from as little as 10 hours to several hundred hours, depending on the type rating. Some airlines will allow pilots to fly flight simulations where they will earn the type rating. This is particularly common for pilots that have already earned their aircraft type rating but now want to fly a different aircraft in their fleet. 

Conclusion 

In essence, each type rating is a certification that focuses on a specific aircraft type. The type rating process is rigorous and requires pilots to complete additional training, testing, and application to receive certification. The type rating is often challenging to obtain and requires extensive training. Therefore, aspiring pilots are generally advised to focus on building the experience necessary to pass the additional test and receive certification.

There are a few significant differences between the type of pilot licenses available. To kickstart your aviation journey, WingsOverAsia is the private aviation service provider to choose for the most adult learning-driven flying training experience in Singapore. With two private pilot license options: a 100% local PLL and a blend of Singapore and US/FAA PLL, choose the license that best suits your flying goals, expectations, and flexibility. 

With our exceptional professional flight training courses and more than ten years of experience in the field, we can help you fulfil all of your piloting aspirations. Along with providing private flying lessons in Singapore, we also offer top-notch private aviation services such as maintenance and upkeep to pilots and aircraft owners. Contact us to find out more about our first-rate services.