Did you know? Other Private Pilot Certificate ratings & add-ons
TLDR
This Part Time Pilot page explains that the Private Pilot Certificate offers the most privileges and serves as the foundation for future pilot ratings and add-ons (like Instrument, Commercial, Tailwheel, Floatplane, High Performance, Glider Towing, etc.). It describes what is needed for a private pilot certificate holder in order to add these privileges to their certificate. In most cases, but not all, there is additional training and sign off from a flight instructor and possibly a written or checkride exam.
So what happens if you get your Private Pilot’s Certificate and now you want to fly a high performance aircraft? Or fly a glider plane? Or tow a glider plane? Or fly a float plane? Or fly a dual engine plane? Well, they all require a Private Pilot to take additional steps in order to achieve the additional rating. I am not going to cover all the requirements to get every single add on rating here because many of them require their own set of lessons and courses. However, I will provide an overview of some of the most common and you can browse the Practical Test Standards for the FAA for any additional rating you are interested in here.
Airmen Class Ratings
FAR § 61.63 Additional aircraft ratings
To add a class rating under the same category (adding single-engine sea or multi-engine land to a certificate for Airplane, single-engine land for example) while holding a certificate in that category the following applies:
- You do not have to take any additional knowledge tests
- There is no minimum flight time requirements
- Your instructor determines when you are proficient before signing you off for a checkride
- You must receive a logbook endorsement stating you are competent in the aeronautical knowledge areas (same as private pilot) AND an endorsement stating you are proficient in the areas of operation for your pilot certificate and the additional rating that you seek
- Then, you must pass a checkride for the pilot certificate of the aircraft rating you seek (single engine sea, for example)
- To see what is required you can view the Practical Test Standards here
Endorsement Add-Ons
Unlike adding an additional Class rating, some add-ons can be acquired without the need to pass an additional checkride. For aircraft that are similar enough in characteristics to the same category and class as the aircraft you hold a certificate in, you simply need to perform adequate training with an instructor and have that instructor endorse your logbook. Here are some of those aircraft add-ons:
- Tailwheel
- A Tailwheel endorsement does not require a minimum number of flight hours to obtain it
- A Tailwheel endorsement doesn’t even require an additional checkride
- Your instructor just needs to determine that you are proficient in the tailwheel aircraft and then they endorse your logbook
- The FAA does mandate that your instructor grade you on Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings as well as Go-around procedures specifically for tailwheel aircraft. But, this can usually be accomplished in a few hours of training
- You still have to hold a Private Pilot certificate and be proficient and current under that certificate
- Complex Airplane
- A complex airplane is considered an airplane that has retractable landing gear, flaps and a controllable pitch propeller (or for a sea plane just flaps and a controllable pitch propeller)
- There are no minimum number of flight hours required
- You are required to receive ground and flight training from an instructor and be endorsed for being proficient in a complex airplane
- The training can be in a complex airplane or in a flight simulator that represents a complex airplane
- High-Performance Airplane
- A high-performance airplane is currently defined as an airplane with an engine with more than 200 horsepower
- Pilots must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in a high-performance airplane and be deemed proficient by the instructor
- Once deemed proficient your instructor will endorse your logbook
- High Altitude
- To receive an endorsement for high altitude flight a pilot must receive ground training and an endorsement from an authorized instructor
- The ground training must include the following:
- High altitude aerodynamics
- High altitude meteorology
- Respiration
- Effects, symptoms and causes of hypoxia and other high altitude sicknesses
- Duration of consciousness without supplemental oxygen
- Effects of prolonged usage of supplemental oxygen
- Causes and effects of gas expansion and gas bubble formation
- Preventive measures for eliminating gas expansion, gas bubble formation, and high altitude sickness
- Physical phenomena and incidents of decompression
- Any other physiological aspects of high altitude flight
- A pilot must ALSO receive flight training and an endorsement from an authorize instructor
- The flight training must be completed in a pressurized aircraft (an aircraft that has a service ceiling or maximum operating altitude, whichever is lower, above 25,000 ft. MSL) and must include the following:
- Normal cruise flight operations while operating above 25,000 ft MSL
- Proper emergency procedures for simulated rapid decompression without actually depressurizing the aircraft
- Emergency descent procedures
- Experimental Aircraft
- No person may operate an aircraft that has an experimental certificate…
- For other than the purpose for which the certificate was issued
- For carrying persons or property for compensation or hire unless…
- It is to tow a glider that is a light-sport aircraft or unpowered ultralight vehicle or to conduct flight training as long as it has been inspected by appropriately rated person in preceding 100 hours
- For lease
- Outside the area assigned by the administrator until it is shown that the aircraft is controllable throughout its normal range of speeds and throughout all maneuvers to be executed AND the aircraft has no hazardous operating characteristics or design features
- No person (unless otherwise authorized) may operate an aircraft that has an experimental certificate over a densely populated area or in a congested airway.
- The administrator MAY issue special operating limitations for particular aircraft to permit takeoffs and landings to be conducted over a densely populated area
- When operating an experimental aircraft you MUST…
- Advise each person being carried that is it an “experimental aircraft”
- Operate under VFR, day only, unless otherwise authorized
- Notify control tower that the aircraft is “experimental”
- No person may operate an aircraft that has an experimental certificate…
Glider Plane Towing
FAR § 61.69 Glider and unpowered ultralight vehicle towing: Experience and training requirements:
- In order to be able to tow a glider plane a Private Pilot must…
- Have logged a minimum of 100 hours as PIC in the same category, class and type of aircraft to be used for towing
- Have a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor that certifies you have received ground and flight training in gliders or unpowered ultralight vehicles, and are proficient in those areas
- Have a logbook endorsement from a pilot that already meets the requirements and who has accompanied the pilot on 3 flights which has certified them to have accomplished at least 3 flights in an aircraft while towing a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle, or while simulating towing flight procedures
- In the preceding 12 months has performed 3 actual or simulated tows accompanied by a qualified pilot or has been towed for 3 flights in a glider or unpowered ultralight vehicle
Type Ratings
- A type rating for a specific aircraft type is required to act as a PIC of any aircraft that exceeds 12,500 lbs maximum takeoff weight (MTOW)
- All turbojet powered aircraft require a type rating as well, regardless of weight
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the topic of private pilot certificate ratings and add-ons.
What is the most common pilot rating to get after a Private Pilot certificate?
The most common pilot rating to get after getting a Private Pilot certificate is an Instrument Rating. In 2024, the FAA reported 46,132 people took the Private Pilot written exam and 23,363 people took the IFR written exam. Therefore, about 1/2 the people who get Private Pilot, get their Instrument (IFR) rating.
This is because an Instrument Rating allows a pilot to fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), or in other words, bad visibility weather. Therefore, pilots who want to fly as a career are pretty much required to have an Instrument Rating.
It is also highly recommended to get an Instrument Rating because it teaches pilots a more advanced and intimate knowledge of flying as well as preparing them to fly in poor weather conditions. Being an Instrument Rating pilot makes you a more competent pilot as long as you remain proficient.
What are the requirements to get an Instrument Rating?
There is a common misconception that IFR flying requires another pilot certificate. In reality, IFR is a rating (instrument rating) that you add on to your Private Pilot certificate. However, the steps needed to obtain this rating are very similar to the steps needed to obtain a certificate. To obtain an Instrument Rating, you’ll need at least…
- 50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command
- 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument flight time (including 15 hours with an authorized instructor)
- A long instrument cross-country flight
- Successful completion of a written knowledge test
- Successful completion of a practical flight test (Checkride).
What is a High-Performance Aircraft endorsement and how do I get one?
A high-performance airplane is currently defined as an airplane with an engine with more than 200 horsepower. A high-performance endorsement is required for pilots to fly these types of aircraft.
Pilots must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in a high-performance airplane and be deemed proficient by the instructor. Once deemed proficient, the instructor will endorse the pilot’s logbook.
What is a Complex Aircraft endorsement and how do I get one?
A complex airplane is considered an airplane that has retractable landing gear, flaps and a controllable pitch propeller (or for a sea plane just flaps and a controllable pitch propeller). A Complex Aircraft Endorsement is required to act as pilot in command of these aircraft. It’s essential for flying many high-performance general aviation aircraft and is a prerequisite for the Commercial Pilot Certificate.
There are no minimum number of flight hours required to get a Complex endorsement but pilots are required to receive ground and flight training from an instructor and be endorsed for being proficient in a complex airplane. The training can be in a complex airplane or in a flight simulator that represents a complex airplane.
What is a Multi-Engine Rating and how do I get one?
A Multi-Engine Rating is a rating “add-on” that a pilot can add on to an existing pilot certificate such as a Private Pilot or Commercial certificate (like an Instrument Rating). A Multi-Engine Rating allows you to fly aircraft with more than one engine.
A Multi-Engine Rating requires specific flight training in a multi-engine aircraft, understanding of multi-engine aerodynamics and systems, and successful completion of a practical flight test (Checkride). There’s no specific written exam or minimum number of flight hours.
What is a Tailwheel Endorsement and how do I get one?
A Tailwheel Endorsement is required to act as pilot in command of an aircraft with a tailwheel (also known as “conventional gear”) rather than a nose-wheel. All aircraft have two main-gears as part of their landing gear and a third gear that is either on the nose of the tail.
A Tailwheel endorsement does not require a minimum number of flight hours to obtain it, nor does it require an additional Checkride or Written Exam. An instructor just needs to determine that you are proficient in the tailwheel aircraft and then they endorse your logbook. The FAA does mandate that your instructor grade you on normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings as well as go-around procedures specifically for tailwheel aircraft. But, this can usually be accomplished in a few hours of training.
You still have to hold a Private Pilot certificate and be proficient and current under that certificate.
Why would I want a Tailwheel Endorsement?
Many experienced pilots and instructors recommend that student pilots and certificated pilots get a tailwheel endorsement. This is for several key reasons:
- Improves stick and rudder skill. Tailwheel aircraft are inherently less stable during taxiing because their center of gravity is behind the main landing gear. This required more precision, finesse and rudder input that can improve a pilots overall skill level.
- More aircraft options. By being tailwheel endorsed you will be able to fly and rent a lot more different aircraft.
- Better for bush flying and unpaved runways. Tailwheels have a higher angle of attack and their nose is pointed higher when on the ground. Because of this, there is more clearance between the propeller and the ground making it less likely for propeller strikes.
- Doesn’t require a Written Exam or Checkride. As mentioned above, only ground and flight training with an instructor as well as an endorsement from that instructor is required.
Can I get a Commercial Pilot Certificate after my Private Pilot Certificate?
Yes you can. Most people get their Instrument Rating after their Private Pilot certificate because it is a more natural progression and an Instrument Rating is required for most pilot jobs and recommended for all pilots. However, because an Instrument Rating is a rating that you add to your Private Pilot, you COULD get your Commercial certificate directly after your Private Pilot certificate. There just aren’t many cases where it would be recommended to do so.
What is a Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI) and how do I get one?
A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate allows you to teach others to fly and endorse them for certificates and ratings. It requires holding a Commercial Pilot Certificate (or ATP certificate), passing rigorous written and practical exams on instructional knowledge and teaching abilities, and a high level of piloting skill.
Many people take the route of becoming a Private Pilot, getting their Instrument Rating, becoming a Commercial pilot and then becoming a CFI so that they can get paid to train students while they build the minimum hours required to be receive an Airline Transport Pilot certificate.
What is Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) and how do I get one?
ATP or Airline Transport Pilot is the certificate needed in order to become an Airline Pilot. It is the highest level of aircraft pilot certificate an individual can obtain. In order to obtain an ATP certificate someone must:
- Be at least 23 years old (21 if getting a restricted ATP)
- Be able to read, speak and understand English
- Hold a current FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate
- Hold a Commercial Pilot certificate with an Instrument Rating
- Log at least 1500 hours of total flight time and meet the various specific hour requirements underneath that total such as cross-country hours, night hours, PIC hours, solo hours, etc..
- Must complete an ATP Certification Training Program (ATP CTP)
- Must take and pass an FAA ATP Knowledge Test
- Must take and pass FAA ATP Practical Test (Checkride)
A Restricted ATP certificate allows a pilot to fly for an airline with less total hours when the pilot has also received a degree. If the degree is a 4-year program then the total hour requirement is lowered to 1000. If the degree is a 2-year program then the total hour requirement is lowered to 1250.
