Pilot Certification in The United States - Non-pilot Certifications

Non-pilot Certifications

In addition to pilot licenses the FAA also issues other airmen certificates.

• Flight Instructor certification is separate from pilot certification. For every rating on a flight instructor certificate, there must already be a corresponding rating on the individual's commercial pilot certificate. The applicant must also pass written and flight skills tests.

• Flight Engineer Certifications are applicable to large transportation aircraft (more than 80,000 lb). Flight Engineer Certificates are further Rated by type of engine they are trained and tested on: Turbojet Powered, Turbopropeller Powered, Reciprocating Engine Powered. Flight Engineers are becoming less common as modern jets move towards two person flight crews.

• Flight Navigators certificates are still available, but modern technology and the high speed of jets has made the rating obsolete.

• Ground Instructor, Parachute rigger, Aircraft Mechanic, Repairman and Air Traffic Controller are also federally certified aviation-related positions. Most of these also have their rating systems. For example, an A&P is a certified mechanic with both airframe and powerplant ratings, and a Ground Instructor may be rated to give Basic, Advanced, and/or Instrument training. Aircraft Inspection authorization (IA) is an additional privilege conferred on certificated mechanics who meet specific experience and training requirements.

• An Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate is required for people involved in operational control/dispatch under 14 CFR Part 121 commercial operations. Qualification requirements can be found in FAR 65.53

Pilots do not need FCC licenses to use the radio within the United States (pilot certificates double as FCC radio licenses); however, other countries may require that a pilot have an FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RR), and the aircraft radio station be licensed.

• Flight attendants are trained to the level required to earn an FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency. This is not considered to be an airman certification.

• Avionics Techs. General radiotelephone operator license or (GROL) are certified by the FCC.