Understanding Ratings and Endorsements

Pilot qualifications are layered. A licence (or certificate) is the foundation. Ratings, endorsements and other entries extend or limit what the holder may do. Terminology differs between countries, so the same word may mean different things.

Licence, certificate, rating, endorsement

• Licence or certificate: the base qualification, such as private, commercial or airline transport level. Some countries say "licence"; the United States uses "certificate".
• Rating: an addition to a licence that gives specific privileges, such as an instrument rating, a multi-engine class rating, a night rating or an instructor rating.
• Endorsement: in some systems, a specific authorisation recorded by an instructor or by the authority (for example for a particular aircraft type or equipment). In others, "endorsement" is used loosely for any entry on the licence.
• Type rating: authorisation to fly a particular aircraft type that needs one. Rules on which aircraft need a type rating depend on the authority. See the FAA rule on type ratings in the sources above for the US approach.
• Class rating: a rating covering a group of similar aircraft, such as single-engine land or multi-engine.
• Restriction or limitation: a condition printed on the licence.

Ask what the authority calls each item in the country where the licence is issued, and read the exact wording that will appear on your document.

Common additions to a base licence

The UK CAA has moved to a competency-based approach for its instrument rating, with its own page. EASA's general aviation licensing pages describe the EU framework. Systems keep changing, so always read the current page of the authority.

Each rating is its own milestone

A rating is issued after you meet that rating's requirements. Training completion, rating issuance and licence issuance are different events. A school may complete your training, but the rating is issued by the authority (or by a person authorised to do so under its rules). An accepted application, a pass at a test and a record in the authority's system can come at different times.

Ratings can expire or need renewal

Many ratings need periodic renewal or revalidation, and some require recent experience to exercise privileges. The rules depend on the authority. If you plan to hold several, ask about currency, because maintaining them can cost time and money after the training itself.

Ratings and foreign licences

Ratings do not always move with a licence. When you convert or validate a foreign licence, the receiving authority decides which ratings it will recognise and whether you need further training or testing. See Investigating Licence Conversion. Never assume that a rating gained under one authority will appear on a licence issued by another.

Ratings and employment

Some employers ask for specific ratings. A rating on its own does not make you eligible to work in a country or hired by an airline. Employment eligibility and recruitment are separate matters, decided by employers and immigration rules.

How to read a school's course description

Look for the exact names. "Multi-engine course" could mean a rating that is added to a licence, or a short familiarisation, or something else. Check:

• The name of the qualification as the authority calls it.
• The prerequisites, such as a prior licence or minimum experience.
• Whether the test and the rating issuance are included in the price.
• Whether the rating covers only certain aircraft, or only aeroplanes versus helicopters.

Questions to ask

• What will be printed on my licence when I finish?
• Which of the items you list are ratings, which are endorsements, which are certificates of completion from the school?
• Do I need to renew the rating, and what does that involve?
• Is there a restriction that would limit how I can use it?

Use the programs directory and Verification explained to see how sources are shown, and read Private vs Commercial Pilot Pathways for the bigger picture.