The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Type Rating Explained: When Pilots Need One and How It Works
Type rating explained: when FAA rule 61.31 and EASA Part-FCL require one, what the training and ATP-standard checkride involve, and how it is kept current.
A type rating is a formal certification that defines a pilot’s qualification to operate a specific aircraft type. The article outlines when FAA rule 61.31 and EASA Part-FCL require a type rating, highlighting regulatory thresholds that trigger the need for this credential.
It explains the training components typically involved in obtaining a type rating, including the scope of knowledge, simulator sessions, and flight training that align with ATP-standard checkride expectations. The content emphasizes how these elements prepare pilots for type-specific operations.
The piece describes the ATP-standard checkride as the culmination of the type rating process, detailing that it assesses a pilot’s competency across procedures, performance, and knowledge pertinent to the designated aircraft type. It notes the level of rigor expected for successful completion.
Keeping a type rating current is addressed, with guidance on ongoing proficiency requirements and the mechanisms that help pilots maintain validity of their certification over time. The article outlines methods to stay up to date with changes in airframe procedures and regulatory expectations.
In summary, the material clarifies the regulatory triggers, the general structure of the training and testing, and the ongoing currency requirements tied to holding a type rating, without delving into specific aircraft details or operational outcomes.