In aviation, one of the specialization certifications is the Pilot in Command (PIC) type rating, which qualifies the pilot to operate and fly defined aircraft size, make, and type. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) considers type rating an additional qualification, endorsement, or certification after the pilot acquires the standard pilot license.
The FAA mandates require one to have the type rating certification if seeking to operate large and complex aircraft with a Maximum Take-off Weight (MTW) of more than 12,500 pounds or models operated with an air-breathing jet engine, also known as turbojets, that consist of a gas turbine and a propelling nozzle. Type rating, however, does not apply for aircraft powered by turboprops, such as small propeller aircraft. The eligibility, training for, and acquiring the type rating requires a set of standard requirements, including flying qualifications and experience, aircraft size and complexity, regulations, and a standard training program structure.
The pilot's qualifications and previous flying experience significantly affect the duration of the training as it determines the subsequent core areas to focus on during training. The standard prerequisite qualifications, however, include FAA and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) commercial pilot and airline transport certificates and licenses. On experience, pilots who have operated similar aircraft types with previous type ratings typically require less training than those applying for the first time. Thus, the training programs tend to be shorter.
Also, the type of aircraft flying experience determines the duration. While size is a factor, qualifications for the type rating training depend on the aircraft's complexity. Aircraft with intricate systems, such as military aircraft, large commercial airlines, or other types with unique configurations, require more flight time experience before the pilot can consider pursuing the type rating endorsement.
The second consideration, regulatory requirements, typically depends on the regulatory agency. Administrative and regulatory agencies like the FAA and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) set the guidelines and expected training requirements for type rating. The agency also provides oversight to ensure adherence to the requirements for standardized training and fulfillment of set training hours and associated supervision and tests.
Lastly, one should consider the structure and quality of the training program. The stringent requirements and scrutiny by airline companies and regulatory bodies like the FAA require one to pursue high-quality training and widely recognized certification. The considerations include the instructor's experience, training center facilities like full-motion simulators, and curriculum structure.
Typically, type rating training consists of two primary steps - ground school and simulator training. The former involves the theoretical section of the training with a focus on specific aircraft model systems and parameters, operations, and emergency protocols and procedures. The second part, simulator training, enables the pilot to apply the theory in a practical setting. Established training centers have full-motion simulators to replicate the systems and operation of the aircraft for which the pilot seeks type rating. The common simulated scenarios include take-off, in-flight operation, landing, and emergency handling under the guidance of a supervisor.
Lastly, depending on the center, some types of training include live but supervised practicals in a real aircraft where the examiner evaluates the candidate's ability to execute the training in the groundwork and simulator sections. However, with technological advancement, in most cases, the simulator does suffice as the final step of the training. It has the benefit of saving on flying costs while enabling the examiner to simulate different scenarios, especially emergencies, without exposing any party to real danger.
