Home > Aviator

The term was more commonly used in the early days of aviation and has connotations of bravery and adventure. As Steve Fossett has shown with his 2002 solo flight around the globe in a helium balloon, there are still challenges to be flown and records to be broken.

1 U.S. pilot's license

1.1 Private Pilot Certificate

The requirements to obtain a Private Pilot Certificate (single engine land aircraft) in the United States (from the FAA) are:

• Be at least 17 years old
• Be able to read, speak, and write the English language
• Obtain a third class medical certificate from an FAA-designated doctor
• Pass a computerized aeronautical knowledge test
• Accumulate at least 40 hours of flight time including 20 hours of flight with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight
• Pass a flight test administered by an FAA-designated examiner

1.2 Sport Pilot Certificate

On July 20 2004 the FAA approved a new Sport Pilot rule. This new certification is easier to obtain than the Private Pilot Certificate discussed above however it also has more restrictions than the Private certificate.

• No FAA medical certificate is required. A valid and current driver's license certifies that the pilot is medically fit to fly.
• A minimum of 20 hours of flight time including 15 hours of flight with an instructor and 5 hours of solo flight.
• A passing score on an FAA knowledge test.
• Pass a practical flight exam with an FAA-designated examiner.

The most notable restrictions placed on a holder of a Sport Pilot certificate are:

• No flight at night
• No flight above 10,000 feet
• No flight in any of the controlled airspace classes (classes A, B, C, or D) without first obtaining additional instruction.

1.3 Advanced Certifications

After obtaining a Private Pilot Certification a pilot can pursue these advanced certifications:

• Instrument certification allows a pilot to operate an aircraft on instruments without visual reference to the ground.
• Commercial certification allows a pilot to operate an aircraft for compensation.
• Flight Instructor allows a pilot to instruct other pilots.
• Air Transport Pilot allows a pilot to operate an aircraft in a large scale freight or passenger transportation operation.

1.4 Other Certifications

2 Canadian pilot's licence

2.1 Private Pilots Licence

The requirements to obtain a Private Pilot Licence (single engine land non-high performance aeroplanes) in Canada (from Transport Canada) are:

• 17 years of age at time of licence completion
• Must obtaion a category 3 or 1 medical certificate
• Completed a minimum of 40 hours of ground school on specified topics
• Completed 45 hours of flight training including all designated exercises
• Successfully pass a written exam with Transport Canada (PPAER - pass mark 60%)
• Successfully complete a flight test to the standard outlined in the Flight Test Guide
  • Privileges and restrictions upon completion
    • May act as pilot-in-command of any aircraft (as endorsed on the licence)
    • May carry passengers (as per aircraft limitations, subject to currency requirements)
    • May not fly for hire (including carriage of passengers or cargo)
    • Limited to day, VFR flight conditions
    • May obtain Night or Instrument Ratings