Type rating
Type rating. A type rating is an FAA certification authorizing a pilot to act as pilot-in-command of a specific aircraft type — generally required for large (over 12,500 lb) or turbojet aircraft. Type-rating training is a core product of Part 142 training centers, delivered largely in full-flight simulators.
Definition
Most airline and corporate jet pilots earn and maintain type ratings at Part 142 training centers rather than in the actual aircraft, because high-fidelity simulators can deliver the training and checking at a fraction of the cost and risk. A type rating is specific to one aircraft type; a pilot flying multiple types needs a rating for each. Initial type-rating courses are intensive, multi-week programs combining ground school and simulator sessions, followed by a checkride.
Why it lives in the simulator
A Level D full-flight simulator can qualify for zero-flight-time (ZFT) initial type ratings — meaning the pilot can be typed without ever flying the actual aircraft first. This is only possible at the highest device qualification levels.
Initial vs recurrent
Initial type-rating training is the big, lumpy revenue event. Recurrent training keeps the rating current and is the steady, plannable base of a training center's calendar.
Who pays
The airline, charter operator, or corporate flight department typically contracts and pays for type-rating training — making B2B client-account billing, not consumer checkout, the right model.
See also
- Part 142 training center — Part 142 ATO
- FSTD (Flight Simulation Training Device) — FSTD
- Zero-flight-time training (ZFT) — ZFT training
Roffik's take
The platform for FAA-approved Part 142 training centers — simulator scheduling, FAA compliance records, client-account billing, and SWIFT wire reconciliation. Learn more about AviationAlley.