Basically, once you have obtained your first pilot's licence, there are three ways in which you can expand the options you have acquired.
- Further pilot licences
- Sample and type authorisations (class and type ratings)
- Additional authorisations for the licence
The focus here will now be on class and type ratings.
Class and type ratings
Type and type ratings or so-called class and type ratings are mandatory in addition to the actual pilot licence in order to be allowed to fly a specific aircraft. This does not apply during flight training or when carrying out corresponding test flights or when acting as a test pilot. Otherwise, however, class and type ratings are mandatory.
The LAPL, SPL and UL licences are an exception to this. No rating is required for these licences, as the permitted aircraft is specified by the licence. For all other licences such as PPL, CPL, ATPL and MPL, the following applies: In addition to the licence, the aircraft to be flown requires a corresponding class rating and, if applicable, a type rating.
According to ICAO/EASA, aircraft can be differentiated and categorised according to various criteria. On the one hand, the ICAO distinguishes between small aircraft up to 5.7 tonnes take-off weight and large aeroplanes of 5.7 tonnes or more. There are much more extensive certification regulations for the latter. On the other hand, a subdivision of aircraft into the following classes is defined, based on the class or type rating required to fly aircraft of the corresponding class. For subsequent classes, a Class or type rating be obtained.
- SEP - Single Engine Piston: Single-engine piston-powered aeroplanes
- MEP - Multi Engine Piston: Multi-engine piston-powered aeroplanes
- TMG - Touring Motor Glider: touring motor gliders that behave like a glider when the engine is switched off
- SET - Single Engine Turbine: Single-engine, turbine-powered aircraft;
- For aeroplanes that may be flown by a single pilot, but are similar in their flight performance to aircraft types that are operated with a minimum crew of two pilots, there is also a distinction between "Single-pilot High Performance Non-Complex" and "Single-pilot High Performance Complex" aeroplanes
- MET/ME - Multi Engine Turbine: Aircraft with multi-engine turbines
The above list includes aircraft that can be flown by one pilot (single pilot) as well as aircraft that require a multi-pilot crew (multi-pilot).
A class rating can be obtained for aircraft of the above classes SEP, MEP (for land and water) and TMG if they are single pilot aircraft.
For aircraft in the MET/ME class, as well as for all aircraft that require a multi-pilot crew, a type rating must also be obtained for a specific aircraft type. The idea behind the type ratings is that a class rating is not sufficient for more complex aircraft (e.g. high-performance aircraft or aircraft that require a multi-pilot crew). Here, in addition to the class rating, a type rating is required which deals with the specifics of the particular aircraft type.
Both are possible for aircraft in the SET class. Some have a class rating, some have a type rating. We will go into this in more detail below.
Only with a class or type rating are you allowed to fly a corresponding aircraft. This requires training, which varies greatly depending on the rating. While a pilot's licence itself is valid for life, class and type ratings must be renewed at regular intervals.
Class Ratings
The following table (from EASA's Part-FCL) provides an overview of the aircraft categories for which there are class ratings that generally apply to all manufacturers of aircraft in this category. There is therefore a rating that covers all aircraft assigned to this class, regardless of manufacturer and model. This is only the case for single-pilot aircraft from the SEP and MEP categories, both for land and water, as well as for TMGs.
Table 1: Class Ratings SEP/MEP/TMG (Part-FCL EASA)
| Manufacturer | Aeroplanes | Remark | Licence Endorsement |
|---|---|---|---|
| All manufacturers | SEP (land) | (D) | SEP (land) |
| SEP (land) with variable pitch propellers | |||
| SEP (land) with retractable undercarriage | |||
| SEP (land) with turbo or super charged engines | |||
| SEP (land) with cabin pressurisation | |||
| SEP (land) with tail wheels | |||
| SEP (land) with EFIS | |||
| SEP (land) with SLPC | |||
| All manufacturers | SEP (sea) | (D) | SEP (sea) |
| SEP (sea) with variable pitch propellers | |||
| SEP (sea) with turbo or super charged engines | |||
| SEP (sea) with cabin pressurisation | |||
| SEP (sea) with EFIS | |||
| SEP (sea) with SLPC | |||
| All manufacturers | MEP (land) | (D) | MEP (land) |
| MEP (sea) | (D) | MEP (sea) | |
| All manufacturers | All TMGs having an integrally mounted, nonretractable engine and a non-retractable propeller | | TMG |
The table can be read as follows: It shows which aircraft types are summarised in which class rating. For example, all land aircraft with a piston engine (SEP), regardless of whether they have a variable pitch propeller or retractable landing gear, are summarised in the "SEP (land)" class rating. During training, e.g. for the PPL, this class rating "SEP (land)" is automatically trained and tested as part of the training. After a successful examination, the applicant then has both the licence and the SEP (land) class rating.
The "(D)" in the table above means that the different characteristics within a class do not require a separate class rating, but do require differentiation training. Such difference training is offered by flight schools and includes practice flights in a corresponding type with a flight instructor. The specific content of such difference training depends on the type of extension to be obtained. For example, the appropriate handling of the cabin and the oxygen system is trained for an aircraft with a pressurised cabin.
The flight instructor confirms the completion of the differences training with a corresponding entry (endorsement) in the pilot's logbook. If you do not fly a corresponding type once within 24 months following the training, you should undergo further differences training. However, this only applies to more complex class and type ratings, but not to SEP and TMG class ratings.
EASA makes a fundamental distinction between differences training and familiarisation. Familiarisation merely involves acquiring additional (theoretical) knowledge about certain variants of an aircraft type, for example. Differences training also involves (practical) training on a corresponding type.
Turboprop aircraft with one engine and one pilot (category SET) are not included in the table. Although there is also a class rating for some aircraft in the SET category, this is specific to the manufacturer and aircraft. For example, you can acquire a class rating "SET PA-46". This includes the Piper SET models PA-46-500TP (Malibu Meridian), PA-46 Jetprop DLX and PA-46-600TP (M600) in one rating.
Other "SET High Performance (HPA)" aircraft, as well as all Multi Engine Turbine (ME) and all multi-pilot aircraft always require a type rating.
The EASA defines here for all manufacturers and aircraft types, which class or type ratings are required.
Prerequisites, procedure and conclusion
In principle, theoretical and practical training must be completed at a flying school for each class rating. The training concludes with an examination and the class rating obtained must be renewed regularly once it has expired. The various class ratings are described below. The following applies to all subsequent class ratings: The practical examination must be completed within 6 months of completing the training course. It also applies to all subsequent ratings that the theoretical knowledge should be checked by the examiner during the practical examination flight.
Single Engine Piston SEP
PrerequisiteThere are no specific requirements for the SEP Class Rating. As a rule, this rating is done as part of the flight licence training.
ProcedureFor SEP aircraft, there is a predetermined syllabus for the theory, which deals with the special features of this class. Essential aspects of SEP theory are part of the theory training for underlying pilot licences such as LAPL or PPL. Specific SEP aspects are also taught as part of practical training.
The theoretical knowledge is tested verbally by the examiner during the practical examination. Specifically, the examiner will test the relevant knowledge as part of the flight preparation and briefing for the practical examination flight, as well as during the external check of the aircraft, during the flight and, if necessary, afterwards.
There are no legal requirements for the practical training for SEP (land) (as this rating is usually completed as part of the pilot licence training). The training components are determined individually by the flight school.
The practical training for SEP (sea) seaplanes should comprise at least 8 hours of flight training with a flight instructor if the applicant has an SEP (land) rating. If this is not the case, the duration of training is increased to 10 hours.
For "Single-Pilot Single Engine" piston engine aeroplanes (SEP), appropriate differential training must be carried out in accordance with the above table if aeroplanes with corresponding equipment (e.g. pressurised cabin or retractable landing gear) are to be flown.
ConclusionThe training concludes with an examination flight in which precisely defined criteria must be fulfilled. As a rule, however, the SEP class rating is taken together with the examination for the actual licence, e.g. the LAPL or PPL. The licence and the SEP rating are then tested together during the test flight. We will go into the specific procedure of the practical examination in a separate article.
The rating for SEP is valid for 2 years. The rating must be extended within the respective period (revalidation). The following applies to SEP aircraft: The renewal must take place within 3 months before the rating expires. There are two ways in which the revalidation can be carried out. One option is to have a proficiency check carried out by an authorised inspector. Another option - and this is certainly the most common procedure - is as follows: If the pilot has 12 flying hours to show in the 12 months before the rating expires, including 6 as PIC, as well as 12 take-offs and landings, then the revalidation can take place in a simplified way: By a refresher training flight of 1 hour with a flight instructor (FI) or class rating instructor (CRI).
If the SEP rating is not extended in time, refresher training must be completed at the ATO and then a new test flight must be passed.
Multi Engine Piston MEP
PrerequisiteFor single-pilot multi-engine aeroplanes the following applies: A first class or type rating can be obtained as soon as the pilot has 70 hours of flying experience as PIC.
ProcedureIt is mandatory that for a rating for a "Single-Pilot Multi-Engine" aircraft the associated theory course must comprise at least 7 hours.
A theoretical test must be passed once the theory training has been completed. This involves multiple-choice questions, the scope of which varies depending on the complexity of the aircraft.
The practical training consists of at least 2.5 hours of flight with an instructor under normal conditions and at least 3.5 hours with an instructor focussing on engine failure procedures and asymmetric flight conditions.
ConclusionThe training is completed with a practical test flight. The class rating for MEP is valid for 1 year. The extension must take place within the 3 months before expiry through a proficiency check with an examiner. In addition, the pilot must have flown at least 10 sector routes as a pilot or one sector route with an examiner (also possible as part of the proficiency check) within the validity period of the rating. There are exceptions for commercial airlines, where this is done by the airlines' own authorised proficiency checks.
If the MEP rating is not extended in time, refresher training must be completed at the ATO and then a new test flight must be passed.
SET - Single Pilot High Performance Non-Complex
For aircraft in the SET category, there are manufacturer-specific class ratings for some models that are defined as "Single Pilot High Performance Non-Complex"; for other models, type ratings must be completed. For SET models defined as "Single Pilot High Performance Complex", a type rating must be completed in all cases (see next section).
PrerequisiteFor "Single-pilot High-Performance Non-Complex" aircraft, the pilot must have 200 hours of flying experience, including 70 hours as PIC, have completed appropriate theory training in an ATO or have successfully completed ATPL (A) theory training, or hold an ATPL (A) or CPL(A)/IR licence with ATPL (A) theory credit (which means that ATPL theory has been successfully completed).
ProcedureFor single-passenger aircraft classified as "High Performance Aircraft", the theory test consists of multiple choice questions with a minimum of 100 questions.
The practical training and its scope depends on the specific aircraft model.
ConclusionThe training is completed with a practical test flight. The class rating for SET is valid for 2 years. The extension must take place within the 3 months before expiry through a proficiency check with an examiner. If the SET rating is not extended in time, refresher training must be completed at the ATO and then a new test flight must be passed
Type Ratings
While class ratings apply to an entire "class" of aircraft (e.g. all types of single engine piston aircraft), more complex aircraft (some single pilot SET aircraft, as well as all ME and all multi-pilot aircraft) require a specific type rating where the specifics of a particular aircraft type are trained. Conceptually, however, class and type ratings are the same.
Type ratings must always be obtained in addition. As a pilot, you therefore always need a class rating as a basis and then an additional type rating for the specific type. A type rating may also cover several variants of an aircraft type (e.g. there is a type rating that covers the Airbus A318, 319, 320 and 321), in which case "differences" or "familiarisation" training may be required for the specific aircraft type.
The following applies to all subsequent type ratings: The practical examination must be completed within 6 months of completing the training course. It also applies to all subsequent ratings that the theoretical knowledge should be checked by the examiner as part of the practical examination flight.
Specifically, type ratings are required for
- Single Pilot Multi Engine Turbine Aircraft (SET ME)
- For some SET "Single Pilot High Performance non complex" aircraft for which no class rating but a type rating is required
- For all SET "Single Pilot High Performance complex aircraft"
- Multi Pilot Aircraft
The specifications for type ratings for single pilot multi-engine turbine aircraft and for single pilot high performance non-complex aircraft correspond to the specifications in the previous chapter on class ratings. For single pilot high performance complex aeroplanes and for multi-pilot aeroplanes, the following specifications apply.
SET - Single Pilot High Performance Complex
PrerequisiteCandidates for a rating in the category "Single-Pilot High-Performance Complex" must fulfil the requirements described above for non-complex aircraft and additionally have a multi-engine instrument rating ME IR(A) before a type rating can be issued in this category. The ME IR (A) is therefore the class rating that must be available as a basis.
ProcedureThe theory training is specifically tailored to the relevant aircraft type. At the end of the training there is a theory test with multiple choice questions totalling at least 100 questions.
The practical training and its scope depends on the specific aircraft model.
ConclusionThe training is completed with a practical test flight. The type rating is valid for 1 year. The extension must take place within the 3 months before expiry through a proficiency check with an examiner.
Multi Pilot Aircraft
PrerequisiteIn order to be allowed to take an initial type rating for a multi-pilot aircraft, the applicant must either be on an MPL training course or fulfil the following requirements as part of an ATPL training course. This also includes the underlying Class Rating ME IR(A) - Instrument Rating for multi-engine turbine aeroplanes:
- At least 70 hours of flight experience as PIC
- Completed multi-engine instrument rating ME IR(A)
- Completed ATPL theory section
- If the type rating is not taken in connection with an MCC course:
- Completed MCC course for aeroplanes or
- Completed MCC course for helicopters and more than 100 hours of flight experience as a pilot in multi-pilot helicopters or
- 500 hours of flight experience as a pilot in multi-pilot helicopters or
- 500 hours of flight experience as a pilot as part of a multi-pilot crew in multi-engine single-pilot aircraft, as part of a commercial flight operation
In multi-pilot operations there are also special type ratings only for so-called "cruise-relief co-pilots", but this will not be discussed here.
ProcedureThe theoretical training is specific to the type rating to be obtained. The training is completed with a theory test. This must comprise at least 100 multiple-choice questions.
The practical training and its scope depends on the specific aircraft model.
MCC courseThe Multi-Crew-Cooperation training course is designed to prepare for co-operation in multi-pilot aircraft. Completion of the course is a prerequisite for a type rating for a multi-pilot aircraft. The course has the following scope:
- 25 hours of theory and exercises
- 20 hours of practical MCC training (15 hours if the course is part of integrated ATPL training); a flight simulator should be used for this and the training can be reduced to 10 hours if it is combined with the first type rating
The course should be completed within 6 months.
ConclusionThe training is completed with a practical test flight. For some of the more complex ratings (this applies in particular to type ratings for airliners), it may be that the exercise of an acquired rating is initially restricted to the exercise under the supervision of a corresponding flight instructor or pilot.
The type rating is valid for 1 year. The extension must be carried out within the 3 months before expiry by means of a proficiency check with an examiner.
Renewal of class and type ratings
If a rating is not renewed within one year (or two years for single pilot aircraft with a class rating) as described above, the rating must be renewed. To do this, the pilot must complete refresher training at an ATO (the necessity and scope is determined by the ATO) and then pass another proficiency check with an examiner.
Summary
Obtaining your first pilot's licence marks the beginning of your flying career. However, in addition to the licence itself, in most cases a class or type rating is required in order to be allowed to fly a certain type of aircraft.
In this article, we have provided an overview of the various class and type ratings, the respective requirements, how the training works and how to obtain and successfully retain the corresponding rating.
Source references:
EASA FCL