What Is A Type Rating & Why Is It Required By A Pilot? — Omar Kaddouha
Many young people interested in planes have a desire to undertake a career in flying larger commercial planes. After all, becoming a pilot is an excellent opportunity to travel the world and view the earth from a different angle.
However, before you attain the qualification of flying specific aircraft, there are several checks the pilot will need to achieve. One of such checks is type rating. In this guide, we will discuss what type of rating is and why pilots need type rating.
What Is a Type Rating?
Type rating refers to a mandatory regulating agency’s certification that allows aspiring airplane pilots to operate specific aircraft types. It is a benchmark set by standardized agencies that allow the pilot to navigate and operate specific aircraft types.
Type rating certification usually requires additional training far off the aircraft class training scope and the initial license. This training is not only compulsory for the newly qualified pilots, but also for pilots who transition from one aircraft to another. For instance, if a pilot moves from Airbus A350 to A320, it becomes necessary to acquire another type rating on that aircraft type too.
There is a wide range of aircraft type ratings, such as Boeing A32O type rating and Boeing 737 type rating.
Why Does a Pilot Require a Type Rating?
According to Omar Kaddouha, an expert in Aviation safety of flights, type rating certification is one of the most vital credentials any pilot should obtain if they desire a career as an aircraft pilot. Below are some of the reasons why a pilot requires a type rating.
- Skills and knowledge — one of the reasons why aspiring pilots must acquire a type rating is because it provides a pilot with comprehensive knowledge and skills required to navigate and operate a plane. That’s why pilots must get a certification once they transition from a specific kind of aircraft to another. As a result, it ensures they get the necessary competencies required for the operation of the aircraft.
- It is a requirement — Every aspiring pilot has to attain a type rating certification to get a chance of flying a specific aircraft. Besides the initial pilots’ license and the specific aircraft class training, a type rating certification is required. First, the pilots decide on the type of aircraft they intend to operate.
Most likely, a type of plane with plenty of readily available jobs is usually a wise choice. Then pilots usually go through rigorous testing, equipping them with the know-how and experience of operating the plane. After acquiring the certification, the pilot can now find employment on the aircraft they have acquired the type rating certification.
- Improved safety — During type rating training, pilots are trained on all the necessary skills required to fly safely. Therefore, type rating certification is one step for pilots in accomplishing their dreams of becoming professional pilots.
Conclusion
A type rating is a fundamental certification to all aspiring pilots. The certification is one way of assuring the regulatory bodies and airline companies that you are fully competent to operate a particular aircraft. During type rating training, a pilot acquires the knowledge and know-how on operating a particular aircraft. Therefore , type rating is necessary and a must-have requirement for any pilot who aspires to be a professional pilot.
