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Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge

FAA-H-8083-25C Version October 20, 2025
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Chapter 1

Introduction To Flying

Size and weight are other methods used in 14 CFR 1.1 to group aircraft:

  • Large aircraft-an aircraft of more than 12,500 pounds, maximum certificated takeoff weight.
  • Light-sport aircraft (LSA)-an aircraft, other than a helicopter or powered-lift that, since its original certification, has continued to meet the definition in 14 CFR 1.1. (LSA can include airplanes, airships, balloons, gliders, gyro planes, powered parachutes, and weight-shift-control.)
  • Small Aircraft-aircraft of 12,500 pounds or less, maximum certificated takeoff weight.

We also use broad classifications of aircraft with respect to the certification of airmen or with respect to the certification of the aircraft themselves. See the next section, Pilot Certifications, and Chapter 3, for further discussion of certification. These definitions are in 14 CFR 1.1:

  • Category
    • As used with respect to the certification, ratings, privileges, and limitations of airmen, means a broad classification of aircraft. Examples include: airplane; rotorcraft; glider; and lighter-than-air; and
    • As used with respect to the certification of aircraft, means a grouping of aircraft based upon intended use or operating limitations. Examples include: transport, normal, utility, acrobatic, limited, restricted, and provisional.
  • Class
    • As used with respect to the certification, ratings, privileges, and limitations of airmen, means a classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics. Examples Include: single engine; multiengine; land; water; gyroplane, helicopter, airship, and free balloon; and
    • As used with respect to the certification of aircraft, means a broad grouping of aircraft having similar characteristics of propulsion, flight, or landing. Examples include: airplane, rotorcraft, gilder, balloon, landplane, and seaplane.
  • Type
    • As used with respect to the certification, ratings, privileges, and limitations of airmen, means a specific make and basic model of aircraft, Including modifications thereto that do not change its handling or flight characteristics. Examples include: 737-700, G-IV, and 1900; and
    • As used with respect to the certification of aircraft, means those aircraft which are similar in design. Examples include: 737-700 and 737- 700C; G-IV and G-IV-X; and 1900 and 1900C.

This system of definitions allows the FAA to group and regulate aircraft to provide for their safe operation.

Pilot Certifications

The type of intended flying influences what type of pilot’s certificate is required. Eligibility, training, experience, and testing requirements differ depending on the type of certificates sought. [Figure 1-20] Each type of pilot’s certificate has privileges and limitations that are inherent within the certificate itself. However, other privileges and limitations may be applicable based on the aircraft type, operation being conducted, and the type of certificate. For example, a certain certificate may have privileges and limitations under 14 CFR part 61 and part 91.

Front side (top) and back side (bottom) of an airman certificate issued by the FAA.
Figure 1-20. Front side (top) and back side (bottom) of an airman certificate issued by the FAA.
  • Privileges-define where and when the pilot may fly, with whom they may fly, the purpose of the flight, and the type of aircraft they are allowed to fly.
  • Limitations-the FAA may impose limitations on a pilot certificate if, during training or the practical test, the pilot does not demonstrate all skills necessary to exercise all privileges of a privilege level, category, class, or type rating.

Endorsements, a form of authorization, are written to establish that the certificate holder has received training in specific skill areas. Endorsements are written and signed by an authorized individual, usually a certificated flight instructor (CFI), and are based on aircraft classification. [Figure 1-21]

Example endorsement for a recreational pilot to conduct solo flights for the purpose of determining an additional certificate or rating.
Figure 1-21. Example endorsement for a recreational pilot to conduct solo flights for the purpose of determining an additional certificate or rating.

Sport Pilot

Limitations:

  • Prohibited from flying in Class A airspace
  • Prohibited from flying in Class B, C, or D airspace until you receive training and a logbook endorsement from an instructor
  • No flights outside the United States without prior permission from the foreign aviation authority
  • May not tow any object No flights while carrying a passenger or property for compensation or hire
  • Prohibited from flying in furtherance of a business

The sport pilot certificate does not list aircraft category and class ratings. After successfully passing the practical test for a sport pilot certificate, regardless of the light-sport aircraft privileges you seek, the FAA will issue you a sport pilot certificate without any category and class ratings. The Instructor will provide you with the appropriate logbook endorsement for the category and class of aircraft in which you are authorized to act as pilot in command.

Recreational Pilot

To become a recreational pilot, one must:

  • Be at least 17 years old
  • Be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language
  • Pass the required knowledge test
  • Meet the aeronautical experience requirements in either a single-engine airplane, a helicopter, or a gyroplane.
  • Obtain a logbook endorsement from an instructor
  • Pass the required practical test
  • Obtain a third-class medical certificate issued under 14 CFR part 67