Difference Between Certificates, Ratings, and Endorsements
A pilot certificate, rating, and endorsement each serve a different purpose in aviation training. A pilot certificate is the FAA credential that grants basic flying privileges, while a pilot rating expands those privileges by authorizing specific aircraft operations or flight conditions. Endorsements are instructor-authorized logbook sign-offs that permit certain training milestones, aircraft types, or operations. Understanding how certificates, pilot ratings, and endorsements work together is essential for planning your aviation training and career progression.
Key Takeaways
- A pilot certificate is the FAA-issued credential that establishes your basic flying privileges.
- A pilot rating expands what a pilot can fly or the conditions under which they can operate.
- Endorsements are instructor-authorized logbook sign-offs and generally do not require a checkride.
- Many endorsements aviation students receive are required under 14 CFR § 61.31 before specific operations or aircraft use.
- FAA Advisory Circular 61-65 provides standardized sample language for endorsements used by flight instructors.
| Type | What it is | Requires checkride? | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Base authorization to fly issued by the FAA | Yes | Student, Private, Commercial, CFI |
| Rating | Add-on that expands what an existing certificate holder can fly or teach | Yes (most) | Instrument, Multi-Engine, CFII, MEI, Seaplane |
| Endorsement | Instructor logbook sign-off authorizing specific operations or aircraft | No | Tailwheel, High-Performance, Complex, Pre-Solo, Flight Review |
Certificates
A pilot certificate is the foundational FAA credential that establishes your base flying privileges. Each level (from student pilot to commercial) is earned through required training and a practical checkride. We cover all six types in detail in our guide.
Ratings
Ratings are FAA-authorized additions to an existing certificate. They authorize a pilot to operate under specific conditions or fly particular aircraft types, and most require a checkride. Some common types of pilot ratings include Instrument Rating for flying in low-visibility conditions, the Multi-Engine Rating for flying with multiple engines, and the Seaplane Rating for operating planes that can land on water.
Instrument Rating
As a pilot, it is important to expand your skills and capabilities to maintain a safe and successful aviation career. One of the most valuable additions a pilot can make is becoming instrument rated. This rating allows a pilot to operate an aircraft solely by reference to instruments instead of relying on visual cues outside the cockpit. A pilot who becomes instrument rated will gain the ability to navigate through challenging weather conditions, and fly under instrument flight rules (IFR). With this rating, a pilot has less of a probability of being grounded by inclement weather. In addition to this, an instrument rating is a prerequisite for many advanced careers in aviation. The other four common ratings a pilot can obtain are instructor, instrument instructor, and multi-engine rating. Let’s take a closer look at the four types.
Multi-Engine Rating
For pilots aspiring to fly more than just a single-engine aircraft, the multi-engine rating is a pivotal milestone in their aviation career. This rating is in addition to a Private Pilot License, which allows pilots to operate an aircraft with more than one engine. While adding this rating to an already existing certificate is optional, it is an essential prerequisite for those aspiring to advance their careers to the realm of flying for a commercial airline. However, it is important to note that an aircraft with more than two engines requires a separate, specialized type rating specific to that particular model.
Additional Instructor Ratings
For certified flight instructors (CFIs) aspiring to guide their students through instrument flying, obtaining an instrument instructor rating (CFII) is an essential step. This rating is added to their existing CFI certificate, and signifies they have the knowledge and skills required to teach the nuances of instrument navigation and procedures to student pilots. By adding the Instrument Instructor Rating, instructors open the door for their students to embark on a challenging yet rewarding journey of obtaining their instrument rating.
Multi-Engine Instructor
Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) who aspire to teach in multi-engine aircraft, must obtain a multi-engine instructor rating (MEI). Adding this rating ensures that an instructor possesses the knowledge and experience necessary to guide their student pilots through their multi-engine training. Obtaining an MEI rating not only enhances an instructor’s ability, but opens up a world of new opportunities within the aviation industry and their careers, as many airlines seek instructors with this specialty to meet the growing demand for multi-engine pilots.
An additional rating that a pilot may add to their certificates is a seaplane rating. While mastering flying a seaplane may seem overwhelming, it only requires a few additional hours of specialized training, and pilots can add this rating to their Private Pilot License.
Endorsements
As a pilot progresses through the aviation ranks, they will encounter the world of endorsements. They are specialized qualifications that expand a pilot’s horizons and unlock new opportunities. Endorsements not only serve as a prerequisite for certain activities, but they also permit pilots to conduct particular maneuvers or fly specific aircraft configurations. Here are some of the common endorsements most pilots will obtain:
Tailwheel
Unlike the conventional tricycle gear aircraft, to become tailwheel endorsed, pilots must utilize their skills in managing the distinct landing and steering characteristics of these specialized aircraft. Phoenix East Aviation has a fleet of 65+ aircraft, with one of them being a Super Decathlon. This aircraft is primarily used for Upset Recovery training, however can also be flown to obtain a tailwheel endorsement.
High-Performance
A high-performance aircraft, in which an engine exceeds 200 horsepower, requires a pilot to have a high-performance endorsement. This endorsement ensures that the pilot who ventures into this aircraft and realm of aviation possesses the proper knowledge, technique, and judgment to fly this aircraft safely. Obtaining this endorsement equips pilots securely with the tools to navigate these powerful aircraft with confidence and precision.
Complex
Aside from general aviation aircraft, there are complex aircraft equipped with retractable landing gear, movable flaps, and controllable-pitch propellers. With such advanced capabilities of a complex aircraft, comes the need for pilots to obtain a complex endorsement. This endorsement validates a pilot’s dedication to continuous learning and their ability to navigate the intricacies of this aircraft with precision. Earning this endorsement requires a pilot to go through intense training with the guidance of a CFI. Obtaining this endorsement allows pilots to gain access to a world of advanced aircraft, while also expanding their knowledge and elevating their skills to new heights.
High Altitude
Pilots acting as PIC in a pressurized aircraft certified above 25,000 feet MSL must hold a high-altitude endorsement under 14 CFR § 61.31(g). A pilot must go through specialized training and have a deep understanding of the correlation between human physiology and high-altitude flying. To become high-altitude endorsed,, a pilot will work directly with a CFI and go through vigorous training. This endorsement demonstrates a pilot’s commitment to safety, knowledge, and their ability to make split-second decisions above the clouds.
Types of Aviation Endorsements
Student Pilot Endorsements
Among the most common types of endorsements aviation students receive are student pilot endorsements. Before flying solo, student pilots must receive a pre-solo endorsement from a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) verifying they have demonstrated the required aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency. Additional endorsements may be required for solo cross-country flights and operations within certain airspace. These endorsements are authorized by a CFI under 14 CFR §§ 61.87–61.93 and serve as documented confirmation that a student is prepared for specific training milestones. As students progress through flight training, endorsements aviation instructors provide help ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
Testing & Training Endorsements
Some endorsements are tied directly to FAA testing requirements. Before taking an FAA knowledge test or practical test (checkride), applicants typically need an instructor endorsement verifying they have completed the required training and are prepared for evaluation. These endorsements indicate that the applicant meets the applicable Airman Certification Standards (ACS) readiness requirements. Unlike a pilot rating, these endorsements do not grant additional privileges but authorize the applicant to proceed with the next phase of certification.
Currency & Proficiency Endorsements
Certain endorsements help pilots maintain currency and proficiency throughout their flying careers. Under 14 CFR § 61.56, pilots must complete a flight review every 24 calendar months to continue exercising pilot-in-command privileges. Pilots who have not maintained instrument currency may also complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) with a qualified instructor to regain instrument privileges. While these differ from operational endorsements such as a high altitude endorsement, they serve an important role in ensuring pilots remain competent and current. Instrument rating endorsements and proficiency-based sign-offs help document that a pilot has met the required standards for continued safe operation.
Taking the Next Step in Your Aviation Journey
Every certificate, rating, and endorsement you add to your logbook is a reflection of the work you’ve put in and the pilot you’re becoming. Whether you’re working toward your first solo, building hours as a CFI, or expanding your qualifications with a complex or instrument rating, each credential opens a new door in your aviation career.
Understanding how these qualifications fit together is one thing, finding the right training environment to earn them is another. At Phoenix East Aviation, students train under a structured Part 141 curriculum that takes pilots from their very first flight through their commercial certificate and instructor ratings, with every endorsement documented and every milestone supported by experienced CFIs.
If you’re ready to explore which path fits your goals, visit our Professional Programs page or take a look at where a PEA training track can take you on our Career Pathways page. When you’re ready to get started, our admissions team is here to walk you through the next steps.
