There are a number of different certificates and ratings that you can obtain as a pilot.  (A "certificate" is a broad category of pilot's license, like Private, Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot.  A "rating" adds new privileges to a certificate--for example, to fly an airplane with more than one engine, or to fly on instruments. )  The certificates and ratings you decide to get will depend on the kind of flying you'll be doing and what additional skills you wish to acquire.

Working with the instructors of Lone Star Flyers, you can earn these certificates and ratings:

• Private Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) rating:  This is the first, and in some cases the only, certificate and rating earned by most pilots.  The Private Pilot ASEL permits you to fly a single-engine airplane solo or with passengers, day or night, under visual flight rules (VFR)--meaning, in general, you need reasonably good in-flight visibility and must remain clear of clouds.  As a Private Pilot, you may share the costs of your flying with your passengers, but you may not accept compensation for flying, or work as a pilot for a company that charges to carry passengers or cargo. 
   
• Instrument Airplane Rating:  The Instrument rating allows you to fly under instrument flight rules (IFR)--in particular, in conditions when you can't see very much through the windows, as when in the clouds or in conditions of low visibility like fog or rain.  Many pilots who want to advance their skills and expand their flying opportunities choose to add an Instrument rating at some time after earning their first pilot certificate.
   
• Multi-Engine Rating:  The Multi-Engine rating allows you to fly an airplane with (surprise!) more than one engine.  In addition to studying the more complex systems on most multi-engine aircraft, much of what you learn for the Multi-Engine rating is how to safely control and land the airplane in the unlikely event that one of the engines fails.
   
• Commercial Pilot Certificate:  Unlike a Private Pilot, a Commercial Pilot can legally fly and get paid for his or her services, and can work for a company that carries passengers or cargo for hire.  Thus, if you want to pursue a career in professional aviation, you'll need to earn this certificate.  However, many non-career pilots also decide to upgrade to the Commercial Pilot certificate because of the extra skills and proficiency that they gain in the process.