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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.
- 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 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.
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