Help with your ratings.
A plain-English map of the pilot certificates, ratings, and endorsements — what each one lets you do and what it takes to earn it. Track your own certificate, medical, and currency free, and we'll show you the logical next step.
Certificates & ratings
Private Pilot Certificate
Carry passengers and fly for personal travel — the foundation certificate.
- Be 17+ and read, speak, and understand English
- Hold at least a 3rd-class medical or BasicMed
- 40 hrs total minimum (20 dual + 10 solo)
- Pass the knowledge (written) exam
- Pass the checkride with a designated examiner
Instrument Rating
Fly in clouds and low visibility under IFR — the highest-value next step for most owners.
- Hold a Private certificate (or higher)
- 50 hrs of PIC cross-country time
- 40 hrs of actual or simulated instrument time
- Pass the instrument knowledge exam
- Pass the instrument checkride
Multi-Engine Rating
A class rating to fly twins — proficiency-based, with no FAA hour minimum.
- Hold at least a Private certificate
- Training in a multi-engine aircraft
- Master engine-out procedures (Vmc, single-engine ops)
- Pass the multi-engine checkride
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Get paid to fly — required to operate an aircraft for compensation or hire.
- Be 18+
- Hold at least a 2nd-class medical
- 250 hrs total time
- Complex / technically-advanced experience + commercial maneuvers
- Pass the commercial knowledge exam + checkride
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
The top certificate — required to captain airline and many charter operations.
- Be 23+ (restricted ATP from 21 with qualifying time)
- 1,500 hrs total time
- Hold a 1st-class medical for airline ops
- Complete the ATP-CTP course before the written
- Pass the ATP knowledge exam + checkride
Endorsements
Endorsements are one-time logbook sign-offs from a flight instructor — no checkride or written for most. They unlock specific aircraft and operations.
Required for aircraft with more than 200 horsepower.
Retractable gear, flaps, and a controllable-pitch propeller.
Pressurized aircraft capable of operating above FL250.
Conventional-gear (taildragger) aircraft.
Required for turbojets and aircraft over 12,500 lb — e.g. the SF50 Vision Jet.
Track it, and we'll point the way
Add your certificate, medical, and flight-review dates to your free pilot profile. HangarList shows your currency at a glance and turns any gaps into a clear to-do list — book a medical, schedule a flight review, plan your next rating.
Educational only. Requirements here are summarized and may change. Verify current regulations and your eligibility with a certificated flight instructor or your local FSDO. HangarList does not provide flight training or certify pilot qualifications.