Definition
An additional qualification added to a pilot certificate that authorizes the holder to act as pilot in command of a specific make and model of aircraft. Required by the FAA for large aircraft (over 12,500 lb maximum certificated takeoff weight), turbojet-powered airplanes, and certain other aircraft specified by the Administrator.
Plain English
An extra qualification on a pilot's license that says they are trained and approved to fly a particular aircraft model. Pilots need this for big airplanes, jets, and a few other specific aircraft.
Context Anchor
Seen in pilot certification, training requirements, and discussions of what qualifications are needed before operating a particular airplane.
Derivation
"Type" here means a specific make and model of aircraft (e.g., Boeing 737, Cessna Citation). "Rating" comes from the idea of being formally rated, or assessed, as competent for something. Together: an official assessment that you are competent to fly that specific aircraft type.
Why Pilots Care
Without the proper type rating a pilot cannot legally serve as pilot in command of the aircraft, affecting hiring, insurance, and operational authority.
Intuition Check
Do not read rating as an opinion or score. Here, a rating is an official FAA qualification added to a pilot certificate.
Example Sentence 1
Before flying the Citation, she had to complete training and a checkride to earn her type rating for that aircraft.
Example Sentence 2
She completed the simulator course and received her aircraft type rating for the Beechcraft King Air 350.