Plain English Meaning

The FAA's organized system that lays out the different kinds of pilot licenses, what each one allows you to do, and what you have to do to earn it.

Full Definition

The tiered framework established by the FAA that defines the categories, classes, and privilege levels of pilot certificates, along with the training, knowledge, experience, and testing requirements a person must meet to earn and exercise each one. It encompasses certificates ranging from student pilot through airline transport pilot, plus the ratings and endorsements that extend their privileges.

Context Anchor

Seen in FAA training and instructor material when comparing sport pilot privileges with other pilot certificate levels.