Definition
The official FAA form (FAA Form 8710-1) used to apply for a pilot certificate, an additional rating on an existing certificate, or certain related authorizations. The form records the applicant's personal information, aeronautical experience, and the certificate or rating sought, and is signed by both the applicant and the certifying instructor or examiner.
Plain English
The paperwork a pilot fills out to apply for a new pilot certificate or to add a new rating, such as an instrument rating or multi-engine rating, to one they already hold.
Context Anchor
You encounter this during the certification process, especially when preparing for a practical test or adding a new rating.
Derivation
Application comes from a Latin word meaning “to attach” or “to bring something toward.” In this FAA use, it means a formal request brought to the FAA for approval. Certificate means an official document that proves a qualification, and rating means a specific added qualification on that certificate.
Why Pilots Care
Completing this step is required before any knowledge or practical test can be taken and before the FAA will issue the legal authorization to exercise the privileges of the certificate or rating.
Intuition Check
Do not think of this as a casual sign-up form. In FAA use, it is the official request that supports issuing or adding a certificate or rating.
Example Sentence 1
Before her private pilot checkride, she completed the Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating in IACRA and had her instructor sign it electronically.
Example Sentence 2
After passing the knowledge exam, the applicant submitted the Application for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating to request the private pilot certificate.