Plain English Meaning
Officially approved by the FAA, with a certificate to prove it. The certificate confirms the person, aircraft, or school has met the required standards and is legally allowed to do what it says it can do.
Full Definition
Holding a valid certificate issued by the FAA that authorizes a person, aircraft, school, or operator to perform specific aviation activities under defined standards and limitations.
Context Anchor
Seen when FAA handbooks discuss flight instructors, pilots, training schools, aircraft, and other approved aviation roles.
Derivation
From the Latin 'certificare,' meaning 'to make certain' or 'to attest.' In aviation, a certificate is an official document attesting that the holder has met specific FAA requirements.
Why Pilots Care
It guarantees that only individuals who have passed FAA-approved training and examinations are permitted to provide instruction or act as , directly supporting and .