Definition
The FAA regulation, found in 14 CFR Part 61, that establishes the eligibility, knowledge, skill, and experience requirements for issuing pilot certificates, flight instructor certificates, and ground instructor certificates, along with the ratings and authorizations associated with each.
Plain English
This is the FAA rule that spells out what a person must do to earn a pilot's licence, a flight instructor's licence, or a ground instructor's licence — including the tests, training, and experience required for each.
Context Anchor
Seen when studying FAA rules for who may fly, teach flying, or provide ground instruction, and what each person must do before holding that role legally.
Derivation
From Latin certificare, meaning 'to make certain' or 'to attest.' A certificate in this context is the FAA's formal attestation that the holder has met the standards listed in Part 61.
Why Pilots Care
It defines the legal standards every pilot and instructor must meet to act as pilot in command or to provide instruction.
Intuition Check
Certification does not mean simply finishing a course or being told you did well. In this FAA context, it means official legal approval to act in a specific aviation role.
Example Sentence 1
Before signing off her student for the private pilot checkride, the instructor reviewed the certification requirements in Part 61 to confirm every box was checked.
Example Sentence 2
The instructor explained how Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors applies to adding a new rating after the private pilot certificate.