Plain English Meaning
It is the official approval the FAA gives a person, confirming they have met the training, knowledge, and skill standards required to fly a particular kind of aircraft for a particular purpose.
Full Definition
The formal process by which the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) evaluates and issues credentials authorizing a person to act as pilot in command or as a required flight crewmember of an aircraft. Certification establishes the level of pilot privileges (such as student, sport, recreational, private, commercial, or airline transport pilot), the category and class of aircraft the pilot may operate, and any ratings or endorsements added to the certificate.
