Definition
In FAA aircraft certification, a specific make and basic model of aircraft, including modifications that do not change its handling or flight characteristics. Examples include DC-7, 1049, and F-27. For the purpose of pilot certification, type refers to a class of aircraft that requires a type rating, such as large aircraft over 12,500 pounds, turbojet-powered aircraft, and other aircraft specified by the Administrator.
Plain English
A particular make and model of aircraft. The word is used two ways: one for certifying the aircraft itself, and one for deciding whether a pilot needs special training (a type rating) to fly it.
Context Anchor
Seen when aircraft are grouped by category, class, and type, and when discussing whether a pilot is approved to fly a particular aircraft model.
Derivation
Type comes from a Greek word meaning a mark, pattern, or model. That helps here because an aircraft type is the particular model pattern of an aircraft, not just a general description.
Why Pilots Care
Some aircraft are heavy enough or complex enough that a standard pilot certificate is not sufficient. The pilot must earn a type rating specific to that aircraft before acting as pilot in command.
Intuition Check
Do not read type as just the everyday meaning of “kind” or “sort.” In this FAA context, type means a specific aircraft make and basic model, such as Cessna 172, not just “airplane.”
Example Sentence 1
To fly a Boeing 737, a pilot must hold a type rating for that specific type of aircraft.
Example Sentence 2
Chapter 1 groups aircraft by category and class, then identifies each individual type within those groups.