Definitions of Ratings and Certificates
The sky is calling. It's for you.
AFI has trained thousands of pilots. We understand precisely what it takes to offer the highest
quality in flight training, whether your dreams of flight are personal or professional. If looking
to fly for personal reasons, a person might find that they are only interested in the Private
Pilot's Certificate. If looking to fly for an airline, the steps included in the training process are
many. To better understand which certificates and ratings you might be interested in, they are
explained in further detail below.
Private Pilot's Certificate:
The Private Pilot's Certificate allows you to fly by yourself or with passengers (day or night)
when the weather meets a certain criteria. The two main limitations to a Private Pilot's
Certificate are that you cannot fly for compensation or for hire and you cannot fly in clouds.
Instrument Rating:
Once you have obtained the Private Pilot's Certificate, you have the option of continuing your
training with the Instrument Rating. During your Instrument training, you will learn to control
the airplane solely by reference to the flight instruments (i.e. no looking outside). This will
allow you to fly in clouds or when the visibility is less than that prescribed for a Private Pilot.
As an Instrument Pilot you are still prohibited from flying for compensation or for hire.
Commercial Pilot's Certificate:
The Commercial Pilot's Certificate allows you to fly for compensation or hire. It is possible to
obtain a Commercial Pilot's license without first obtaining the Instrument Rating but certain
limitations would apply. During the Commercial course, you will learn aircraft mastery. You
will be introduced to four new maneuvers and the margin of errors on these and other
maneuvers will be minimal. Once obtaining a Commercial Pilot's Certificate, you can be paid
to fly.
Certified Flight Instructor:
You thought flying was something? Try teaching and flying at the same time! The Flight
Instructors Certificate will allow you to teach other students to fly! This is a great opportunity
for those interested in becoming airline pilots as it allows you to not only be employed but to
gain the necessary flight hours at the same time. Imagine not having to pay for a thousand
hours of flight time! The primary limitation to a Flight Instructor's License is that is that you
cannot teach students training in the Instrument Course. Also, you cannot teach a student
whom is training in the Flight Instructor Course without first gaining a certain number of
hours, having your license for 2 years, and having a specific student pass rate.
Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument:
With this rating, you can now teach Instrument Students.
For more information on the following information, please call our office at (714) 773-0741 or please
e-mail BillGriggs@flyafi.com
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