Type Rating Training

By Kyle Garrett

If you want to become an airline pilot or corporate pilot, chances are you're going to need a type rating. Most airline and corporate aircraft meet the basic requirements for type ratings, namely, a maximum certified gross takeoff weight exceeding 12,500 lbs and or turbojet engines, or both. To earn a type rating, most people attend specialized training at the few dozen operations around the U.S. that offer type rating training. Since type ratings are so specialized, you'll need to go to a facility that offers the exact type rating you need.

Read more about type ratings.

Type Rating Training and Simulators

Most type rating training occurs in advanced flight simulators. Flight simulators offer several advantages over flying the actual aircraft including reduced costs and more time spent covering procedures instead of flying the plane. Simulators have the ability to imitate any kind of weather, time of day, location, and situation, and can be reset instantly to allow pilots to practice certain scenarios until proficient. Finally, flight simulators offer a completely safe environment for training, without the possibility of injury to the pilots, instructors, or people on the ground.

How Long Does a Type Rating Course Take?

Type rating training can take anywhere from three days to a month depending on the complexities of the aircraft, and includes written coursework, simulator training, and a practical test either in the real aircraft, the simulator, or a combination of both. Be sure to find out if the cost of the type rating training you're interested in includes lodging, ground transportation to and from class, and examiner fees. Other costs to watch out for include additional fees due if you're the only student in a particular class and required deposits may not be refundable.