Categories, Classes, & Types of Aircraft/Airmen

Question 1

FAR

Answer 1

Federal Aviation Regulations
Includes the rules and regulations required for pilots and aircraft.

Question 2

AIM

Answer 2

Aeronautical Information Manual
Informational only. Issued by the FAA to provide tips for safe flight. The AIM does NOT contain rules and regulations.

Question 3

With Respect to Certificate of Aircraft, we have three ways to define aircraft

Answer 3

Category
Class
Type

Question 4

Category of Aircraft

Answer 4

A group of aircraft based upon intended use or operating limitations.
Restricted and experimental aircraft are prohibited from carrying persons or property for compensation or hire. They are also prohibited from flying over densely populated areas or in congested airways unless allowed by a certificate or waiver.

Question 5

T.U.R.N.P.A.L.E.

Answer 5

Mnemonic used to remember common Categories of Aircraft
Transport, utility, normal, limited, restricted, acrobatic, experimental, and provisional

Question 6

Class of Aircraft

Answer 6

A group of aircraft having similar characteristics of propulsion, flight or landing.

Question 7

B.R.A.G.S.

Answer 7

Mnemonic for remembering different class of aircraft.
Balloon, rotorcraft, airplane, glider, and seaplane

Question 8

Type of Aircraft

Answer 8

Aircraft that are similar in design.
Examples, Boeing 737 or Airbus A380. Type certificates are not required for aircraft under 12,500.

Question 9

With respect to Certificate of Airmen, we have three ways to define airmen

Answer 9

Category
Class
Type

Question 10

Category of Airmen

Answer 10

Pilots are required to hold a certificate in each category.

Question 11

L.A.R.G.P.P.W.R. (Large P Power)

Answer 11

Mnemonic used to remember the category of airmen:
Lighter than air
Airplane
Rotorcraft
Glider
Powered Parachute
Weight-Shift Control
Rocket

Question 12

Class of Airmen

Answer 12

Pilots are required to hold a rating in each class. (In the category of airplane, airplane is defined as: An engine-driven fixed wing, heavier than air, which is supported in flight by the dynamic reaction of the air against its wings). The classes can be:
Single-Engine Land
Single-Engine Sea
Multi-Engine Land
Multi-Engine Sea

On an airmen certificate, the category and class you are rated for is listed. Additional class ratings can be achieved with additional training, endorsement from an instructor, and a passed practical checkride. A knowledge test is not required when adding a class rating.

Question 13

Type of Airmen

Answer 13

Only required for large, turbine powered aircraft where a type rating is required.