What happens if a pilot's airman certificate is suspended or revoked—does the type rating disappear?

• A. Yes; the type rating is tied to the certificate and typically becomes invalid if the certificate is suspended or revoked
• B. No impact
• C. It remains valid
• D. It can be transferred

Answer: (A)

A type rating is not an independent credential; it is a privilege riding on the airman certificate. The FAA grants a type rating as an addition to the authority you have under your airman certificate to act as pilot in command of a specific aircraft type. When the airman certificate is suspended or revoked, that authority is removed, so the associated type rating becomes invalid because you no longer hold the certificate that authorizes you to operate under that rating. If the certificate is later reinstated, the type rating would typically be reinstated or reissued as part of regaining full privileges.