Which aircraft are typically covered by a type rating (in the U.S.)?

• A. Light single-engine airplanes under 12,500 pounds MTOW
• B. Aircraft requiring a type rating, typically large airplanes over 12,500 pounds MTOW or turbojet-powered airplanes
• C. Helicopters used for crop dusting
• D. Gliders used for recreational flight

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that a type rating is required only for model-specific certification of certain aircraft, and in the United States this typically applies to larger or jet-powered airplanes. The FAA uses a practical threshold: airplanes with a maximum takeoff weight over 12,500 pounds or turbojet-powered airplanes generally require a type rating for the pilot to operate them as pilot in command. This reflects the greater complexity and handling characteristics of these models, which necessitate dedicated training beyond the general category/class ratings on a pilot’s certificate.

Smaller, light single-engine airplanes under that weight limit are not typically governed by a separate type rating; they rely on the standard airplane category and class ratings appropriate to the model. Gliders and crop-dusting helicopters are not typically associated with a required type rating because, in practice, they fall outside the common large-turbine/over-12,500-pound category. Gliders are unpowered sailplanes with their own rating structure, and many lighter rotorcraft don’t require a model-specific type rating unless the particular helicopter model explicitly requires one.