Business jet pilots reviewing a checklist in the cockpit during type rating training

What Is a Type Rating? How Business Jet Pilots Qualify

In Company Updates by ASM Editorial Team

A type rating is a licence authorisation that lets a pilot fly one specific aircraft type. It sits on top of the pilot licence. Without it, a pilot cannot act as a crew member on that type. This guide explains what a type rating is, when it is required, and how pilots earn it. It also lists what aircraft owners should ask about crew qualifications.

What is a type rating?

A pilot licence shows that a pilot can fly a class or category of aircraft. A type rating goes further. It shows the pilot has trained on one aircraft type, its systems, its limits and its procedures. A Challenger 605 and a Gulfstream G550 need different type ratings, even though both are large business jets.

Why each aircraft type needs one

Each type has its own engines, avionics, performance numbers and emergency procedures. A pilot who knows one type well is not automatically safe on another. The type rating makes sure the pilot has studied and practised the exact aircraft before flying it with passengers.

When is a type rating required?

Rules differ by licensing authority, so the pilot’s authority has the final word. In general, a type rating is required for:

  • large or turbine-powered aircraft
  • aircraft that need more than one pilot
  • complex jets, including most business jets
  • any aircraft the authority lists as type-rated

Operators also set their own rules. A commercial operator will usually require a valid type rating before a pilot joins an aircraft.

How pilots earn a type rating

The path is structured and demanding. The usual steps are:

  1. Check eligibility. The pilot needs the right licence, medical certificate and flying experience for the type.
  2. Ground school. The pilot studies the aircraft systems, performance, limits and procedures.
  3. Simulator training. The pilot practises normal flying and emergencies in a full flight simulator.
  4. Skill test. An authorised examiner checks the pilot’s knowledge and flying skill.
  5. Licence endorsement. The authority adds the type to the pilot’s licence.
  6. Line training. Many operators then train the pilot on real flights, with an experienced captain.

Course length and cost vary by aircraft type and training provider. Always confirm the details with the provider and the licensing authority.

How recurrent training keeps a type rating valid

A type rating is not a one-time event. Pilots must stay current. Most authorities and operators require regular proficiency checks and recurrent simulator training. Checks usually repeat once or twice a year, depending on the authority and the type of operation. A pilot who misses a check cannot fly that type until it is done.

What owners should ask about crew qualifications

If you own or plan to own a business jet, ask your management company these questions:

  • Does every pilot hold a valid type rating for my aircraft?
  • How do you check licences, medicals and recent experience?
  • When is recurrent simulator training planned?
  • Who covers the flight if a pilot is unavailable?
  • How do you track expiry dates?

ASM Air is an air operator certified by the GCAA. Read how we handle crew management and our safety approach. For the owner side of airworthiness, see what is CAMO in aviation.

From our team: a Learjet 60XR type rating

In 2024, a former ASM business development executive completed an initial type rating on the Learjet 60XR in the United States. The course shows how much study and simulator work a type rating needs. This is historical company news. The Learjet 60XR is not part of the current ASM Air fleet. See the ASM Air fleet for current aircraft.

Type rating FAQ

What is a type rating in aviation?

A type rating is a licence authorisation that allows a pilot to fly one specific aircraft type. It shows the pilot has trained on that aircraft’s systems, limits and procedures.

How do I get a type rating?

A pilot completes ground school, simulator training and a skill test with an authorised examiner. The licensing authority then adds the type to the licence. Many operators add line training on real flights.

Do all aircraft need a type rating?

No. Rules vary by authority. Type ratings are usually required for large aircraft, turbine aircraft and aircraft that need more than one pilot, including most business jets.

Does a type rating expire?

The rating stays on the licence, but pilots must stay current. Regular proficiency checks and recurrent simulator training are required, and the schedule depends on the authority and the operation.

Can one type rating cover several aircraft?

Only when the authority treats the aircraft as the same type or approves differences training. A Challenger 605 and a different jet type need separate ratings.

Discuss crew management with ASM Air. Contact us at info@asmair.ae or +971 4 409 7792.