page_title: Aircraft pilot
section_title: Pilot certifications
hierarchical_section_title: Aircraft pilot / Pilot certifications
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: Private pilot and passenger in a Beechcraft A36 near Spiegelberg, Namibia (2016)
context_page_description: An aircraft pilot or aviator is a person who controls the flight of an aircraft by operating its directional flight controls. Some other aircrew members, such as navigators or flight engineers, are also considered aviators, because they are involved in operating the aircraft's navigation and engine systems. Other aircrew members, such as drone operators, flight attendants, mechanics and ground crew, are not classified as aviators.
  In recognition of the pilots' qualifications and responsibilities, most militaries and many airlines worldwide award aviator badges to their pilots.
context_section_description: Pilots are required to go through many hours of flight training and theoretical study, that differ depending on the country. The first step is acquiring the Private Pilot License (PPL), or Private Pilot Certificate.  In the United States of America, this includes a minimum of 35 to 40 hours of flight training, the majority of which with a Certified Flight Instructor. 
  In the United States, an LSA (Light Sport Aircraft) license can be obtained in at least 20 hours of flight time.
  The next step in a pilot's progression is either Instrument Rating (IR), or Multi-Engine Rating (MEP) endorsements.
  If a professional career or professional-level skills are desired, a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) would also be required. To captain an airliner, one must obtain an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). After 1 August 2013, even when being a First Officer (FO), an ATPL is required. Some countries/carriers require/use a Multi Crew Coordination (MCC).
caption: Private pilot and passenger in a Beechcraft A36 near Spiegelberg, Namibia (2016)
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