Flight Crew Licensing

Flight Crew Licensing is the ICAO Annex 1 framework that defines the requirements for pilot certificates (licenses), ratings, and endorsements needed to act as a flight crew member.

• SPL: Student Pilot License — permits solo flight under instructor supervision
• PPL: Private Pilot License — non-commercial VFR/IFR flight
• CPL: Commercial Pilot License — paid flying as PIC of smaller aircraft
• ATPL: Airline Transport Pilot License — highest level, required for airline captains
• Ratings: Instrument, multi-engine, type ratings for specific aircraft
• Recency: Pilots must maintain currency (recent flight experience) and proficiency checks

Each state issues licenses under ICAO standards, with mutual recognition governed by bilateral agreements.