See how the common airplane training path fits together.
Certificates define pilot or instructor privileges. Ratings add category, class, instrument, or aircraft-specific authority. The roadmap below is a study map, not a substitute for the eligibility rules in 14 CFR Part 61.
Not every pilot follows one sequence. Use this as a visual orientation only. Eligibility, aeronautical experience, endorsements, and privileges come from the current regulation and applicable FAA standard.
COMMON AIRPLANE PATH
Certificate first. Add ratings and instructor privileges as your path requires.
ENTRYStudent → PrivateBuild the certificate foundation and airplane category/class privileges.
ADD A RATINGInstrumentAdd IFR privileges within the category/class held.
NEXT CERTIFICATECommercialAdd commercial pilot privileges subject to the operation and rules involved.
ADD A CLASSMulti-EngineAdd airplane multi-engine class privileges when that training path applies.
ADVANCED CERTIFICATEATPMeet the ATP eligibility, knowledge, experience, and practical-test requirements.
WHAT ATTACHES TO WHAT
Keep certificate, category/class, and ratings separate.
CERTIFICATEPrivate · Commercial · ATPThe level of pilot privilege. Student and instructor certificates sit in their own parts of the structure.
CATEGORY / CLASSAirplane · ASEL · AMELWhere the certificate privilege applies. Other categories and classes have their own rules and training paths.
RATINGInstrument · TypeAdditional authority attached to the appropriate certificate when the regulation requires it.
INSTRUCTORCFI · CFIIInstructor privileges depend on the ratings held on the flight instructor certificate.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Verify the path in the current rule.
Check the current FAA standard for each certificate or rating. Use current regulations, instructor guidance, and approved aircraft data for training and flight decisions.