I was planning to publish this article later in the series, but I decided to
move it up because, technically, you can get a type rating for a
jet before having a commercial aviation career—though most people don’t (for
very good reasons).
To legally fly a jet, or any aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight over
12,500 pounds, you'll need at least a private pilot certificate and a type
rating for that specific aircraft. Alternatively, you could be trained
through a military aviation career. There is, however, an exception, which
I'll explain at the end of this article.
What’s a Type Rating and Why Is It Required?
Jets are a unique class of aircraft with capabilities far beyond the most
powerful non-jet aircraft. But jets aren’t the only type of aircraft that
require a type rating—some high-performance helicopters and heavy turboprops
do as well. Even personal jets like the Cirrus SF-50 require a type rating.
To get a type rating, you'll need to complete a specialized training course
focused entirely on the aircraft you intend to fly. This training includes
ground lessons, simulator sessions, and actual flight training. Naturally,
the in-depth nature of this training—requiring special facilities and
equipment—makes it a significant financial investment. That’s why it's rare
for pilots to pursue a type rating before earning their commercial pilot
certificate, though it’s not impossible.
Who Pays for the Type Rating?
Many airlines offer cadet programs and sponsorship for candidates to
complete a type rating course. Alternatively, you can pay your own way. Some
airlines may even require you to enter into a bond agreement (typically up
to 50% of the cost), which will be released after you’ve worked for the
airline for a certain period, usually three years.
What Happens if You Can’t Fulfill the Bond?
If you're unable to complete the bond period, it depends on why. If you
leave the airline due to misconduct, resignation, or failing the course,
they may enforce the full bond amount. However, if you're medically
disqualified, disabled, or the airline undergoes redundancy, the bond can’t
be retained. If you resign for non-medical reasons, you may be able to repay
the bond on a reduced, pro-rata basis. Always seek legal advice before
entering into a bond agreement.
Flying a Jet Without an ATPL
It’s a common misconception that you need an Air Transport Pilot License
(ATPL) to fly a jet. Whether or not an ATPL is required depends on the
aircraft’s seating capacity, not its intended use. For example, corporate
jet flights or air taxi flights may not require an ATPL unless the aircraft
is large enough to mandate it. However, you’ll still need a valid type
rating.
You Might Need an ATPL for Cargo Flights
Although the rules can be complex, the general guideline is that if your
aircraft is large, heavy, and scheduled enough to fall under Part 121 or
Part 135 regulations, both flight crew members will need an ATPL.
Why Does It Matter if You Need an ATPL?
Earning an ATPL is a major step up in your training, and you need to be
fully prepared before pursuing it. So when it’s not required (even if a type
rating is), you have the opportunity to gain more experience
without the added pressure of additional training.
Which Type Rating Should You Get?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but you should choose an aircraft type
that you’re genuinely interested in flying, that aligns with your career
goals, and that fits your qualifications. It’s also wise to look for popular
and in-demand aircraft to increase your job prospects. For example, some
good options for PPL or CPL holders include:
- Cessna Citation 525 M2/CJ3+
- Cessna Citation 560XL
- Cessna Citation 680A
- Gulfstream G100/G150/G200
- Learjet (various models)
- Hawker 4000 Horizon
- Hawker 800
- BAe 125 (HS-125)
Military Service: Another Path to Experience
Joining the military just to fly jets is a major gamble. Aside from the
obvious risks, there’s no guarantee you’ll be selected for flight training
or be assigned to fly jets. Military service also involves a long-term
commitment, where you may have to sacrifice personal freedoms.
That said, it's not impossible. Someone has to get chosen to fly those jets,
so why not you? Plus, all the training is free, and you’re paid while you do
it! Just keep in mind that the chances of being selected for aviation—and
especially for jets—are slim.
The Exception: Flying a Jet Without a License
And now, as promised, here’s the exception: Some companies around the world
offer a way for you to fly a jet without a license or type rating. These
companies operate under a special provision in aviation law, allowing pilots
with Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) ratings to take non-pilot passengers
on "familiarization flights."
How is this legal? It's because there’s no explicit rule about which types
of aircraft are excluded from this provision. As long as the pilot holds a
valid type rating for the aircraft being flown, the passenger doesn’t need
to be qualified. These flights usually take place in areas away from
controlled airspace for safety, in case you were wondering.