Editing Aircraft pilot (section)

==Pilot certifications==
[[File:RAF Pilot Training in Cockpit of Nimrod Aircraft MOD 45152088.jpg|thumb|Military aviation training in a [[Royal Air Force]] Nimrod aircraft]]
{{Further|Pilot licensing and certification}}
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 [[Flight instructor|Certified Flight Instructor]].

In the United States, an LSA ([[Light-sport aircraft|Light Sport Aircraft]]) license can be obtained in at least 20 hours of flight time.

Generally, the next step in a pilot's progression is [[Instrument Rating]] (IR), or Multi-Engine Rating (MEP) addons. Pilots may also choose to pursue a [[Commercial Pilot License]] (CPL) after completing their PPL. This is required if the pilot desires to pursue a professional career as a pilot. To captain an airliner, one must obtain an [[Airline Transport Pilot License]] (ATPL). In the United States after 1 August 2013, an ATPL is required even when acting as a first officer.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Pope|first=Stephen|title=FAA Finalizes ATP Rule for First Officers|url=http://www.flyingmag.com/news/faa-finalizes-atp-rule-first-officers|access-date=October 15, 2014|magazine=Flying Magazine|date=July 11, 2013}}</ref> Some countries/carriers require/use a [[multi-crew cooperation]] (MCC) certificate.