➡️ Get a PDF handout of this article here.
Category and class can refer to certification of AIRMEN (pilots) and AIRCRAFT.

When we are talking about the certification, ratings, privileges, and limitations of AIRMEN, a CATEGORY is a broad classification of aircraft:
- Airplane
- Rotorcraft
- Glider
- Lighter than air
- Powered lift
- Powered parachute
- Weight-shift control.
When we are talking about the certification, ratings, privileges, and limitations of AIRMEN, a CLASS means a classification of aircraft within a category having similar operating characteristics:
- The Airplane category is divided into single-engine land (ASEL), multi-engine land (AMEL), single-engine sea (ASES), and multi-engine sea (AMES) classes
- The Rotorcraft category is divided into helicopter and gyroplane classes
- The Lighter-than-air category is divided into airship and balloon classes
- The Powered parachute category is divided into powered parachute land and powered parachute sea
- The Weight-shift-control category is divided into weight-shift-control land and weight-shift-control sea.
A student pilot certificate does not list category or class ratings but is instead endorsed by a flight instructor to confer privileges in specific makes and models of aircraft.
If you are training in a single-engine plane, such as a Cessna 172, when you are issued your private pilot certificate, it will be for the ‘airplane’ category and ‘single-engine land’ class.
Further reading: FAR/AIM 14 CFR § 1.1 – General definitions
PRIVATE PILOT KNOWLEDGE TEST QUESTIONS
(Regulations under 14 CFR Part 1 – Definitions And Abbreviations)
1. With respect to the certification of airmen, which is a class of aircraft?
a. Single-engine land and sea, multi-engine land and sea.
b. Lighter-than-air, airship, hot air balloon, gas balloon.
c. Airplane, rotorcraft, glider, lighter-than-air.
Answer: __________
2. As used with respect to the certification, ratings, privileges, and limitations of airmen, examples of a “category” of aircraft would be:
a. Cessna 150 or F16.
b. Airplane, rotorcraft, glider, and lighter-than-air.
c. Single-engine or multi-engine.
Answer: __________
3. With respect to the certification of airmen, which is a category of aircraft?
a. Single-engine land and sea, multi-engine land and sea.
b. Airplane, rotorcraft, glider, lighter-than-air.
c. Gyroplane, helicopter, airship, free balloon.
Answer: __________
Answers
1. a.
2. b.
3. b.