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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.