What license do pilots need?

Answer 1

This depends largely on what types of aircraft they plan to fly.

If all you want is to fly very small planes on nice sunny days, a sport pilot certificate is all you need.

If you want to fly something that has enough room for a couple passengers & some luggage, you will need a private pilots license.

If you want to be able to fly in cloudy weather, you will need an IFR (instrument flight rules) certificate.

There are additional certificates for multi-engine airplanes, high-performance (over 200hp) airplanes, turbine-powered aircraft, lighter-than-air aircraft, gliders, helicopters, seaplanes and tail-draggers.

If you plan on taking paying passengers, or wish to get a job that involves flying, you will need to get your commercial. If you want to teach others to fly, you'll have to get your CFI (certified flight instructor) ticket. And lastly if you want to fly for an airline you will need the ATP (airline transport pilot) certificate.

Additionally, most larger aircraft have a type-rating you will need to obtain in order to fly them. This entails specialized training in the performance and handling of the aircraft as well as the use of the various sub-systems in that particular aircraft.