Which aircraft require type certificates to operate?

Which aircraft require type certificates to operate?

• A. Large aircraft (except lighter-than-air) and turbojet-powered airplanes, plus other aircraft specified by the administrator
• B. Ultralight aircraft
• C. Drones
• D. All sport aircraft

Answer: (A)

A type certificate is the official approval for a specific aircraft design to meet safety standards and be produced and operated. Only certain designs must have this certificate before they can fly. Large airplanes and turbojet-powered airplanes fall into this category, and the administrator may designate other aircraft that also require a type certificate. Ultralight aircraft don’t need a type certificate; they operate under Part 103 with no airworthiness certificate. Drones (unmanned aircraft) generally don’t require a type certificate either, though they must meet other rules like registration and remote-pilot requirements. Sport (Light-Sport) aircraft aren’t certified with a traditional type certificate; they use the Light-Sport certification framework instead.

A type certificate is the official approval for a specific aircraft design to meet safety standards and be produced and operated. Only certain designs must have this certificate before they can fly. Large airplanes and turbojet-powered airplanes fall into this category, and the administrator may designate other aircraft that also require a type certificate.

Ultralight aircraft don’t need a type certificate; they operate under Part 103 with no airworthiness certificate. Drones (unmanned aircraft) generally don’t require a type certificate either, though they must meet other rules like registration and remote-pilot requirements. Sport (Light-Sport) aircraft aren’t certified with a traditional type certificate; they use the Light-Sport certification framework instead.