ADD-ON RATING (HELICOPTER ↔ AIRPLANE)
There are many great reasons to add either a Helicopter or Fixed wing certification to your current level:
GENERAL FAA RULES (PART 61)
- No written knowledge test required
for Private, Commercial, Instrument, or CFI add-ons if you already hold that certificate in another category. - Flight training hours are reduced
since you’ve already demonstrated aeronautical knowledge and proficiency. - Checkride required:
You must pass the practical test (oral + flight) for the new category/class. - Ground school is minimal:
Focuses only on aircraft-specific systems, aerodynamics, and procedures.
UNDER PART 141
- AA-approved curriculum required:
You must enroll in a Part 141 school offering an
“Additional Aircraft Category/Class Rating Course”. - Minimum hours are defined by syllabus:
but often lower than Part 61 due to structured training. - Eligibility:
You must already hold the certificate level you’re adding (e.g., Private, Commercial, CFI). - Checkride still required
but written test is waived if already certified in another category.