ratings and aircraft endorsements

Pilots may also qualify for aircraft endorsements and ratings. Endorsements can be either for a particular type of aircraft or for a class (ie. where a number of aircraft with similar handling capabilities are grouped for endorsement purposes). The four types of rating are:

Night (VFR) Rating

The rating allows a pilot to fly at night (including dusk) in visual meteorological conditions. Applicants must

  • hold at least a private pilot licence

  • have acquired the specified experience

  • have passed a flight test

Instrument Rating

The rating allows a pilot to fly in cloud, day or night, in non-visual meteorological conditions. Applicants must

  • hold at least a private pilot licence

  • have passed a training course, a theory exam and flight test

  • have acquired the experience specified

Agricultural Rating

The rating is used for crop spaying for pest control and fertiliser spreading Applicants must

  • hold at least a commercial pilot licence

  • have passed a training course, a theory exam and flight test

  • have acquired the experience specified

Applicants must also obtain a chemical rating which is issued by the Department of Agriculture or Environment in the Australian State where he or she intends to operate

Instructor Rating

The rating allows the pilot to train other pilots Applicants must

  • hold at least a commercial pilot licence

  • have passed a training course, a theory exam (as required) and flight test for the grade of rating sought

  • have acquired the experience specified

Method of issue (all ratings and endorsements)

CASA has established a Log Book Endorsement System so that all ratings and endorsements can be issued by an industry delegate via an entry in the applicant's log book. This enables the applicant to use the qualification immediately. The delegate forwards the paperwork relating to the entry to CASA for inclusion in the pilot's flight crew licensing records. The entries in the log book are proof of any ratings or endorsements held.