What is Type Rating? Complete Guide for New Commercial Pilots (2026)

A Type Rating is an additional certification, required on top of a Commercial Pilot Licence, that qualifies a pilot to fly a specific commercial aircraft model, such as an Airbus A320 or a Boeing 737. A CPL alone confirms that a pilot is trained to fly a general category of aircraft, but airlines operate specific aircraft types, and Type Rating is what proves a pilot is competent on that exact model.

## Why a CPL Alone Is Not Enough

A Commercial Pilot Licence certifies foundational flying competence, built on the aircraft used during training, which are typically small single or twin engine trainer aircraft. Commercial airliners, however, are far more complex, with different systems, cockpit layouts, and handling characteristics. Type Rating training closes that gap, and no airline will place a pilot in the cockpit of a specific aircraft without it.

## Which Type Ratings Are Most Common in India

The Airbus A320 Type Rating is the most widely pursued in India, since it is the primary aircraft flown by several of the country's largest carriers. The Boeing 737 Type Rating is the second most common, relevant to airlines operating Boeing fleets. The ATR Type Rating is generally pursued by pilots aiming for regional carriers operating turboprop aircraft on shorter domestic routes. Choosing which Type Rating to pursue usually depends on which airline or airline group a candidate is targeting, since each aircraft type qualifies a pilot for a distinct set of employers. AVIORA's Type Rating program is structured around these exact aircraft families, helping students prepare specifically for the carriers they intend to target.

## How Long Does Type Rating Training Take?

Type Rating courses typically run for six to eight weeks of intensive training, combining ground theory specific to the aircraft type with extensive simulator sessions. This is considerably shorter than CPL training itself, since it builds directly on skills a pilot has already developed, rather than starting from the fundamentals.

## How Much Does Type Rating Cost in India?

Type Rating costs in India typically range from fifteen to twenty five lakh rupees, depending on the aircraft type and training provider. Some airlines sponsor this cost directly as part of a cadet program, particularly for candidates who are selected before completing their CPL, which can significantly reduce the personal financial burden of this stage.

## When Should You Pursue a Type Rating?

Most pilots pursue Type Rating immediately after completing their Commercial Pilot Licence, once they have a clear sense of which airline or aircraft type they are targeting. Some students instead enter a cadet program that bundles CPL training and Type Rating together under a single airline sponsored pathway, which can be a more structured and often more affordable route into a first flying job. Many students use this stage to explore AVIORA's pilot training programs as a whole, mapping the full pathway from ground school through Type Rating before committing to a timeline.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I get a Type Rating without having a specific airline job offer?

Yes, though it is generally more cost effective and strategically sound to pursue a Type Rating once you have a strong sense of which airline or aircraft type you are targeting, since Type Ratings are aircraft specific and do not transfer between very different aircraft families.

### Can I hold more than one Type Rating?

Yes. Many experienced pilots hold multiple Type Ratings over their career, particularly if they move between airlines that operate different aircraft. Each additional Type Rating does involve its own separate training and cost.

### Which Type Rating offers the best job prospects in India?

The Airbus A320 Type Rating generally offers the widest range of job opportunities in India, given how many major domestic carriers operate A320 family aircraft, though the right choice ultimately depends on which specific airlines a candidate is targeting.

## Plan Your Type Rating With AVIORA

AVIORA Aviation Academy in Hyderabad guides students through Type Rating planning as part of its broader pilot training pathway, helping candidates choose the right aircraft type based on their career goals and target airlines.