AviationDepth

Articles

Control Tower Operator Certificate: Working the Tower Certificates

FAA-certificated tower operators staff control towers at airports across the country. Here's how certification works.

March 16, 2026

Sport Pilot Certificate: The Simplest Path to Solo Flight Certificates

The sport pilot certificate has lower requirements than private, with some tradeoffs. Here's what you need to know.

March 14, 2026

Browsing FAA Airmen by State Registry

The FAA registry covers all 50 states plus territories. Here's how to find airmen, operators, and facilities in your state.

March 12, 2026

Parachute Rigger Certificate: Packing the Last Line of Defense Certificates

Parachute riggers are FAA-certificated professionals who inspect and pack emergency and sport parachutes.

March 10, 2026

Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate: The Pilot's Partner on the Ground Certificates

Aircraft dispatchers co-sign every airline flight release. Here's what an FAA dispatcher certificate requires.

March 8, 2026

Helicopter External Load Operations: FAA Part 133 Operators

Part 133 covers rotorcraft external-load operations — helicopter long-line work. Here's what's involved.

March 5, 2026

Agricultural Aviation: FAA Part 137 Operators Operators

Agricultural aircraft operators — crop dusters — are certificated under FAA Part 137. Here's what that entails.

March 1, 2026

FAA Part 135 vs. Part 121: Air Carrier Operations Explained Operators

Not all commercial aviation operates under the same rules. Here's how Part 135 charter differs from Part 121 airlines.

February 26, 2026

FAA Medical Certificates: Class 1, 2, and 3 Explained Registry

Most pilots need an FAA medical certificate to exercise their privileges. Here's what each class allows.

February 23, 2026

What Are Aircraft Type Ratings? Registry

Type ratings authorize pilots to fly specific large or complex aircraft. Here's how the system works.

February 19, 2026

Understanding FAA Unique IDs and Certificate Numbers Registry

Every FAA airman has a unique ID. Here's what the numbers mean and how to use them.

February 16, 2026

How Often Is the FAA Airmen Database Updated? Registry

The FAA publishes weekly updates to the Civil Aviation Registry. Here's what that means for the data you see.

February 12, 2026

FAA Part 142 Training Centers: Simulator-Based Aviation Training Facilities

Part 142 training centers specialize in simulator and advanced training for airline and corporate pilots.

February 9, 2026

Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools Facilities

FAA Part 147 schools train the next generation of A&P mechanics. Here's how they work.

February 5, 2026

FAA Part 145 Repair Stations: Certificated Aircraft Maintenance Facilities

Part 145 repair stations are FAA-approved facilities for aircraft maintenance. Here's what the certification means.

February 2, 2026

FAA Part 141 Pilot Schools: Structured Flight Training Facilities

Part 141 schools offer FAA-approved training curricula. Here's how they differ from Part 61 training.

January 29, 2026

A&P Mechanic Certificate: Maintaining the Fleet Certificates

Airframe and Powerplant mechanics keep aircraft airworthy. Learn how to earn an A&P certificate.

January 26, 2026

Student Pilot Certificate: Your First FAA Credential Certificates

Before your first solo flight, you need a student pilot certificate. Here's how it works.

January 22, 2026

Becoming a Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificates

A CFI certificate lets you teach other pilots. It's the most common way new commercial pilots build flight hours.

January 19, 2026

Remote Pilot Certificate: Flying Drones Commercially Certificates

The FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate is required for commercial drone operations. Here's how to get one.

January 15, 2026