FAR 61.61 — Additional Ratings Applicability

FAR 61.61 is the opening section of the subpart that governs how pilots add new qualifications to an existing certificate. It doesn't impose specific training or testing requirements itself — instead, it tells you what the rest of the subpart covers.

Specifically, this section establishes the rules for:

• Issuance of additional aircraft ratings after your pilot certificate has already been issued (for example, adding a multi-engine rating to your private pilot certificate).
• Issuance of a type rating concurrently with a pilot certificate (for example, earning an ATP and a B-737 type rating at the same time).
• Requirements and limitations of pilot authorizations issued by the FAA Administrator.

Why it matters: as you progress in your flying career, almost every new privilege — a new category, class, or type — falls under this subpart. Knowing 61.61 sets the stage helps you find the right rule when you're planning your next rating or authorization.