Aeroplane type ratings guide

We specify aircraft that have a type rating in the Prescription of Aircraft and Ratings — CASR Part 61 Instrument.

In the following example table , the A320 type rating covers Airbus models:

  • A318
  • A319
  • A320
  • A321

If you have an A320 type rating, you can fly any of these models without the need to complete an approved course of differences training.

Sometimes variants covered by a type rating don’t specify a differences training requirement (DTR). This means the training typically will not require the use of a flight simulator to satisfy the CASR 61.385 general competency regulation.

Type certificate holder or manufacturer Aeroplane models and variants Differences training required? Type rating
Airbus A318 series
A319 series
A320 series
A321 series
No (in the instrument, there will be nothing in this cell) A320

Differences training

When the differences between the models or variant covered by a type rating require further training, we specify a DTR.

Example of when you need DTR

In the following example, we compare the table from the instrument looking at some of the B737 type ratings. These type ratings cover many models and variants of the Boeing B737 aeroplane.

Type Models and variants Differences training required? Type rating required
Boeing B737-100 series
B737-200 series
No (in the instrument, there will be nothing in this cell) B737-100/200
B737-300 series
B737-400 series
B737-500 series
DTR B737-300 to 900
B737-600 series
B737-700 series
B737-800 series
B737-900 series
B737-BBJ series
B737-8 series
B737-9 series

Column B has separated models and variants into 4 groups:

  • B737 100 and 200 series
  • B737 300, 400 and 500 series
  • B737 600, 700, 800, 900 and BBJ series
  • B737 8 and 9 series.

These groupings determine whether you need DTR. For example, if you complete your training for the B737-300 to 900 type rating in a B737-500 series, you must complete differences training before flying any of the model B373-600 to -900 series or the BBJ series.

You can complete the differences training on any model or variant in the same group.

If you complete your training for the B737-100/200 type rating in a B737-100 series, you don’t need to complete differences training before flying any of the model B373 100 to 200 series.

Regulations for type rated aeroplanes

The rules for type rated aeroplanes are in Part 61 of CASR Flight crew licencing:

  • 61.055 - prescription of type ratings and variants - multi-crew aircraft
  • 61.060 - prescription of type ratings - single-pilot aircraft
  • 61.200 - differences training requirements
  • 61.205 - when training must not be in aircraft
  • Division 61.L.5 - pilot type ratings
  • Division 61.W - flight engineer type ratings
  • Paragraph 142.015(2)(d) - Part 142 flight training (definition).
Last updated:
16 Jan 2024
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//licences-and-certificates/pilots/ratings-reviews-and-endorsements/ratings-and-endorsements/aeroplane-type-ratings-guide
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