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Disregarding financial and difficulty concerns, would it be possible (legal) for someone to obtain a PPL license on a jet aircraft?

If it is possible, would there be any restrictions on the license on operating piston engine aircrafts?

EDIT: the linked question asks about EASA regulations. This question is about FAA regulations, thus, the answer in the linked question does not apply.

kevin
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    Turbines are a separate class, so yes, you would not be allowed to fly piston engines. You'd need to get an extra class rating for that. I don't think there are any restrictions on doing your training using turbines, except your wallet. – falstro Apr 01 '16 at 09:20
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    See also this question – Thunderstrike Apr 01 '16 at 10:05
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    The linked question basically asks the same thing, only regarding EASA instead of FAA. If someone would kindly amend the answer there, I would close this question. – kevin Apr 01 '16 at 12:13
  • Related – Pondlife Apr 01 '16 at 12:49
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    @falstro The FAA doesn't have a separate class for turbine vs. piston. The turbine requires a type rating, but it would all be Airplane - Multi Engine. Couldn't fly single-engine, but piston twin would be OK. – NathanG Apr 01 '16 at 14:24
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    @NathanG it could be ASEL if its something like an L-39 – rbp Apr 01 '16 at 14:38
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    @rbp Fair enough, sometimes I forget about single-engine jets. If you could accomplish the checkride in one of those, you'd have an ASEL that works with pistons too. – NathanG Apr 01 '16 at 14:40
  • The answer is yes; and yes, restricted to same category and class. – J W Apr 01 '16 at 20:30
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    How does one get a solo endorsement for a type rating? – rbp Apr 02 '16 at 22:07
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    Here it is in 61.31 (2) Have received training required by this part that is appropriate to the pilot certification level, aircraft category, class, and type rating (if a class or type rating is required) for the aircraft to be flown, and have received an endorsement for solo flight in that aircraft from an authorized instructor. – rbp Apr 02 '16 at 22:11
  • This is not duplicate! This is about FAA, the other about EASA. – Federico Apr 08 '16 at 06:16

2 Answers2

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There is nothing in the US regulations and no references that I can find that prohibits a pilot from learning to fly in a jet aircraft. There are multiple systems on a jet aircraft that are not found in small GA aircraft and the same systems are more complex. A lot of professional pilots who fly the same jet for a career don't fully understand the different systems on their jet.

The issue isn't with the FAA though; it is with the instructor and insurance companies.

I certainly would not agree, as a CFII, to train a new student pilot in a jet. I personally don't want to take on the liability for the payment I would receive for my services.

Most insurance companies will not ensure a student pilot to learn to fly in a jet.

SMS von der Tann
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wbeard52
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In theory, it is perfectly legal to do your primary training in a jet.

It is becoming common in militaries to do initial training in turboprops.

http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/t6b/

Managing such a turboprop aircraft is actually simpler than managing your typical piston aircraft. One button start. One lever engine control.

Maybe some day that will become a single engine jet.

user3344003
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