"Robert Moore" wrote in message
5.250...
snip
I would be somewhat leery of any educational institution that calls a
pilot "certificate" a "license".

There are major differences between the two.

Bob Moore
ATP CFI
PanAm (retired)

Hello Bob,
with respect,
The OP did not indicate their country of concern, in Canada at least (and I
suspect many others) the correct term (and spelling) is Licence.

PPL = Private pilot Licence (class = aeroplane or other)
CPL = Commercial Pilot Licence - aeroplane
ATPL = Airline Transport Pilot Licence - aeroplane
GPL = Glider Pilot Licence
BPL = Balloon Pilot Licence

Other Pilot Permits are available -
Student Pilot Permit
Gyroplane Pilot Permit
Ultra-light Aeroplane Pilot Permit
RPP = Recreational Pilot Permit - Aeroplane
Recreational Pilot Permit - Helicopter

Other available Licences cover -
Flight Engineers
Air Traffic Controllers
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers

In addition there are many additional ratings covering
Night
VFR OTT
Instrument
Second Officer
Passenger carrying (ultralight)
Flight Instructor
other Classes
Types
Floats

Link to CARs (Canadian Aviation Regulations)
http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/re.../cars/menu.htm
Part IV - Personnel Licensing and Training subpart 1
http://www.tc.gc.ca/civilaviation/re...4/subpart1.htm
has a list and training requirements for the various licences and permits.

I agree there can be major differences between a Licence (or License) and a
Certificate or a Permit. AFAIK, Permits are not valid or recognized outside
of their country of issue. I do not fully understand the difference in the
USA between a License (correct spelling in US usage?) and a Certificate. I
would appreciate enlightenment.

Happy landings,