active pilots. It allows command of any aircraft (subject  to appropriate ratings) for any noncommercial purpose  and gives almost unlimited authority to fly under VFR.  Passengers may be carried and flight in furtherance of a  business is permitted; however, a private pilot may not be  compensated in any way for services as a pilot, although  passengers can pay a pro rata share of flight expenses, such  as fuel or rental costs. If training under 14 CFR part 61,  experience requirements include at least 40 hours of piloting  time, including 20 hours of flight with an instructor and 10  hours of solo flight.  [Figure 1-22]  A commercial pilot may be compensated for flying. Training  for the certificate focuses on a better understanding of  aircraft systems and a higher standard of airmanship. The  Commercial Pilot Certificate itself does not allow a pilot  to fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and  commercial pilots without an instrument rating are restricted  to daytime flight within 50 NM when flying for hire.  A commercial airplane pilot must be able to operate  a complex airplane, as a specific number of hours of  complex (or turbine-powered) aircraft time are among  the prerequisites, and at least a portion of the practical  examination is performed in a complex aircraft. A complex  aircraft must have retractable landing gear, movable flaps,  and a controllable-pitch propeller. See 14 CFR part 61,  section 61.31(e) for additional information.  [Figure 1-23]  The airline transport pilot (ATP) is tested to the highest level  of piloting ability. The ATP certificate is a prerequisite for  serving as a PIC and second in command (SIC) of scheduled  airline operations. It is also a prerequisite for serving as a PIC  in select charter and fractional operations. The minimum pilot  experience is 1,500 hours of flight time. In addition, the pilot  must be at least 23 years of age, be able to read, write, speak,  and understand the English language, and be “of good moral  standing.” A pilot may obtain an ATP certificate with restricted  privileges enabling him/her to serve as an SIC in scheduled  airline operations. The minimum pilot experience is reduced  based upon specific academic and flight training experience.  The minimum age to be eligible is 21 years.  [Figure 1-24]  Selecting a flight school is an important consideration in  the flight training process. FAA-approved training centers,  FAA-approved pilot schools, noncertificated flying schools,  and independent flight instructors conduct flight training in  the United States. All flight training is conducted under the  auspices of the FAA following the regulations outlined in  14 CFR parts 142, 141, or 61. Training centers, also referred  to as flight academies, operate under 14 CFR part 142 and  are certificated by the FAA. Application for certification  is voluntary and the training center must meet stringent  requirements for personnel, equipment, maintenance,  facilities, and must teach a curriculum approved by the  FAA. Training centers typically utilize a number of flight  simulation training devices as part of its curricula. Flight  training conducted at a training center is primarily done  under contract to airlines and other commercial operators  in transport or turbine aircraft, however many also provide  Selecting a Flight School  Airline Transport Pilot  Commercial Pilot  Figure 1-23.  A complex aircraft.  Figure 1-24.  Type of aircraft flown by an airline transport pilot.  Figure 1-22.  A typical aircraft a private pilot might fly.  1-18 