What does the term "Rating" refer to in aviation?

The term "Rating" in aviation specifically refers to a statement indicating the privileges or limitations that accompany a particular certificate held by a pilot. This could encompass a variety of factors, such as the type of aircraft the pilot is authorized to operate, any restrictions on flying certain types of aircraft, or specific operating conditions that the pilot is qualified to handle.

For instance, a pilot's certificate might include ratings for different types of aircraft, like single-engine land, multi-engine, or instrument rating, which denote what the pilot is legally allowed to do while flying. This distinction is crucial, as pilots must adhere to the qualifications set by these ratings to ensure safety and compliance with aviation regulations.