By February 2007, Robert Briggs (USA) had received 100 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ‘type ratings’, allowing him to serve as pilot in command of 100 different models of large aircraft (ones with a maximum takeoff weight in excess of 5,670 kg or 12,500 lb). Of this total, 94 are Airline Transport types, six are Experimental Aircraft types

For smaller aircraft pilots are not required to be rated, but with aircraft of this size it is necessary to undergo testing for each model of aircraft flown.

Briggs works as a FedEx DC-10 pilot. He says he ‘collects’ ratings as other collectors gather objects.

The number of ratings increases every time a new large aircraft goes into production. It is estimated that there are now around 200 possible ratings.