An aircraft category is defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization as a "classification of aircraft according to specified basic characteristics", for the purpose of personnel licensing. Examples of aircraft categories include aeroplanes, helicopters, gliders, or free balloons.
United States of America
In the United States of America, there are seven aircraft categories for the purpose of certification of aircraft pilots:
Airplanes
Rotorcraft such as helicopters
Powered lift
Gliders
Lighter than air
Powered parachute
Weight-shift control
Aircraft categories are also defined with respect to the certification of aircraft, to mean "a grouping of aircraft based upon intended use or operating limitations." Examples include transport, normal, utility, acrobatic, limited, restricted, and provisional.
EASA
In EASA states, "Category of aircraft" means a categorisation of aircraft according to specified basic characteristics. Examples include aeroplane, powered-lift, helicopter, airship, sailplane, and free balloon.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, the categories of aircraft are: Aeroplanes Helicopters Airships Sailplanes Balloons Gyroplanes
Each type of licence is available for each aircraft type.