JeffDG
Touchdown! Greaser!
I never said otherwise, and I don't think you're missing anything. As I said, the regulations require that you have the certificate documenting your license from the FAA to exercise those privileges.
And I'm no playing any further word games with Nick or EdFred.
From "Black's Law Dictionary"
License: The permission by competent authority to do an act which without such permission, would be illegal.
Your certificate is evidence of having been granted a license.