Commercial Pilot
This is the next big step in reaching your dream. In order to have a career in aviation as a pilot, a commercial pilot certificate is required. Here you work on precision and skill as well as the decision-making skills required for a professional pilot. This course is designed to create a patient, safe and insightful pilot.
Attaining the status of a commercial pilot is a milestone. As a commercial pilot, you will be able to fly for compensation or hire. This could include flying people, cargo, or in a variety of other capacities. Many commercial pilots pursue careers as flight instructors, corporate pilots, charter pilots, and some go on to the airlines.
Basic Requirements
FAA Minimums Required to receive a rating as a Commercial Pilot
-Hold at least a Private Pilots License
-Be 18 Years of age or older
-250 Hours of total flight time
-Pass FAA required exams
-Be Able to read, speak, and understand English.
*A full list of requirements can be found under FAR Part 61
Specials
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FAQs
Q: What flight experience do I need ?
A: *NOTE: The following requirements are for Part 61 training.
You must log at least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of at least:
1. 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes.
2. 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least-
a. 50 hours in airplanes
b. 50 hours in cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes
3. 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in §61.127(b)(1) of this part that includes at least-
a. Ten hours of instrument training using a view-limiting device including attitude instrument flying, partial panel skills, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, and intercepting and tracking navigational systems. Five hours of the 10 hours required on instrument training must be in a single engine airplane
b. 10 hours of training in an airplane that has a retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller, or is turbine-powered
c. One 2-hour cross country flight in a single engine airplane in daytime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure
d. One 2-hour cross country flight in a single engine airplane in nighttime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure
e. Three hours in a single-engine airplane with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test
4. Ten hours of solo flight time in a single engine airplane or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of pilot in command in a single engine airplane with an authorized instructor on board, on the areas of operation listed under §61.127(b)(1) that include-
a. One cross-country flight of not less than 300 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original departure point
b. 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower
Completion time varies based on how often you train, how quickly you learn, how well you study at home, etc. We recommend you schedule at least one session per week, with two or three being more ideal for making steady progress and completing the program in fewer hours.
Q: What do I need to be eligible for a Commercial pilot?
A: To be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate (airplane), a person must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the FAA may place limitations on the person’s certificate
- Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who conducted the required ground training or reviewed the person’s home study course, and who certified the person is prepared for the knowledge test
- Pass the required knowledge test
- Receive the required training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who conducted the training and who certified the person is prepared for the practical test
- Meet the aeronautical experience requirements
- Pass the required practical test
- Hold at least a private pilot certificate