Commercial Pilot Training
FAA Certificated Commercial Pilots are qualified to put their skills to work.
Whether a stepping stone to becoming an instructor or airline transport pilot or the final goal to pursue some other role in aviation, becoming a commercial pilot opens up many a career path to the aspiring pilot. Some potential career paths include:
- Skydive Pilot
- Ag Pilot
- Pipeline Patrol
- Firefighting Pilot
- Military Pilot
- Bush Flying
- Sightseeing Tours
- Airline Pilot
- Flight Instructor
- Test Pilot
- Corporate Pilot
- Surveying
- Cargo Hauling
- Law Enforcement
- Air Ambulance
- Banner Towing
- Airshow/Stunt Flying
- Ferry Pilot
- Charter Pilot
- Contract Pilot
- Astronaut
Commerical Certificate Requirements
- 100 hrs in Powered Aircraft
- 50 hrs PIC in airplanes
-
50 hrs cross-country time
at least 10 hours XC in airplanes - 3 hrs instruction in preparation for the practical test 60 days prior
- 10 hrs instrument training, 5 in single-engine airplane
- 10 hrs complex, turbine or TAA airplane
- 2h day cross-country flight 100+ mi
- 2h night cross-country flight 100+ mi
- 300 nm solo or dual XC w/ min 3 landings, 1 of which is at least 250 nm from point of departure
- 5h solo or dual night VFR with 10 t/o and landing at tower controlled airport
The requirement for a Commercial Pilot certificate is a minimum of 250 hours of flight time.
Applicants must also pass a written knowledge exam and a practical test of the ability to fly the aircraft to FAA commercial standards administered by a designated pilot examiner.
You must become a private pilot first (or meet requirements of 61.73) meet hour requirements and receive the appropriate endorsements from your flight instructor to take the Commercial Pilot tests. You must also:
- Be 18 years old
- Read, Speak, Write, Understand English (unless restricted (61.103.c))
- Pass the knowledge test (written test) and the practical exam (oral + checkride)
*Though technically not required, we highly recommend completing an instrument rating before pursuing a commercial rating
- Have Knowledge test endorsement per 61.103.d
- Have logbook endorsements for practical test
- Have aeronautical experience per 61.129 including:
- 250 Hours minimum total time which include the following:
- 100 hours in powered aircraft, including 50 in airplanes
- 100 hours of pilot-in-command (PIC) time that includes at least:
- 50 hours in airplanes
- 50 hours of cross-country (XC) flight time, at least 10 of which is in airplanes
- 20 hours flight training on the areas of operation listed in 61.127(b)(1) which includes:
- 10 hours simulated (“hood time”) or actual instrument training
- 10 hours of training in a technically advanced aircraft
- One 2-hour day cross-country of at least 100nm
- One 2-hour night cross-country of at least 100nm
- 3 hours in a single-engine aircraft with an instructor in preparation for the practical test within 2 calendar months of the test
- 10 Hours of Solo flight time OR 10 Hours with an authorized instructor that includes:
- One cross-country flight of not less than 300 nm, with landings at a minimum of 3 points, one of which is at least 250 nm from the original departure point
- 5 hours of night VFR conditions, including:
- 10 takeoffs and landings (with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower
- 250 Hours minimum total time which include the following:
Training Tips from the Pros
Don’t be like that guy who keeps setting up for a five mile final—there he is again! What are you DOING?!
You know how to do a PO180 in a low wing?
…
Drop a brick out the pilot’s window and chase it.
To learn more about becoming a student, give us a call or read more on our New Student Orientation Page.