Requirements for Receiving Your Commercial Pilot Certificate

 

  • A commercial pilot certificate allows you to receive payment for flight services. It is required for the advancement of your aviation career.

    • 4-6 months of training 

    • 30 hours of flight time 

    • 50 hours of ground time (learning material for the written test and practical test with the FAA) 

    • 40 hours of preflight and postflight instruction

    • Approximately $15,000 - $20,000 total costs

  • ELIGIBILITY

    • Must be 18 years of age

    • Must hold a valid FAA private pilot certificate*

    • Must hold a valid FAA medical certificate

    • Must be a US citizen or hold TSA approval

    • Must read, write, speak and understand the English language

      *Though an instrument rating is not required in order to receive your commercial pilot license, it is highly recommended

    TRAINING

    • Ground training to prepare for the FAA written test and FAA practical test

    • Flight training to prepare for the FAA practical test

    FLIGHT EXPERIENCE

    • 250 total flight hours

      • 50 hours in an airplane (can be completed during your private pilot and instrument training)

      • 50 hours of PIC cross-country (can be completed during instrument training)

    • Flight training that includes:

      • 10 hours of instrument training

      • 10 hours of training in a Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) or complex aircraft

      • 2 hour day cross-country flight

      • 2 hour night cross-country flight

      • 10 hours of solo flight time that includes

        • 300 NM cross-country

        • 5 hours of night Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to include:

          • 10 take-offs and landings at an airport with a operating control tower

    TESTS

    • Pass the FAA written test

    • Pass the FAA practical test