Earning your commercial pilot certificate is the first step toward a professional flying career. From flight instruction and scenic tours to skydiving operations, cargo runs, corporate aviation, and the airlines—the possibilities are endless. To qualify for the certificate, you’ll need to log at least 250 total flight hours before your checkride. However, the actual training for the rating itself requires only a fraction of the time and cost of your private pilot training—often just 10 to 20 hours of flight instruction.

 

● Requirements (14 CFR 61. 123)

○ At least 18 years of age

○ Third class medical certificate

○ FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test (passing grade is 70%)

○ FAA practical test

○ Flight training as listed in Hour Requirements

 

● Hour Requirements (14 CFR 61.129)

○ Applicant must have at least 250 hours of flight time including:

■ 100 hours of PIC time including 50 hours in airplanes and 50 hours of cross-country flight (10 of which must be in airplanes);

■ – 20 hours of training including:

● (1) 10 hours of instrument training

● (2) 10 hours of training in a complex or TAA aircraft;

● (3) a 2-hour cross-country during the day with more than 100 nm straight-line distance from point of departure; and

● (4) a 2-hour cross-country at night with more than 100 nm straight-line distance from point of departure;

● (5) 3 hours in a single-engine airplane with an instructor within the preceding 2 calendar months in preparation for the practical test.

■ – 10 hours solo or dual flight time including

● (1) one cross-country of at least 300 nm total distance with landings at 3+ points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nm from original departure point; and

● (2) 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and landings in the pattern at an airport with an operating control tower.

 

● Estimated costs

○ Total hours and cost for Commercial Pilot training depends on previous experience. Please contact one of our instructors for a more personalized quote based on your needs and requirements.