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Becoming an Commercial Pilot Whether you're hoping to pursue a career in aviation, would like to instruct on the side, are hoping for a break in
your insurance premiums or just want an excuse to improve your piloting ability, the Commercial Pilot may be for you.
What can an Commercial Pilot do?
In very broad terms, a Commercial Pilot can earn money flying. Obviously there are a number of restrictions involved
in what any particular Commercial Pilot can do, but getting the Commercial rating is the first step towards virtually any piloting related employment. What are the Requirements for an Commercial Pilot?
The actual regulations regarding what it takes to become a Instrument Pilot in airplanes are written by the FAA in 14 CFR Part 61. However, we'll attempt to summarize these requirements here.
- Hold at least a Private Pilot certificate.
- Be authorized by the TSA to begin flight training.
For more information, click here.
Be at least 18 years of age.
Be able to read speak and write the English language (with certain exceptions for medical conditions).
Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor, or complete a home study course.
Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that you are prepared to take a knowledge test.
Receive flight instruction from an authorized instructor.
Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that you are prepared to take the required practical test.
Have at least 250 hours of total flight time.
Have at least 100 hours of flight time in powered aircraft.
Have at least 50 hours in airplanes.
Have at least 100 hours of pilot-in-command (PIC) time, including:
- 50 hours in airplanes.
- 50 hours cross-country (10 of which are in airplanes.)
Have at least 20 hours of flight training, including:
- 10 hours of instrument flight training. (5 of which is in airplanes.)
- 10 hours of training in a complex airplane.
- A cross country flight of at least 2 hours in a single engine airplane under day VFR conditions including a landing at least 100 NM from the initial point of departure.
- A cross country flight of at least 2 hours in a single-engine airplane under night VFR conditions including a landing at least 100 NM from the initial point of departure.
- 3 hours of Flight Test Prep within 60 days of the checkride.
Have at least 10 hours of solo flight in a single-engine airplane, including:
- One cross-country flight of at least 300 NM total distance with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 NM from the initial point of departure.
- At least 5 hours of night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and landings at an airport with an operating control tower (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern).
Pass the required written exam.
Pass the checkride.
More questions? Read the FAQ! |
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