Commercial Pilot

Earning a Commercial Pilot Certificate takes your aviation skills to the next level, allowing you to fly professionally and get paid for piloting aircraft. Through rigorous flight training, you’ll refine advanced maneuvers, master complex navigation, and build crucial experience in both day and night operations. Doors open to career paths such as aerial tours, cargo flights, or even working toward an airline transport pilot certification. Whether you aspire to make flying your profession or expand your piloting capabilities, a Commercial Pilot Certificate is the key to unlocking exciting opportunities in aviation!

A Commercial Pilot Certificate (CP) opens up a wide range of career opportunities in aviation. Here are some paths you can pursue:

Airline Pilot – Work for regional or major airlines, eventually advancing to captain.

Cargo Pilot – Transport goods worldwide for companies like FedEx or UPS.

Charter Pilot – Fly private jets or small aircraft for individuals or businesses.

Corporate Pilot – Operate aircraft for companies that require frequent business travel.

Flight Instructor – Train aspiring pilots and help them earn their certifications.

Aerial Survey Pilot – Conduct mapping, photography, or environmental monitoring flights.

Agricultural Pilot – Fly crop-dusting aircraft for farming operations.

Firefighting Pilot – Operate water bombers to combat wildfires.

Medical Evacuation Pilot – Transport patients and medical personnel in emergency situations

Tourism & Sightseeing Pilot – Offer scenic flights over landmarks and tourist destinations.

Each of these roles requires additional training and experience, but a Commercial Certificate is the foundation for a professional aviation career.

Requirements

To earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate in the U.S., you must meet several Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the key criteria:

Eligibility

  1. Be at least 18 years old.

  2. Hold a Private Pilot License (PPL).

  3. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

  4. Obtain a third-Class medical certificate from an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner. (a second-class medical certificate is required to exercise commercial privileges)

Training & Experience

  1. Complete ground school to learn advanced aeronautical knowledge.

  2. Log a minimum of 250 flight hours, including:

    1. 100 hours as pilot-in-command

    2. 100 hours in powered aircraft.

    3. 50 hours of cross-country flight time.

    4. 20 hours of flight training including

      1. 10 hours of instrument training.

      2. 10 hours in a complex, technically advanced or turbine aircraft.

      3. 3 hours preparation for the Practical Test.

      4. Two, two-hour cross-country flights of at least 100nm.

        1. One during daylight hours

        2. One during nighttime hours

    5. 10 hours solo, or performing Pilot-in-Command duties with an instructor onboard including:

      1. One cross-country of not less than 300nm with landings at three points. One destination at least 250nm from the departure point.

      2. 5 hours night flight with 10 takeoffs and landings at an airport with an operating control tower

Exams and Certification

  1. Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test (written exam).

  2. Pass the FAA Practical Test (checkride), which includes an oral exam and flight evaluation with an FAA examiner