The commercial pilot certificate is the credential that allows you to act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft for compensation or hire. It represents a meaningful step up in both aeronautical knowledge and stick-and-rudder precision — the FAA's standards for commercial applicants are notably higher than those for private, and the training reflects it.
Earning your commercial certificate requires passing an FAA knowledge test, meeting specific aeronautical experience requirements, and successfully completing a practical test with an FAA examiner, all governed by 14 CFR Part 61, Subpart F. The result is a pilot who is not only legally eligible to be paid to fly, but demonstrably more capable and consistent than when they left the private certificate behind.
Prerequisites
Per 14 CFR §61.123, applicants for the commercial pilot certificate must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Hold a private pilot certificate
- Hold a third-class medical certificate or BasicMed at minimum, though a second-class medical is required to exercise commercial privileges
- Hold an instrument rating, or accept a limitation on the certificate restricting commercial operations to VFR only per §61.133(b)
Knowledge Requirements
Applicants must pass an FAA computerized knowledge test covering the aeronautical knowledge areas specified in 14 CFR §61.125, including:
- Federal Aviation Regulations applicable to commercial pilot privileges and operations
- Accident reporting requirements of the NTSB
- Basic aerodynamics and the principles of flight
- Meteorology, including recognition of weather patterns and hazards
- Aircraft performance, weight and balance, and flight planning
- Navigation, including radio navigation and the use of aeronautical charts
- Principles of night and high-altitude operations
- Emergency procedures and aeronautical decision-making
A passing score of 70% or higher is required. The knowledge test is valid for 24 calendar months per 14 CFR §61.35(a).
In addition to the written test, applicants must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the aircraft's systems, performance data, and operating procedures during the oral portion of the practical test.
Flight Experience
14 CFR §61.129(a) specifies the following minimum aeronautical experience for the commercial certificate — airplane single-engine land:
- 250 total flight hours, including:
- 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes
- 100 hours of PIC time, including:
- 50 hours in airplanes
- 50 hours of cross-country time, of which 10 hours must be in airplanes
- 20 hours of dual instruction in a single-engine airplane covering the commercial areas of operation per §61.127(b)(1), including:
- 10 hours of instrument training
- 10 hours in a complex, turbine-powered, or technically advanced airplane per §61.129(a)(3)(ii)
- A 2-hour dual cross-country in daytime, more than 100 NM from departure
- A 2-hour dual cross-country at night, more than 100 NM from departure
- 3 hours of dual instruction in preparation for the practical test, within 2 calendar months of the test date
- 10 hours of solo flight time in a single-engine airplane, including:
- One cross-country of at least 300 NM total distance, with landings at three or more points, one of which is at least 250 NM straight-line from the departure point
- 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 full-stop landings at a towered airport
Ready to get started?
Let's talk about your goals and put together a plan that works for you.
Get in touch →