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Commercial Pilot
Turn your flying skills into a career and start your path to becoming a professional pilot.
The Commercial Pilot Certificate advances your skills and sharpens your flying skills. Learn advanced maneuvers and deepen your knowledge of aviation fundamentals so that you can carry passengers and property safely.
What can I do as a Commercial Pilot?
As a Commercial Pilot, you can...
Fly for compensation or hire - get paid to fly!
Get hired by Part 91 or Part 135 operators, depending on the company.
See 14 CFR 61.133 for more information.
What can't I do as a Commercial Pilot?
While becoming a Commercial Pilot lets you be compensated for your skills as an aviator, there are some limitations to your rating:
You cannot fly for any Part 121 operators (i.e., the airlines) - you will need to upgrade to an Air Transport Pilot Certificate.
You may not for compensation or hire at night, unless you hold your Instrument Rating.
Fly passengers and property more to a destination at least 50 nautical miles away for compensation or hire, unless you hold your Instrument Rating.
See 14 CFR 61.133 for more information.
Am I eligible to become a Commercial Pilot?
Be at least 18 years old.
Hold at least a current Private Pilot Certificate.
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
See 14 CFR 61.123 for more information.
How many hours does it take to become a Commercial Pilot?
Becoming a Commercial Pilot requires learning advanced training and sharpening your skills as an aviator. The FAA requires a minimum of the following hours requirements to receive your Commercial Pilot Certificate:
250 hours total flight time
100 hours flight time in powered aircraft
50 of these must be in an airplane
100 hours of flight time as pilot-in-command (PIC), including...
50 hours of cross-country flying (at least 10 of which must be in an airplane)
50 hours in an airplane
20 hours of flight training, including...
10 hours of instrument training
10 hours in a complex airplane or a technically advanced airplane (TAA)
One two-hour cross country flight during the day to a destination more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure
One two-hour cross country flight at night to a destination more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure
3 hours of flight training in preparation for the practical test
10 hours of solo flight time or flight time while performing the duties of pilot-in-command, including:
One cross-country flight of at least 300 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is at least 250 nautical miles from the original point of departure
5 hours of night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings at an airport with an operating control tower
These hours are a minimum training requirement, but many pilots build far more experiences above the minimum.
See 14 CFR 61.129 for more information.
