Requirements for Receiving Your Commercial Pilot Certificate
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A commercial pilot certificate allows you to receive payment for flight services. It is required for the advancement of your aviation career.
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4-6 months of training
30 hours of flight time
50 hours of ground time (learning material for the written test and practical test with the FAA)
40 hours of preflight and postflight instruction
Approximately $15,000 - $20,000 total costs
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ELIGIBILITY
Must be 18 years of age
Must hold a valid FAA private pilot certificate*
Must hold a valid FAA medical certificate
Must be a US citizen or hold TSA approval
Must read, write, speak and understand the English language
*Though an instrument rating is not required in order to receive your commercial pilot license, it is highly recommended
TRAINING
Ground training to prepare for the FAA written test and FAA practical test
Flight training to prepare for the FAA practical test
FLIGHT EXPERIENCE
250 total flight hours
50 hours in an airplane (can be completed during your private pilot and instrument training)
50 hours of PIC cross-country (can be completed during instrument training)
Flight training that includes:
10 hours of instrument training
10 hours of training in a Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) or complex aircraft
2 hour day cross-country flight
2 hour night cross-country flight
10 hours of solo flight time that includes
300 NM cross-country
5 hours of night Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to include:
10 take-offs and landings at an airport with a operating control tower
TESTS
Pass the FAA written test
Pass the FAA practical test