Commercial Certificate

What is a commercial pilot certificate?

A commercial pilot certificate is the type of license that allows you to operate an aircraft for compensation. This means that you are legally allowed to get paid as a pilot, and can transport persons or property for hire.

Why should I get my commercial pilot certificate?

If you want to be a professional pilot, a commercial pilot certificate is a must. The jobs you can get with a commercial pilot certificate are numerous, like Flight Instructor, parachute drop pilot, banner towing pilot, aerial surveying pilot, and charter pilot. The commercial pilot certificate is also required if you intend to earn your Air Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and become an airline pilot.

How long does it take to earn a commercial pilot certificate?

Because pilots have a very diverse set of flight experience when they start training for their commercial pilot certificate, it is hard to give a timeframe. However, if you arrived right after completing your private pilot certificate and instrument rating, it would likely take about 2-6 months, depending on how much you are available to fly.

What are the eligibility requirements for a commercial pilot certificate?

To earn a commercial pilot certificate, a pilot must:

• Hold a private pilot license
• Receive the following logbook endorsements from an instructor:
• Logbook endorsement to take the aeronautical knowledge test
• Logbook endorsement to take the practical test
• Pass the following tests:
• Commercial pilot knowledge test
• Commercial pilot practical test (also known as a ‘checkride’)

Reference 14 CFR §61.123 for a complete listing of all requirements

In order to qualify to take the practical test, upon successful completion of which you will receive your commercial pilot certificate, you must meet the following aeronautical flight experience requirements:

• 250 hours of total flight time
• 100 hours of Pilot-In-Command (PIC) time
• 50 hours of cross-country PIC time
• 10 hours of instrument training
• 10 hours in a Technically Advanced Airplane

Reference 14 CFR §61.129 for a complete listing of all requirements