Commercial Pilot Course
Commercial Pilot Course
The commercial pilot certificate allows you to fly passengers, cargo, or the aircraft itself for hire. Certain flying operations may have their own additional requirements, but they all require the commercial pilot certificate. The commercial pilot certificate will give you a greater appreciation for your aircraft, its systems, and handling.
The career opportunities for a commercial pilot are diverse. Some examples of roles you can be paid to perform along during your aviation career are:
Cargo PilotAgricultural/Crop Duster Pilot
Banner Tow Pilot
Sky Dive Pilot
Pipeline/Wildlife Patrol Pilot
Corporate/Charter Pilot
Airline Pilot
“Man must rise above the Earth, to the top of the atmosphere and beyond, for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives." – Socrates
“Man must rise above the Earth, to the top of the atmosphere and beyond, for only thus will he fully understand the world in which he lives." – Socrates
FAA Certification Requirements
FAA Certification Requirements
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Hold a current private pilot certificate
• Be able to read, write, and understand English
• Hold a current 2nd class medical or greater
• Accumulate 250 hours of flight time
• Accumulate 100 hours of pilot-in-command time
• Accumulate 20 hours of flight training
• Pass the FAA knowledge test and practical test
Typical Cost to Earn Commercial Certificate
Typical Cost to Earn Commercial Certificate
Total Program Cost Maneuvers Training Only
Total Program Cost Maneuvers Training Only
$5,450
$5,450
Total Program Cost w/ Time Building
Total Program Cost w/ Time Building
$15,200-$24950
$15,200-$24950
20 hours flight training with an instructor-$4,100
20 x $150/hr aircraft rental + 20 x $55/hr flight instruction
10 hours Ground instruction-$550
10 x $55/hr ground instruction
130 hours Solo or shared cost time-building-$19,500 ($9,750 if shared)
130 x $150/hr aircraft rental (divided by 2 if sharing cost with another student)
Designated Practical Examiner's (DPE) Fee-$800
Payable to the FAA representative during your checkride.
What to Expect in the Course
What to Expect in the Course
In order to gain the extensive number of hours necessary to qualify for this certificate, a significant amount of time will be spent outside the course flying cross-country with no instruction given. Once in the course, you will receive structured classroom and flight training, broken up into 3 stages, each with different core objectives. The following are partial lists of what to expect in each stage:
Stage 1
Stage 1
Commercial pilot regulations
Advanced maneuvers
Flying by reference to only instruments
Emergencies
Stage 2
Stage 2
Advanced aircraft systems
Flying complex aircraft
Cross-country flying
Flying at night
Stage 3
Stage 3
Further develop flying skills
Build knowledge in all subject matter areas
Pass the FAA knowledge test
Demonstrate proficiency during an end-of-course check
Core Objective: Develop proficiency in advanced maneuvers and scenarios.
Core Objective: Receive endorsement to operate complex aircraft as pilot-in-command and complete required cross-country flights.
Core Objective: Pass the Commercial Pilot practical test