Commercial Pilot Certificate
The Commercial Pilot Certificate trains you to a higher degree of skill and ability, in preparation for a professional flying career. As a professional pilot you can be compensated or your piloting services. During your course you will learn about the privileges and limitations you have as a Commercial Pilot, and receive in depth training in the systems and operation of your aircraft. You will also operate your aircraft to its maximum capabilities in high performance maneuvers, achieving a new level of mastery and safety.
Cost
It is required you complete your certificate in a complex airplane. However, it is not required that you conduct all your training in a complex plane. This cost breakdown is based on using a Cessna 172P and a Piper Arrow. For more information on the price differences between the available aircraft, please visit the aircraft fleet page.
| 5 Hours - Cessna 172P | $98/Hour | $490 | |
| 10 Hours - Piper Arrow II | $130/Hour | $1300 | |
| 15 Hours - Flight Instruction | $48/Hour | $720 | |
| 10 Hours - Ground Instruction | $48/Hour | $480 | |
| Cessna CD-ROM Interactive Flight | |||
| Training Kit | $299 | ||
| Additional Supplies | $50 | ||
| Written Test Fee | $80 | ||
| Practical Test Fee | $350 | ||
| 3 Hours - Piper Arrow II (Practical Test) | $130/Hour | $390 | |
| TOTAL COST | $4159 |
*Note: These times assume you have an instrument rating and you meet all of the hourly requirements except the 10 hours of complex time and are proficient.
REQUIREMENTS:
61.123 - Commercial Pilot Requirements
To be eligible for a Commercial Pilot Certificate a person must:
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
- Hold at least a current third class medical certificate.
- Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate or meet the requirements of FAR 61.73
- Pass a written exam on the on the aeronautical knowledge areas of FAR 61.125.
- Receive flight training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
- 1.) Has conducted the training in the areas of operation listed in FAR 61.127(b)
- 2.) Has certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.
- Meet the aeronautical experience requirements that apply to the aircraft rating sought.
- Pass a practical test on the areas of operation listed in FAR 61.127(b). 61.129 - Aeronautical experience.
61.129 Aeronautical Experience
At least 250 hours of flight time with at least:
- 1) 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes.
- 2) 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least:
- (i) 50 hours in airplanes; and
- (ii) 50 hours in cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.
- 3) 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in ?61.127(b)(1) with at least
- (i) 10 hours of instrument training of which at least 5 hours must be in a single-engine airplane;
- (ii) 10 hours of training in an airplane that has a retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller, or is turbine-powered
- (iii) One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a single-engine airplane in day VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure;
- (iv) One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a single-engine airplane in night VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and
- (v) 3 hours in a single-engine airplane in preparation for the practical test within the 60-day period preceding the date of the test.
- 4) 10 hours of solo flight in a single-engine plane on the areas listed in FAR 61.127(b)(1) which includes at least:
- (i) One cross-country flight of not less than 300 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original departure point. and
- (ii) 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.
- 5) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.
