Commercial Pilot Certificate

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Benefits of a Commercial Pilot Certificate

It has never been a better time to become a commercial pilot. The airlines are experiencing a huge shortage of pilots. The best part is you can finally get paid for doing something you absolutely love. Becoming a commercial pilot opens up a whole new set of possibilities for your flying career. Here are some benefits to deciding to pursue your commercial pilot certificate:

• The skills you learn while pursuing your commercial pilot certificate will enhance your safety as a pilot.
• You will be able to fly airplanes with greater skill, accuracy, and more advanced equipment.
• You will be able to perform more advanced maneuvers and emergency procedures with greater confidence.
• You will increase your knowledge and understanding of aircraft systems.
• You can become endorsed to operate complex airplanes. (A high-performance endorsement may also be included              depending on the type of airplane you train in).
• You will learn many of the regulations and requirements about flight for hire.
• Decrease your insurance rates if you own your own airplane.
• A Commercial pilot certificate gives you the ability to begin flying for hire and make living doing what you love!

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Eligibility for a Commercial Pilot Certificate

1. Hold at least a current private pilot certificate.
2. Be able to read, speak, understand, and write the English language fluently.
3. Be 18 years of age.
3. Hold a current Airman Medical Certificate.*
    *At least a 2nd Class medical required to exercise commercial privileges.

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Flight Time Requirements
(1) 250 hours total time logged including:
a. 100 hours of PIC time.
b. 50 hours of PIC cross country.
c. 10 hours of SOLO flight experience to include:

• 1 cross-country not less than 300NM total distance with landings at three points, 1 of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 NM.

• 5 hours Night VFR w/ 10 takeoffs/landings at an airport with an operational control tower.

(2) 20 hours of dual instruction toward your commercial certificate to include:
(a) 10 hours of complex OR TAA (technologically advanced aircraft) training.
(b) 10 hours of instrument training, 5 hours must be in single engine airplane.
(c) A 2 hour, 100 nm straight line distance, dual day cross-country.
(d) A 2 hour, 100 nm straight line distance, dual night cross-country.
(e) 3 hours of test prep within the two calendar-months preceding the date of the practical exam.

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How Much Does it Cost?
This cost summary is based on an approximation. Actual cost will vary slightly with each individual. These costs are calculated to do your Commercial checkride in a Cessna 172 or similar aircraft.

 

 

Commercial Pilot Program Summary

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Books, pilot supplies                                                 $100

10 hours of Complex or TAA                                  $2,000

30 hours instruction time                                       $1,800

15 hours aircraft rental                                             $2,535

Written Test Fee                                                         $175

Checkride Examiner Fee                                         $800

Aircraft Rental for Checkride                                  $169.   

Total Investment                                                       $7,579