Commercial Pilot License

  • Aircraft - $190/hr

  • Instructor - $80/hr

  • Simulator - $50/hr (FREE when keeping current)

  • 250 hour minimum flight time

  • 2-3/yr Average completion time from Private to Commercial

A commercial pilot license (CPL) is a certification that grants individuals legal authorization to receive payment for their piloting services. With a CPL, pilots can serve as the pilot-in-command of an aircraft for compensation, and transport passengers or cargo for payment. These services can include, but are not limited to, private jet charters, paid tours, sky diving services, crop dusting, aerial surveying, photography, and search and rescue operations. For commercial airline pilots, additional requirements are needed (see below). The sky is the limit!

Requirements for a CPL

  1. Hold a private pilot license.

  2. Be at least 18 years of age.

  3. Receive logbook endorsements from a CFI to take the aeronautical knowledge test.

  4. Receive logbook endorsements from a CFI to take the practical test.

  5. Take the written test- Commercial pilot knowledge test (CAX).

  6. Successfully complete the commercial pilot practical test.

  7. Pass a physical examination (second-class or first-class certificate) which includes vision, hearing, equilibrium, mental, neurologic, and cardiovascular components. Please note, aspiring commercial airline pilots need to apply for the first-class certificate, specifically.


Reference 14 CFR §61.123 for a complete listing of all requirements, CFR 14 §67 Subpart C for second-class medical examination



Commercial Pilot Flight Time Requirements

  1. Total Flight Time - 250 Hours

  2. Pilot-In-Command (PIC) - 100 Hours

  3. Cross-Country PIC - 50 Hours

  4. Instrument Training - 10 Hours

  5. Technically Advanced Airplane (TAA) - 10 Hours

Reference 14 CFR §61.129 for more details on flight time requirements.



Beyond Commercial Pilot’s License

Once you get your CPL, you can advance your training with additional ratings:

  • CFI/CFII - Become a certified flight instructor

  • MEI - Get your multi-engine rating (for commercial use)

  • ATP- Obtain an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate to become a pilot for commercial airliners (must be 21 years old)


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Flying isn’t a difficult skill to learn. It takes passion and dedication to makes this dream a reality. Contact us for more information.

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