COMMERCIAL PILOT CERTIFICATE
Get Paid to Fly
A Commercial Pilot Certificate allows you to be compensated for flying and is the next major milestone for pilots pursuing careers in aviation.
Why Earn a
Commercial Pilot Certificate?
Turn Your Passion Into a Profession
A Commercial Pilot Certificate allows qualified pilots to pursue a wide variety of paid flying opportunities.
Expand Your Career Opportunities
Commercial pilots work in charter operations, corporate aviation, cargo operations, aerial survey, aerial photography, banner towing, aerial firefighting, agricultural aviation, and many other specialized roles.
Develop Advanced Flying Skills
Commercial training emphasizes precision, professionalism, advanced aircraft control, and the skills needed for professional flight operations.
Build Flight Time
Many aspiring professional pilots become Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) after earning their Commercial Pilot Certificate, building valuable flight time while teaching before qualifying for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate.
Career Opportunities
Commercial pilots work across many sectors of aviation. Career opportunities may include:
Charter Pilot
Corporate Pilot
Flight Instructor*
Cargo Pilot
Aerial Survey Pilot
Aerial Photography Pilot
Banner Tow Pilot
Agricultural Pilot
Aerial Firefighting Pilot
Sightseeing & Tour Pilot
*Requires a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate.
Training Outcomes
Preparing you for professional flight operations through advanced ground and flight instruction.
YOU'LL LEARN
- Commercial flight maneuvers
- Advanced aircraft performance
- Cross-country flight planning
- Aeronautical decision-making
- Precision takeoffs and landings
- Complex or Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) operations
- Commercial regulations and operational procedures
- Emergency procedures and risk management
Program Prerequisites
Hold a Private Pilot Certificate
Be at least
18 years old
18 years old
Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
Meet applicable FAA eligibility and flight experience requirements
Recommended Before You Begin
Most professional pilots earn an Instrument Rating before Commercial training. If you plan to exercise Commercial Pilot privileges, an FAA Medical Certificate is also recommended before you begin.
Time & Investment
TRAINING TIMELINE
~250 hrs
FAA minimum total flight time
Under FAA Part 61, Commercial Pilot applicants must meet specific flight experience requirements before the practical exam, including a minimum of 250 total flight hours. Because students begin Commercial training with different levels of experience, there isn’t a standard training timeline.
INVESTMENT
Depending on choice of aircraft, frequency of training, training location, 3rd party check ride fees, previous experience, study habits, choice of training equipment will influence the range of pricing.
- Because the commercial certificate requires 250 total hours, the final cost depends on how many hours you hold when you start the program — one example at $170/hr wet aircraft + $80/hr instruction estimated the training itself in that range
- Broader industry figures for the full path (private through commercial) run $70,000–$100,000, though that includes the private and instrument stages, not commercial alone
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An Instrument Rating isn’t required, but it is strongly recommended. Most professional pilots earn their Instrument Rating first because it removes operational limitations and prepares them for more advanced flying.
Under FAA Part 61, Commercial Pilot applicants must meet specific flight experience requirements before taking the practical exam, including a minimum of 250 total flight hours. Your instructor will help ensure you meet all requirements before your checkride.
Commercial Pilot training timelines vary based on your current flight experience, training frequency, and individual proficiency. Because students begin Commercial training with different levels of flight experience, there isn’t a standard training timeline. Your instructor will develop a training plan based on your experience and goals.
Every student’s investment is different because training is based on reaching FAA proficiency standards. Costs vary based on your training location, aircraft selection, current flight experience, and individual progress. Contact us for a personalized estimate based on your training goals.
Yes. A Commercial Pilot Certificate allows you to be compensated for many types of flying, including charter operations, aerial survey, cargo, sightseeing flights, agricultural aviation, and other commercial operations. Some positions, such as flight instruction, require additional certifications.
Many pilots continue by earning their Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate to build flight experience while teaching others. From there, they often pursue additional ratings and eventually meet the requirements for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate and airline opportunities.
Still have questions about commercial training?