Commercial Pilot License
A commercial pilot license, or certificate, is a type of pilot license that allows someone to operate an aircraft for compensation.
Program Overview
A licensed commercial pilot may act as pilot-in-command of an aircraft for compensation or hire, as well as carry persons or property for compensation or hire. To put another way, holding a commercial pilot license means you are legally allowed to get paid as a pilot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Commercial Pilot do?
Commercial pilots are paid to fly as a pilot, transporting cargo and passengers, as well as perform other operations such as aerial surveying and search and rescue. Learn about the commercial pilot salaries.
What is the Difference Between Commercial Pilots and Airline Pilots?
Airline pilots operate regularly scheduled passenger flights. To fly as an airline pilot, you must have an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which is the highest pilot license the FAA issues. However, all pilots must first start by earning their private pilot license and then their commercial pilot license before they can attain an ATP certificate.
Syllabus
20 Hours of Flight Time
Most of your training will be in the actual aircraft: our Piper Cherokee PA-28. Learn how fun and exciting flying through the cloudy skies can be with our highly trained pilots.
20 Hours of Flight Simulator
FAA Approved Aviation Training Device. Based on the popular Cessna 172, our One-G Foundation simulators are model specific FAA Approved Aviation Training Device that are designated as platform for integrated instruction for all pilots, from student through commercial. OPTIONAL!
20 Hours on The Ground
You will be learning alongside a small group of individuals who share a common goal. Your academy group will work together in a classroom environment for aviation concept learning and practice teaching on the ground and in the simulator.
Requirements
Eligibility
- In order to be eligible for an FAA commercial pilot license:
- A person must be at least 18 years of age.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
- Hold a private pilot license.
- Receive the following logbook endorsements from an instructor:
- Logbook endorsement to take the aeronautical knowledge test.
- Logbook endorsement to take the practical test.
- Pass the following tests:
- Commercial pilot knowledge test (often referred to as a ‘written’ and abbreviated CAX).
- Commercial pilot practical test (also known as a ‘Checkride’).
Medical
In order to exercise the privileges of a commercial pilot license, you must hold either a second- or first-class medical certificate, which can be obtained through an aeromedical examiner (AME).
Health Requirements for Commercial Pilots
Commercial pilots are subject to certain health standards, such as vision, hearing, equilibrium, mental, neurologic, and cardiovascular requirements. For a complete list of the health requirements for obtaining a second-class medical and flying as a commercial pilot reference CFR 14 §67 Subpart C.
Training
According to federal regulations, you must meet the following aeronautical flight experience requirements to earn a commercial pilot license. Our special authorization from the FAA allows us to train our students for an additional 20 hours with the simulator – that way you save time and money with ActivePILOT. With our advanced flight simulator along with our seasoned staff of instructor pilots, we will make sure you are more than ready to get your Commercial Pilot Certificate. Requirements to obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate are:
- 250 hours of flight time
- 100 hours must be in a powered aircraft
- 50 hours must be in an airplane
- 50 hours of cross-country time
- 20 hours of instrument training
- 10 hours of solo training
Reference 14 CFR §61.65 for the entire list of eligibility requirements.
Cost of Training
Click to see our current rates and pricing for the Commercial Pilot License programs
Start with an Introductory Flight
Get your first experience of taking off, flying, and landing an airplane with a certified flight instructor by your side. Later, meet the team and current students to ask all the questions you have about becoming a pilot.
Start with a Zoom Consultation
Our Zoom consultations are the most convenient way of answering all your questions about starting your flight training to becoming a pilot. Zoom consultations are free of charge, but we require advance scheduling.