Requirements for Obtaining Your Commercial Pilot Certificate (You must...):

  1. Be at least 18 years of age.
  2. Be able to read, speak, write, and converse fluently in English.
  3. Hold at least a private pilot license
  4. Hold at least a current third-class FAA medical certificate to apply for the certificate but hold at least a current second-class medical to excercise the privilages of the Commercial Pilot Certificate.
  5. Pass the Commercial Pilot knowledge test with a score of 70% or better.
  6. Undertake flight training as described in Flight Lessons 1 - 25 and Ground Lessons 1 - 15 found listed below. Many of the Flight Lessons, which are not all that different than from your private license training, will require more than one flight to make you comfortable and proficient.
  7. Recieve a signed recommendation (8710) that you are competent as a commercial pilot from a CFI
  8. Successfully complete a practical test, which will be given as a final exam by an FAA-designated pilot examiner.

Flight Lessons:

  1. Preflight Procedures
  2. Taxi & Pre-Takeoff Check
  3. Postflight Procedures
  4. Normal & Crosswind Takeoff & Climb
  5. Normal & Crosswind Approach to Landing
  6. Go-Arounds
  7. Forward Slips to Landing
  8. Short Field Takeoff & Climb
  9. Short Field Approach to Landing
  10. Soft Field Takeoff & Climb
  11. Soft Field Approach to Landing
  12. Power Off 180° to Landing
  13. Steep Turns
  14. Slow Flight
  15. Stalls: Power On/Off
  16. Stalls: 30°bank, Elevator Trim, 2ndary, Cross Control
  17. Basic Instrument Maneuvers & Unusual Attitude
  18. Emergency Operations (i.)
  19. Performance Maneuvers (ii.)
  20. 8's on Pylons Ground Ref. Maneuver
  21. Cross-Country
  22. Collision Avoidance Precautions
  23. Diversions to Another Airport
  24. Night Operations
  25. Checkride Check & Review

Ground Lessons:

  1. Regulations and Accident reporting
  2. Aircraft Systems
  3. Aerodynamics
  4. Weather
  5. Aviation Safety & ADM
  6. Weight & Ballance
  7. Performance Charts
  8. Aeronautical Charts & Publications
  9. Navigation & Lost Procedures
  10. Cross Country Planning
  11. Flight Physiology
  12. High Altitude Operations
  13. Airspace & Airport Operations
  14. Emergency Equipment & Gear
  15. Commercial Pilot Written Review
  1. Emergency Operations
  2. Performance Maneuvers

Flight Time Requirements For Commercial Pilot Single Engine Land:

Under Part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), you must log a total of 250 hr. of flight time, including a minimum of
  1. 100 hrs in powered aircraft
    1. 50 hrs must be in airplanes
  2. 100 hrs of pilot-in-command flight time
    1. 50 hrs in airplanes
    2. 50 hrs of X-C flying, of which 10hrs must be in airplanes
  3. 20 hrs of dual flight training
    1. 10 hrs of instrument training, of which 5hrs must be in a single eng. airplane
    2. 10 hrs of training in a complex airplane or a turbine powered airplane
    3. 1 X-C at least 2 hrs in DAY-VFR conditions +100 nm from origin.
    4. 1 X-C at least 2 hrs in NIGHT-VFR conditions +100 nm from origin.
    5. 3 hours of flight training in a SEL within the 60 days prior to the practical
  4. 10 hrs of solo flight in a single engine airplane
    1. 5 hours in night VFR conditions
      1. 10 T/O’s and Ldgs at a controlled airport
    2. One Cross country flight of not less than 300nm w/3 ldgs, 1 leg +250nm