Commercial Pilot

Fly professionally!

Piper Aztec

The commercial pilot license is required for you to be employed as a pilot. A commercial pilot is expected to have superior knowledge and insights into the airplane, weather, the FAA's rules and regulations, and operations within the National Airspace System. You will be judged on this advanced knowledge as well as your ability to smoothly and precisely control the airplane throughout a variety of maneuvers designed to push the airplane to its limits while maintaining orientation to your surroundings both inside and outside of the aircraft.

Remember, you don't have to get a job in aviation if you get a commercial pilot license. Many pilots choose to pursue this advanced certificate simply to master new knowledge and improve their piloting skills. You may train for your initial commercial pilot certificate in either a single engine or multiengine airplane.

*The following list of requirements represents the minimum and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR) for a comprehensive list.
**While the FAA establishes a minimum amount of hours required to earn a Commercial Pilot License Premier Flight Center makes no guarantee as to the amount of time it will take you to earn your license.

Part 61 (14 CFR 61.123)

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be able to read, speak, write and understand the English language
  • Obtain at least a 3rd Class Medical Certificate
  • Receive and log ground training
  • Log at least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot that includes:
    • 100 hours in powered aircraft
    • 100 hours of pilot in command time that includes:
    • 20 hours of flight training from an authorized instructor (CFI) that includes:
      • 10 hours of instrument flight training
      • 10 hours of training in a complex airplane
      • 2 hours of cross country training to an airport more than 100 nautical miles (NM) from the starting point during daytime
      • 2 hours of cross country training to an airport more than 100 NM from the starting point during nighttime
      • 3 hours of Practical Test preparation
    • 10 hours of solo flight time or 10 hours with an instructor performing the duties of pilot in command that includes:
      • One solo cross country of at least 300 NM with full stop landings at a minimum of 3 points one of which is at least 250 NM from the starting point
      • 5 hours of night flight with 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower (Brainard Airport meets this requirement!)
  • Pass a Knowledge (written) Test
  • Pass a Practical (flight) Test