Steps to Getting a Commercial Pilot Certificate
If you want to fly for hire, you’ll need to become an FAA-Certificated Commercial Pilot. A Commercial Pilot Certificate is the key to professional flying opportunities — from instructing students to flying charters, towing banners, conducting aerial surveys, or even flying firefighting or search-and-rescue missions.
18
Minimum age for certificate
250h
Total flight time as pilot
20
Commercial-specific training
Commercial Pilot Certificate Requirements
FAA Requirements
To be eligible for a Commercial Pilot Certificate, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a Private Pilot Certificate.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
- Receive all required endorsements from a qualified instructor.
- Pass the FAA Commercial Knowledge Test (written exam).
- Pass the FAA Practical Exam (oral and flight checkride).
- Meet all aeronautical knowledge requirements under 14 CFR §61.125.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the required flight maneuvers under 14 CFR §61.127.
- Meet the aeronautical experience requirements under 14 CFR §61.129, including 250 hours total time as a pilot.
Training Aircraft: Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA)
In 2018, the FAA updated its commercial pilot training standards, allowing applicants to train in modern aircraft rather than relying solely on older “complex” airplanes with retractable gear, flaps, and controllable-pitch propellers. Today, most pilots train in Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) — modern airplanes equipped with glass cockpits and advanced automation that better reflect the aircraft they are likely to fly.
A TAA features an electronic Primary Flight Display that continuously shows key flight data such as airspeed, attitude, heading, altitude, and vertical speed. It also includes a Multifunction Display with a moving map and GPS navigation that displays the aircraft’s position in real time, as well as a two-axis autopilot integrated with the navigation and heading system. This allows pilots to train with the same tools and technology they will use in professional aviation, building proficiency and confidence in managing complex systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Commercial Pilot Do?
Commercial pilots are responsible for the safe and professional operation of aircraft that carry passengers, cargo, or perform specialized missions. Depending on their training and interests, they may fly charter passengers, conduct aerial surveys or photography, perform agricultural operations like crop dusting, support search-and-rescue efforts, or fight wildfires.
Many commercial pilots begin their professional careers as Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs), sharing their knowledge with new students while building flight time toward higher ratings or airline qualifications.
Commercial pilots are expected to operate with a higher level of precision and situational awareness. They must be able to quickly identify potential issues with the aircraft, its systems, or weather conditions and make safe, legal decisions. Training also includes advanced maneuvers, power-off accuracy landings, and emergency preparedness so that commercial pilots can respond effectively under pressure.
What Are the Requirements for a Commercial Pilot Certificate?
If you want to be paid to fly, a Commercial Pilot Certificate is required. Here are the basic eligibility requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate.
- Hold a current FAA Second-Class or First-Class Medical Certificate.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.
- Accumulate at least 250 total hours of flight time, including:
- 100 hours in powered aircraft (50 hours in airplanes).
- 100 hours as pilot-in-command (50 hours in airplanes, 50 hours cross-country).
- 20 hours of commercial training with an instructor, including 10 hours of instrument training, 10 hours in a Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) or complex aircraft, and required day/night cross-country flights.
- 10 hours of solo flight time, including a 300 nm cross-country with landings at three airports and night operations with 10 takeoffs and landings at a towered airport.
- Pass the FAA Commercial Knowledge Test and Practical Test (checkride).
Students training under a Part 141 program may qualify with fewer total hours (usually 190), which can save time and money. Instructors and schools on Skyfarer can help you determine which training path — Part 61 or Part 141 — is best for your goals.
What Are the Steps to Getting a Commercial Pilot Certificate?
First, meet the basic eligibility requirements and decide whether you will pursue a single-engine or multi-engine commercial rating. Most pilots complete an instrument rating before beginning commercial training, since a commercial pilot without instrument privileges is restricted from many types of paid flying.
Commercial ground school is the next step, where you’ll cover topics such as regulations, aerodynamics, systems, weather, and performance. This prepares you for the FAA Commercial Knowledge Test.
Flight training focuses on refining precision and mastering commercial maneuvers like chandelles, lazy eights, steep spirals, and power-off 180° accuracy landings. Once you’ve met all the flight experience requirements, your instructor will endorse you to take the practical test (checkride), which consists of an oral exam and a flight evaluation with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). Passing both parts earns you the certificate.
What Can I Do With a Commercial Pilot Certificate?
A Commercial Pilot Certificate opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Flight Instructor (CFI / CFII/ MEI)
- Airline or Charter Pilot (after meeting ATP requirements)
- Cargo or Air Taxi Pilot
- Corporate or Business Aviation Pilot
- Agricultural Pilot (crop dusting)
- Aerial Survey or Photography Pilot
- Medical/Air Ambulance Pilot
- Banner Towing or Pipeline Patrol
For many pilots, the Commercial Pilot Certificate is the first major step toward the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate, which is required to fly for airlines and typically requires 1,500 total flight hours.
How Much Can Commercial Pilots Earn?
Commercial pilot salaries vary widely depending on the job type, employer, and location. Entry-level commercial flying jobs (such as instruction or pipeline patrol) may start around $20,000–$40,000 per year, while corporate and airline pilots can earn well over $100,000 annually as they gain seniority.
Do I Need a College Degree to Become a Commercial Pilot?
No degree is required to earn a Commercial Pilot Certificate, and many airlines no longer require a bachelor’s degree for hiring. While a degree can still be helpful for long-term career advancement, your flight experience, skill, and professionalism will matter most.
Is Becoming a Commercial Pilot Difficult?
Training for a Commercial Pilot Certificate is challenging — but extremely rewarding. You’ll need focus, discipline, and a willingness to keep learning. The journey doesn’t end with your checkride; the best pilots treat aviation as a lifelong learning experience, continuing to pursue advanced ratings, recurrent training, and professional development throughout their careers.