Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

United States

Costo Stimato

$30,000 - $50,000 total (including PPL and IR)

Tempistica Stimata

12-18 months from PPL, including hour building

Panoramica

The FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate allows you to fly for compensation or hire. Combined with an Instrument Rating, it opens doors to flight instruction, charter operations, aerial work, and building hours toward airline employment.

Requisiti

Minimum age: 18 years old
Class 2 medical certificate
250 hours total flight time (190 hours for Part 141)
100 hours PIC time
50 hours cross-country PIC
10 hours instrument training
10 hours complex or turbine aircraft
Pass FAA Commercial Knowledge Test
Pass commercial practical test (checkride)

Processo Passo per Passo

Complete PPL and Instrument Rating

Build PIC hours through personal flying or time-building

Get complex aircraft endorsement and training

Complete commercial maneuver training (lazy eights, chandelles, etc.)

Pass the Commercial Knowledge Test

Pass the Commercial checkride

Consider adding multi-engine rating

Percorsi di Carriera

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII)
Charter and air taxi operations
Aerial photography and survey
Banner towing and aerial advertising
Pipeline and powerline patrol
Cargo operations (small aircraft)
Corporate co-pilot positions

Test Your Knowledge

Take a free quiz and find out if you are ready for your exams. Instant results with explanations.

Test Your Knowledge

Also try the training cost calculator