Airplane – Commercial Pilot

To obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate for airplane operations in the United States, you must meet specific requirements outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Here's a comprehensive overview:

1. Eligibility: You must meet the following eligibility criteria:
   • Be at least 18 years old.
   • Hold at least a private pilot certificate.
   • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language proficiently.
2. Flight Time Requirements: You must accrue specific flight hours, including:
   • A total of at least 250 hours of flight time, including:
     • 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which:
       • 50 hours must be in airplanes.
       • 100 hours of pilot-in-command (PIC) time, including at least:
         • 50 hours in airplanes.
         • 50 hours of cross-country flight time as PIC.
     • 20 hours of training, including:
       • 10 hours of instrument training.
       • 10 hours of complex or TAA (Technically Advanced Aircraft) training.
       • One two-hour day cross-country flight that is at least 100nm long with a flight instructor.
       • One two-hour night cross-country flight that is at least 100nm long with a flight instructor.
       • Three hours with an authorized instructor within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test.
     • 10 hours of solo flight time, including at least:
       • 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings at an airport with an operating control tower.
       • One solo cross-country flight of at least 300 nautical miles with full-stop landings at a minimum of three points and one of which must be 250nm away from your original point of departure.
3. Ground Training: Completion of ground training covering aeronautical knowledge areas such as aerodynamics, aircraft systems, regulations, navigation, weather, and more.
4. Knowledge Test: Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test, which assesses your understanding of aviation regulations, procedures, and principles relevant to commercial pilot operations.
5. Practical Test (CIRE-ASEL Checkride): This involves an oral exam and a flight test administered by an FAA-designated pilot examiner (DPE). During the checkride, you'll demonstrate your piloting skills, decision-making abilities, and adherence to regulations.
6. Aircraft Requirements: The checkride must be conducted in an aircraft that meets FAA requirements for airworthiness, equipment, and documentation, including appropriate instrumentation for the type of commercial pilot certificate you're seeking.
7. Additional Requirements for Part 141 Training: If you're training under Part 141, reduced hour requirements may apply, but you must still meet the FAA's minimum requirements.