Commercial Pilot Exam

The Commercial pilot certificate allows the pilot to be compensated for their flying. There are many ways to earn income for flying conducted, but regardless the FAA requires this certificate to do so. Much of the flying and maneuvers to be learned and demonstrated for the commercial checkride are not that different than the Private pilot. The biggest differences are the flight standards are more stringent, and the knowledge level needs to be higher than that of the private pilot. Here are some of the basic requirements necessary to earn your commercial certificate:

Basic Requirements:

  • Able to read, speak, write, and understand the English Language
  • Able to obtain a 2nd class medical certificate 
  • Must be 18 years of age
  • Must hold at least a private pilot license
  • Must have received and logged the appropriate ground and flight training for the Commercial License
  • Must have 250 hours total flight time 
  • Must have 100 hours flight time as pilot in command
  • Must have 50 hours of cross country flight time as pilot in command
  • Must pass the FAA Commercial Pilot written exam
  • Must pass the Commercial Pilot Oral and Practical Exam

The Commercial Pilot checkride involves an oral exam followed by the flight portion. The oral portion will take about two hours, the flight about an hour and a half or so. The total time to schedule for this checkride is approximately 4 hours. Your flight instructor (CFI) will train and cover everything needed to pass the checkride.

To see specifically what will be covered during the checkride, you may click on the link provided to see the latest Commercial Pilot ACS or airman certification standards...

Commercial ACS