Benefits of Commercial Pilots License

It has never been a better time to become a commercial pilot. Expectations are that the airlines will experience a huge shortage of pilots within the next 3-5 years. The best part is you can finally get paid for doing something you absolutely love. Becoming a commercial pilot opens up a whole new set of possibilities for your flying career. Here are some benefits to deciding to pursue your commercial pilot license:

• The skills you learn while pursuing your commercial pilot license will enhance your safety as a pilot.

• You will be able to fly airplanes with greater skill, accuracy, and more advanced equipment.

• You will be able to perform more advanced maneuvers and emergency procedures with greater confidence.

• You will increase your knowledge and understanding of aircraft systems.

• You will become endorsed to operate complex airplanes. (A high-performance endorsement may also be included depending on the type of airplane you train in).

• You will learn many of the regulations and requirements about flight for hire.

• Decrease in your insurance rates if you own your own airplane.

• A Commercial pilots license gives you the ability to offer scenic flights, photography flights, ferry flights, and crop dusting to paying customers.

Eligibility of Commercial Pilots License

1. Hold at least a current private pilot license.

2. Be able to read, speak, and write the English language fluently.

3. Be 18 years of age.

3. Hold a current Airman Medical Certificate.

(a) At least a 2nd Class medical to use commercial privileges.

Flight Time Requirements

(1) 250 hours Total time logged including:

a. 100 hours of PIC time.

b. 50 hours of PIC cross country.

c. 10 hours solo of commercial areas of operation including:

1 cross country not less than 300NM total distance with 3 landings at three points, 1 of which is straight line distance of 250 NM.

5 hours Night VFR w/ 10 takeoffs/landings at an airport with an operational control tower.

(2) 20 hours of dual instruction toward your commercial license including:

(a) 10 hours of complex training.

(b) 10 hours of instrument training, 5 hours must be in single engine airplane.

(c) Complete a 2 hour, 100 nm straight line distance, dual day cross country.

(d) Complete a 2 hour, 100 nm straight line distance, dual night cross country.

(e) 3 hours of test prep within the last 60 days.

How Much Does it Cost?

This cost summary is based on an approximation. Actual cost will vary slightly with each individual. These costs are also calculated to do your Commercial checkride in both a Cessna 150 and a Comanche PA-24-250. If one chooses do everything in the Comanche the cost may be more or less depending on ones skills.

Commercial Pilot Program Summary

Books, pilot supplies                                            $50

10 hours of Complex/High-Performance      $1,850

30 hours instruction time                                   $1,200

15 hours aircraft rental                                         $1,350

Written Test Fee                                                     $150

Checkride Examiner Fee                                     $350

Aircraft Rental for Checkride                              $225

Total Investment                                                   $5,175