Commercial Pilot
COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENSE (CPL)
To obtain a Commercial Pilot License in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established the following requirements:
Basic Requirements
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Commercial Pilot License.
- Flight Experience: You must have at least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot, including at least 100 hours of pilot-in-command time and 50 hours of cross-country flight time.
- Training: You must complete a minimum of 190 hours of flight training, including at least 10 hours of instrument flight training and 20 hours of training in complex aircraft.
- Knowledge: You must pass a written knowledge test, which covers topics such as regulations, navigation, and aircraft systems.
- Flight Test: You must pass a practical flight test, which includes an oral examination and a flight test with an FAA-designated examiner. During the flight test, you will be tested on your ability to perform various maneuvers and procedures, as well as your decision-making and situational awareness skills.
| Aircraft | Required Hours | Base Rate | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna C-172 | 180 Hours | $165 | $29700 |
| Flight Instructor | 25 Hours | $69 | $1725 |
| Ground School | 30 Hours | $69 | $2070 |
In addition to these requirements, you must also have a valid FAA Medical Certificate and be able to read, speak, and understand English.
It is important to note that these are the minimum requirements established by the FAA, and additional training and experience may be required to become a safe and proficient commercial pilot.