Commercial Pilot Certificate
Turn Your Passion Into a Profession.
Earn the privileges to fly for compensation or hire. Master complex aircraft and precision maneuvers.
Professional Standards
THE COMMERCIAL DIFFERENCE:
Complex Aircraft Endorsement
Master retractable gear, controllable pitch propellers, and advanced systems.
Professional Aeronautical Decision Making
Shift your mindset from personal flying to commercial-grade safety standards.
Precision Maneuvers
Chandelles, Lazy Eights, and Steep Spirals mastered to checkride standards.
FAA Eligibility Requirements
To obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate, you must meet the following FAA criteria.
- Flight Time Requirements
- 250 Hours Total Flight Time
- 100 Hours in Powered Aircraft
- 50 Hours in Airplane
- 100 Hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
- 50 Hours Cross-Country Flight Time
- 10 Hours Instrument Training
- Flight Time Requirements
- 250 Hours Total Flight Time
- 100 Hours in Powered Aircraft
- 50 Hours in Airplane
- 100 Hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
- 50 Hours Cross-Country Flight Time
- 10 Hours Instrument Training
Instrument Rating
To obtain a Instrument Rating, you must meet the following FAA criteria.
Instrument FAA Requirements
- Flight Experience Requirements
- 50 Hours Cross-Country PIC
- 40 Hours Instrument Time
- 15 Hours Dual w/ CFII
- 250 NM IFR Cross-Country
- Approaches at 3 Airports
Commercial FAA Requirements
- Flight Time Requirements
- 250 Hours Total Flight Time
- 100 Hours Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
- 50 Hours Cross-Country Flight Time
- 10 Hours Instrument Training
- One 300 NM Cross-Country Flight
- 5 Hours Night VFR (10 Takeoffs & Landings)
CFI / CFI-I FAA Requirements
- Flight Time Requirements
- Attitude Instrument Flying
- GPS / VOR / ILS Navigation
- Holding Patterns
- Instrument Approaches
- 50 Hours Cross-Country Flight Time
- IFR Cross-Country Planning
- Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate
- Hold an Instrument Rating
- Pass the FAA Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) Knowledge Test
- Pass the FAA Flight Instructor Knowledge Test
- Receive Spin Training and a Spin Endorsement
- Receive Training in Teaching Maneuvers and Instruction Techniques
- Receive Training in Instrument Flight Instruction
Transparent Investment
Honest estimates based on average training times.
Private Pilot License
Dual Flight Training (70 hrs)
Aircraft + Instructor
$19,880
Solo Flight Time (10 hrs)
Aircraft Rental
$2,090
Ground Instruction (30 hrs)
Academic & Briefings
$1,800
Flight Simulator Training (5 hrs)
Procedures & Scenario Training
$375
Total Estimated Investment
$24,145*
*Training hours vary by student aptitude and training frequency Some students complete training in fewer hours.
Instrument License
Dual Flight Training (60 hrs)
Aircraft + Instructor
$17,040
Ground Instruction (30 hrs)
Aircraft Rental
$1,800
Flight Simulator (15 hrs)
Academic & Briefings
$900
Total Estimated Investment
$19,740*
*Estimates vary by student aptitude and frequency of training.
Commercial License
Time Building (80 hrs)
Aircraft Rental
$16,720
Dual Flight Training (30 hrs)
Aircraft + Instructor
$8,520
Ground Instruction (10 hrs)
Academic & Briefings
$600
Total Estimated Investment
$25,840*
*Estimates vary by student aptitude and frequency of training.
CFI - CFII
Dual Flight Training (15 hrs)
Aircraft + Instructor
$4,260
Ground Instruction (25 hrs)
Academic & Briefings
$1,500
Dual Flight Training (10 hrs)
Aircraft + Instructor
$2,840
Ground Instruction (20 hrs)
Academic & Briefings
$1,200
Total Estimated Investment
$9,800*
*Estimates vary by student aptitude and frequency of training.
Ready to Start Training?
Join Whiskey Tango and take the next step in your aviation journey.