Commercial Pilot Privileges and Requirements

Are you considering to be hired as a pilot? Would you like to be a flight instructor, charter pilot, airline pilot, or receive compensation for any other flying job? If so, you will need a commercial pilot certificate.

As a commercial pilot, you may act as pilot in command of an aircraft for compensation or hire, with or without passengers or property onboard.

A commercial pilot who does not hold an instrument rating will be limited to flying passengers for hire during the day and within 50 NM of the departure airport. However, this limitation may be removed when the pilot receives an instrument rating.

To receive a commercial pilot certificate, you must:

1. Be at least 18 years of age.
2. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
3. Hold at least a private pilot certificate
4. Hold at least a current third-class FAA medical certificate to acquire a commercial pilot certificate. (At least a second-class medical is required to exercise the privileges of a commercial pilot certificate)
5. Receive a logbook endorsement for the completion of ground training or an online home study course in preparation for the knowledge test.
6. Pass the commercial pilot FAA knowledge test at a PSI testing center Opens in new window with a score of 70% or higher. The commercial pilot knowledge test is 2.5 hours long and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions generated from the FAA’s commercial pilot test bank.
7. Receive the required flight training and endorsement from a flight instructor who conducted the training verifying the applicant is prepared for the practical test. Under Part 61 training, a total of 250 hours of flight time is required to be eligible for the practical test. Under Part 141, an applicant with 190 hours would be eligible for the practical test.
8. Successfully pass a practical (flight) test with an FAA inspector or designated pilot examiner in the areas of operation listed in the Commercial Pilot Airmen Certification Standards Opens in new window.