Become a Commercial Pilot

As a commercial pilot, you may act as the pilot in command of an aircraft that is carrying passengers or property for compensation or hire, and you may be paid to act as the pilot in command

General Requirements

Age

Be at least 18 years of age

Health

Hold at least a current third-class FAA medical certificate. Later, if your flying requires a commercial pilot certificate, you must hold a second-class medical certificate.

Ground Training

Receive and log ground training from an authorized instructor or complete a home-study course

Flight Experience

Accumulate appropriate flight experience and instruction (see 14 CFR 61.129). A total of 250 hours of flight time is required.

Language

English: reading, speaking, writing, and understanding

Instrument Rating

A commercial pilot is presumed to have an instrument rating. If not, his/her commercial pilot certificate will be endorsed with a prohibition against carrying passengers for hire on day VFR flights beyond 50 NM or at night.

Knowledge Test

Pass a knowledge test with a score of 70% or better

Flight Test

Successfully complete a practical (flight) test, which will be given as a final exam by an FAA inspector or designated pilot examiner; it will be conducted as specified in the FAA’s Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards

Language

English: reading, speaking, writing, and understanding

Instrument Rating

Knowledge Test

Pass a knowledge test with a score of 70% or better

Flight Test

Book Your First Flight Today

Start Training

Book a Flight

512-810-7406

For calls and texts

Mon-Sun: 9am-5pm CT

Office hours by appointment

Location

Civil Air Patrol Headquarters Building
1915 Airport Dr, San Marcos, TX