Requirements for a Commercial Pilot Certificate under FAR Part 61:
Total Flight Time: 250 hours, with at least 100 hours in powered aircraft and 50 hours in airplanes.
Pilot-in-Command Time: 100 hours, including 50 hours in airplanes.
Cross-Country Flight Time: 50 hours, with at least 10 hours in airplanes.
Structured Training: 20 hours of training that includes 10 hours of instrument flying, 10 hours in either complex or TAA aircraft, and additional time for cross-country and practical test preparation.
Solo Training: 10 hours, which must include cross-country and night flying components.
Additional Class Ratings:
Obtaining extra ratings, such as a multiengine rating added to a single-engine commercial certificate, requires more specialized training as detailed in FAR 61.129.
For pilots training under an approved FAR Part 141 program:
These pilots can obtain their commercial certificates with fewer hours, needing a minimum of 190 hours of flight time.
Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) Training:
Following feedback from AOPA and the training community, the FAA’s 2018 rule allows commercial pilot training in TAAs, which include:
An electronic primary flight display featuring all six primary instruments.
An electronic multifunction display with a GPS-based moving map.
A two-axis autopilot with heading and navigation modes.
Career Opportunities with a Commercial Pilot Certificate:
Holding a commercial pilot certificate is essential for any flying job where compensation is involved. This includes roles like flight instructor, corporate pilot, agricultural flying, banner towing, pipeline patrol, and traffic reporting. Certain positions, such as airline or Part 135 charter pilot, may require additional flight time and certificates.
Aspiring pilots should thoroughly research job listings to understand the specific certifications and experience required for different types of professional flying positions. This careful planning and adherence to regulatory training pathways ensure pilots are well-prepared for their desired roles in the dynamic field of aviation.