How to become a Commercial Pilot

Becoming a commercial pilot requires dedication, training, and certification. Here are the general steps to becoming a commercial pilot:

Meet Basic Requirements: Before starting your pilot training, ensure you meet the basic requirements, which usually includes being at least 18 to 23 years old (depending on the country), having a high school diploma or equivalent, and passing a medical exam to obtain a Class 1 Medical Certificate.

Get a Private Pilot License (PPL): The first step in becoming a commercial pilot is obtaining a Private Pilot License (PPL). This involves completing a minimum number of flight hours (usually around 40-50), passing a written exam, and demonstrating your flying skills to an examiner.

Accumulate Flight Hours: To qualify for a commercial pilot license, you need to accumulate a certain number of flight hours, typically around 250-300 hours, although this can vary depending on the country and aviation authority regulations.

Get Instrument Rating: An Instrument Rating allows you to fly in various weather conditions and is a requirement for commercial pilots. It involves additional training and a checkride to demonstrate your ability to fly solely by reference to instruments.

Complete Commercial Pilot Training: Enroll in a flight school or training program that offers commercial pilot training. This training will include both ground school (classroom instruction) and flight training to prepare you for the commercial pilot license.

Pass Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test: You’ll need to pass a written knowledge test covering topics such as aerodynamics, aircraft systems, navigation, and regulations.

Pass Commercial Pilot Checkride: After completing the required training, you’ll undergo a practical test (checkride) with a designated pilot examiner. This involves demonstrating your flying skills and knowledge in various flight maneuvers and procedures.

Obtain Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Once you’ve passed the checkride and met all other requirements, you’ll receive your Commercial Pilot License, allowing you to fly for compensation or hire.

Build Experience: With your commercial pilot license, you can start building flight experience. Many pilots start by working as flight instructors, banner tow pilots, or conducting other entry-level flying jobs to accumulate the necessary flight hours and experience.

Consider Additional Ratings and Certifications: Depending on your career goals, you may choose to pursue additional ratings or certifications, such as Multi-Engine Rating, Flight Instructor Certificate, or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), which is typically required for airline pilots.

Training to be a Commercial Pilot earns you the right to fly aircraft for commercial purposes, including carrying passengers and cargo in exchange for monetary compensation. The training also covers the ability to get a job for crop dusting, flight instruction and large airline piloting.

While training for your Commercial Pilot License, you are exposed to complex aircraft operations and taught to achieve greater precision in understanding federal regulations, weather conditions, aircraft systems, and implementing actions based on each flying situation.

Hewison Commercial Pilot License Requirements

To get a Commercial Pilot License, you must complete at least 250 hours of flight time (Part 61) or 190 hours (Part 141) which includes but is not limited to:

• 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes
• 100 hours as a pilot in command with 50 hours of cross-country flying
• 10 hours of instrument training, including 5 hours of training in single-engine
• 10 hours in an airplane having controllable pitch propeller retractable gears and flap
• 3 hours of single engine flight 60 days prior to practical test
• 10 hours of solo flying which includes a cross-country flight of at least 300 nautical miles and 5 hours of night-VFRs with 10 takeoffs
and landings

To be eligible to get a Commercial Pilot License, the FAA has the following minimum requirements:

• Be a minimum 18 years of age
• Hold a valid FAA medical certificate
• Pass knowledge test with minimum of 70%
• Complete Pilot Instrument Rating course
• Pass all the practical tests