Starting Your Commercial Pilot Training
A Commercial Pilot Certificate is required for pilots interested in making money by way of flying. At Cape Fear Aviation Flight Training, pilots can complete their Commercial Pilot training in a single-engine or a multi-engine airplane.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language.
- Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate.
- Hold at least a third-class medical certificate4.
What Are the Steps to Become a Commercial Pilot?
To become a Commercial Pilot, you must complete the following:
- An aeronautical knowledge exam, administered by the FAA
- Have an elevated understanding of aerodynamics, aircraft performance, meteorology, and the operation of aircraft systems
- At least 250 hours of flight time
- Practical test (aka. checkride)
What Can You Do With a Commercial Pilot License?
After becoming a Commercial Pilot, you have the opportunity to make money by way of flying. Typical jobs include:
- Flying for hire as a professional pilot
- Flying skydivers as a jump driver
- Towing banners at the beach
- Flying tour groups as a tour pilot
- Flying crop dusters in agricultural areas
- Performing aerial photography
- Training students as a Certificated Flight Instructor
What Aeronautical Experience is Required?
- At least 250 hours of flight time, including:
- at least 100 hours in powered aircraft, including:
- at least 50 hours in an airplane
- at least 100 hours as pilot-in-command (PIC), including:
- at least 50 hours in airplanes
- at least 50 hours of cross-country1, including:
- at least 10 hours in an airplane
- at least 20 hours of flight training with an authorized flight instructor, including:
- at least 10 hours of instrument training
- at least 10 hours of training in a complex or Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA)2
- a 2-hour cross-country1 flight in daytime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure
- a 2-hour cross-country1 flight in nighttime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure
- at least 3 hours of flight training with an authorized flight instructor within 2 calendar months prior to the date of the checkride
- at least 10 hours of solo flight time3, including:
- a cross-country1 flight of at least 300 nautical miles total distance, with landings at a minimum of 3 airports, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original point of departure
- at least 5 hours in nighttime VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and landings at an airport with an operating control tower
- at least 100 hours in powered aircraft, including:
1 For the Commercial Pilot Certificate, the FAA defines cross-country flying as any flight that includes a landing at an airport more than 50 nautical miles straight-line distance from the original point of departure.
2 The FAA defines the term "Technically Advanced Airplane (TAA)" as an airplane that is equipped with an electronically advanced avionics system.
3 Time spent performing duties of PIC with an authorized instructor on board may fulfill this requirement. Source: [1] FAA duties of PIC Kuhn [2] FAA 2016 Grannis Solo
4 A third-class medical certificate is required to obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate. A second-class medical certificate is required to exercise the privileges of a Commercial Pilot Certificate. Source: 14 CFR §61.23(a)(3)(iii)
Interested in flying with us?
Call today to schedule an Introductory Flight!
Gray's Creek Airport: 7154 Butler Nursery Road, Fayetteville, NC 28306