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
  • At least twenty (20) hours of flight training with an authorized instructor
  • Practical test preparation
  • 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 fifty (50) hours in an airplane
    • at least 100 hours as pilot-in-command (PIC), including:
      • at least fifty (50) hours in airplanes
      • at least fifty (50) hours of cross-country1, including:
        • at least ten (10) hours in an airplane
    • at least twenty (20) hours of flight training with an authorized flight instructor, including:
      • at least ten (10) hours of instrument training
      • at least ten (10) hours of training in a complex or Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA)2
      • a 2-hr 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-hr 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 three (3) hours of flight training with an authorized flight instructor within two (2) calendar months prior to the date of the checkride
    • at least ten (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 three (3) airports, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the original point of departure
      • at least five (5) hours in nighttime VFR conditions with ten (10) takeoffs and landings at an airport with an operating control tower

1 For the Commercial Pilot Certificate, the FAA defines cross-country flying as any flight that includes a landing at an airport more than fifty (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