Commercial License

To make a career in aviation, you have to have your Commercial License first. You won't have many privileges but you'll be on your way to that first pilot paycheck. You'll be able to be a corporate pilot, aerial photographer, and eligible to start your instructor license.

This is the prerequisite to getting your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license that is required to work at the airlines. Making it to 1500 hours is the key to be eligible for your ATP, and your commercial allows you to work one of the jobs to reach that goal in the best way.

Commercial Pilot eligibility:

• At least 18 years old.
• Received and logged ground instruction from an authorized instructor.
• Pass written exam.
• Meet aeronautical experience requirements:
  • 250 total flight hours (including previous experience).
    • 100 hours PIC.
    • 300 nm solo flight.
    • 20 hours dual received.
• Pass practical exam.

Commercial cost breakdown:

$500 - Textbook & pilot supplies

$8,000 - 50 additional PIC hours (solo) x $160

$4,500 - 20 hours dual received x (me @ $65/hr + plane @ $160/hr))

$8,800 - 55 additional hours to get to 250 total flight hours

$175 - FAA written exam

$1,500 - DPE fee

$23,475 - Total Commercial Cost