Commercial Pilot Certificate
The certificate that allows you to fly for compensation or hire. Trained in our Technically Advanced Bristell NG5, which satisfies the Commercial Pilot aircraft requirements with no complex-aircraft time needed.
Why earn a Commercial Pilot certificate
A Commercial Pilot certificate is required to be paid to fly. It is the gateway to corporate, charter, cargo, aerial survey and airline careers, and, with an instrument rating, it is a prerequisite for the Airline Transport Pilot certificate.
Commercial training builds on your Private Pilot skills with more demanding maneuvers flown to tighter standards, advanced aircraft systems and a deeper understanding of regulations and performance. Under FAA rules, a portion of commercial training must be completed in a complex or Technically Advanced Aircraft. Because the Bristell NG5 has a PFD/MFD display, GPS and a two-axis autopilot, it qualifies as a TAA, so there is no need to log 10 hours in a complex aircraft.
- Fly for compensation or hire
- Technically Advanced Aircraft training with no complex-aircraft time required
- Estimated at less than $3,000 when earned within our Career Pilot Path
- Garmin glass-cockpit experience that corporate operators value
How students earn their Commercial certificate at SFA
Within the Career Pilot Path
Most of our commercial students follow the Career Pilot Path: earn a Private Pilot certificate, become a Sport Pilot Instructor at 150 hours, then complete Commercial and Instrument training while being paid to instruct. We estimate less than $3,000 for each rating on this route because your students are paying for most of your flight time.
Career Pilot PathAs a standalone certificate
Already a Private Pilot with an instrument rating and the required hours? We can train you for the Commercial certificate on its own in the Bristell NG5. Time-building aircraft are available for $80 per hour wet to help you reach the FAA aeronautical experience requirements.
Ask about a custom planWhat you will learn
Commercial maneuvers
Chandelles, lazy eights, eights on pylons, steep spirals and power-off 180° accuracy landings flown to Commercial standards.
Advanced systems
Technically Advanced Aircraft operation: PFD/MFD management, autopilot and flight director use, and systems knowledge.
Cross-country and night
Long cross-country flights and night operations to meet FAA aeronautical experience requirements.
Regulations and performance
Commercial operating rules, weight and balance, performance planning and aeronautical decision-making.
Emergency operations
Systems malfunctions, emergency descents and procedures practiced to a professional standard.
Professional habits
Checklist discipline, briefings and crew-style communication that prepare you for a professional cockpit.
FAA requirements for the Commercial Pilot certificate
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Certificate | Private Pilot certificate |
| Medical | FAA 2nd Class Medical to exercise commercial privileges |
| Aeronautical experience | 250 hours total time under Part 61, including specific PIC, cross-country, night and instrument time |
| Aircraft | 10 hours in a complex or Technically Advanced Aircraft (the Bristell NG5 qualifies) |
| Knowledge test | FAA Commercial Pilot written exam |
| Estimated cost (career path) | < $3,000 |
Estimate applies to students earning the certificate within the Career Pilot Path. Standalone training is quoted individually. Checkride and written exam fees are additional.
Plan your route to Commercial Pilot.
Tell us where you are today and we will map the fastest, most affordable path to your Commercial certificate.