The Commercial Pilot Certificate allows a pilot to accept payment for transporting passengers or cargo (when complying with FAR PART 135 or 121.) The certificate is required for other pilot positions such as flight instruction, banner towing, and aerial photography.

The certificate never expires. The flight training must include operations in an aircraft with retractable landing gear, flaps and a constant speed propeller (complex or technically advanced aircraft.) This training fine tunes piloting skills. Minimum age requirement is 18 years and the course, based on 2-3 sessions per week, is normally about two months. 

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FAA Requirements

• 250 hrs. total flight time

• 100 hrs. in powered aircraft (50 hrs. must be in an airplane)

• 100 hrs. pilot-in-command (no flight instructor)

  • 50 hrs. in an airplane

  • 50 hrs. of cross-country flying

• 20 hrs. of training (flight)

  • 10 hrs. of instrument training

  • 10 hrs. of instruction in a complex or technically advanced airplane

  • More than 100 nm., 2 hr. day cross-country flight

  • More than 100 nm., 2 hr. night cross-country flight

  • 3 hrs. preparing for the FAA check-ride

• 10 hrs. of solo flying

  • One 300 nm. with landing at a minimum with 3 points, One leg is at least 250 nm. from departure airport

  • 5 hrs. of night flying including 10 takeoffs and landings to a full stop

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Flight Training Sequence

• Complex airplane (retractable landing gear, controllable-pitch propeller & Flaps)

• Advanced ground reference maneuvers

• Advanced takeoffs and landings

• Advanced flight maneuvers & Instrument Training

• Extended cross-county flying

• Review for the FAA written test

• Review for the FAA check-ride

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Aircraft Used for Instruction

Piper Archer – PA28-181         *$75/hr, Plus fuel

Piper Warrior – PA28-161       *$75/hr, Plus fuel

Beachcraft Duchess – BE-76  *$130, Plus fuel

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Student time building will start “only” after getting your private or simultaneously with instrument rating through K-Pal Aviation.

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*pricing subject to change at any time