Commercial Pilot License - Definition and Overview

A Commercial Pilot License (properly called a "certificate" in the U.S.) allows the holder to operate aircraft for compensation and hire. The certificate covers operation in a specific category and, where appropriate, class of aircraft, such as Airplane, Single Engine, Land.

General Requirements

A commercial airplane or helicopter pilot must be able to operate complex aircraft, as a specific number of hours of complex (or turbine-powered) aircraft time are among of the prerequisites, and the checkride (flight test) is performed in a complex aircraft (a complex aircraft has flaps, retractable landing gear, and a constant speed propeller). The eligibility requirements are set by the Federal Aviation Regulations, in Part 61 or 141 (see Pilot licenses).

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold a Private Pilot License
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
• Accumulate and log a specified amount of training and experience; the following are part of the ASEL requirement:
  • If training under Part 61, at least 250 hours of piloting time including 20 hours of training with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight, and other requirements including several "cross-country" (i.e. more than 50 nautical miles from home) and both solo and instructor-accompanied night flights
  • If training under Part 141, at least 120 hours of training time including 55 hours with an instructor and 10 hours of solo flight, and other requirements including several cross-country, solo, and night flights
• Pass a computerized aeronautical knowledge test
• Pass a test administered by an FAA-designated examiner, which will include an oral test and a flight test

Use of certificate

The certificate’s requirements focus on a good understanding of aircraft systems and weather, and flying to a higher technical standard than that required of Private Pilots. It is considered a VFR-oriented certificate, although most commercial pilots also have an Instrument rating.

A Commercial Pilot can fly for compensation. However, the Commercial certificate alone does not authorize the holder to set up an air transport operation; these are governed by other parts of the Federal Aviation Regulations. Otherwise, a commercial pilot can be paid for certain types of operation, such as banner towing, agricultural applications, and photography, and can be paid for instructing if he holds a Flight Instructor certificate. To fly for hire, the pilot must hold a second class medical certificate, which is valid for one year.

Often, the Commercial certificate will reduce the pilot’s insurance premiums, as it is evidence training to a higher safety standard.

Categories of certificate

There are five categories and various classes of commercial pilot certificate: airplane (with several classes), rotorcraft (helicopter or gyroplane class), powered-lift, glider, and lighter than air (airship, hot air balloon, or gas balloon).

External links

• Federal Aviation Administration (http://www.faa.gov)
  • How to Get Your Commercial Pilot License (http://faa.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faa.cfg/php/enduser/popup_adp.php?p_sid=Tm4lPbhh&p_lva=153&p_li=&p_faqid=87&p_created=1071243688)
  • Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test Guide (http://av-info.faa.gov/data/knowledgetestguide/faa-g-8082-5a.pdf) **FAA regulation library (http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgFinalRule.nsf/MainFrame?OpenFrameSet) — pilot certification regulations can be found at Parts 61 and 141.
• Canadian Aviation Regulations governing licensing and training (http://www.tc.gc.ca/CivilAviation/Regserv/Affairs/cars/Part4/menu.htm)