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Commercial pilot license training in Miami

Qualify to be compensated for flying. The Commercial Pilot certificate is the step that turns flying into a profession, from flight instruction and aerial work to the airline pathway.

250 hrs

Total flight time (Part 61)

18

Minimum age

2nd class

FAA medical to use the certificate

IR

Instrument Rating recommended first

The certificate

Turn your flying into a career

The Commercial Pilot certificate allows you to be paid to fly. Training raises your standards with precise maneuvers, advanced aircraft systems and professional decision making, preparing you for your first flying job.

Without an Instrument Rating, a commercial pilot cannot carry passengers for hire at night or on cross-country flights over 50 nm, so most pilots earn the Instrument Rating first.

At a glance
Commercial Pilot
PrerequisitePrivate Pilot certificate
Minimum age18
MedicalSecond class to use the certificate
Total time250 hrs (Part 61)
FAA examsKnowledge test + checkride
AircraftCessna 172 · Piper PA-28
Training stages

How commercial training is structured

Your training focuses on precision, advanced aircraft and the experience requirements for the checkride.

01

Commercial maneuvers

Master chandelles, lazy eights, steep spirals, eights on pylons and power-off 180 landings.

02

Advanced aircraft

Complete the required training in a complex or technically advanced airplane.

03

Experience requirements

Fly the day and night cross-countries and solo or PIC time the FAA requires.

04

Knowledge test and checkride

Pass the FAA Commercial knowledge test and fly your practical test with an examiner.

FAA requirements

Minimum experience for the checkride

Under 14 CFR 61.129 for a single-engine airplane certificate, you need at least the experience below. An advisor will review your logbook and show what remains.

Short of hours? Build them efficiently with our hour building options.

Total flight time250 hours
Pilot in command100 hours, incl. 50 cross-country
Training with an instructor20 hours
Instrument training10 hours
Complex or advanced airplane10 hours of training
Training cross-countriesOne 2-hour day and one 2-hour night, each over 100 nm
Solo or PIC with instructor10 hours, incl. a 300 nm cross-country
Night VFR5 hours with 10 takeoffs and landings at a towered airport
Career outcomes

Where your commercial certificate can take you

Flight instructor

Add CFI ratings and log paid flight time while you teach.

Aerial work

Tours, banner towing, aerial photography and survey flights.

Charter and corporate

With more experience, fly passengers for charter and corporate operators.

Airlines

Build toward the 1,500-hour ATP with our airline preparation programs.

FAQ

Commercial Pilot FAQ

Answers for pilots ready to go professional.

It is not required to take the checkride, but without it your commercial privileges are limited. Most professional pilots earn the Instrument Rating first.

It depends mostly on how many hours you already have. If you are close to 250 hours, the training itself can be completed in a few weeks of focused flying.

A complex airplane has retractable gear, flaps and a controllable-pitch propeller. A technically advanced airplane has an integrated glass cockpit with a moving map and autopilot. The FAA accepts either for the required 10 hours.

Airlines require an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which needs 1,500 hours in most cases. The Commercial certificate lets you earn while you build that time.

Admissions

Become a professional pilot

Request information and an advisor will review your logbook and map out your Commercial Pilot training.

Free advising session
Get your personal training plan
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