Commercial Pilot

Achieving Commercial Pilot certification is the ticket to finally being able to receive compensation as a pilot. This certificate opens the doors to a wide variety of personally and financially rewarding flying opportunities. Commercial pilots are able to fly passengers for hire, transport cargo, or pursue a career as a flight instructor, charter pilot, airline pilot and much much more. The sky is the limit!

COMMERCIAL PILOT FAQ

I’ve heard you only need 250 flight hours to become a commercial pilot, is that true?

Schools that are not FAA approved (Part 61), would require 250 total flight hours to be eligible for commercial pilot certification. The 250 hours includes your private, instrument (if applicable) and your commercial training. Since Sunair is 141 approved, you could obtain your private, instrument, and commercial in 190 total flight hours!

Could I apply to a regional airline upon completion of the course?

The FAA requires airline first officers to have a minimum of 1500 hours and a ATP certificate. Most commercial pilots choose to become flight instructors to further build their flight time toward ATP minimums. Other options include aerial surveying, banner towing, traffic watch, corporate, and more!

How long does it take to become a commercial pilot with no experience and what is the entire cost?

It all depends on you, your schedule, and your finances! We’ve had students become commercial pilots in less than a year! From no experience to a commercial rated pilot would be approximately $52,000.

What type of aircraft will I be flying during my commercial?

A majority of the training will be conducted in the Cessna 172, however you are required to have training in a complex aircraft. Your practical test will be conducted in the complex aircraft. Sunair utilizes a Piper Arrow II.