COMMERCIAL PILOT CERTIFICATE (CPL)
If you’re passionate about flying, why not turn it into a profession? The Commercial Pilot Certificate is your gateway to earning a living in the skies. For those pursuing an airline career, the Commercial Certificate is a key milestone on the path to the ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) license. Even if your goal is not airline flying, the training dramatically sharpens your precision, confidence, and professionalism—benefits every pilot values. Many graduates also enjoy lower insurance premiums thanks to their advanced skillset. With this certification, you’ll qualify for paid flying opportunities such as: Flight Instructor; Banner Tow Pilot; Aerial Survey or Photography Pilot; Agricultural (Crop Duster) Pilot; Charter or Corporate Pilot
WHAT YOU'LL MASTER IN TRAINING
At Flight Deck Aviation, we don’t just teach you to meet FAA standards—we help you fly like a professional. Training includes:
- Refining private pilot maneuvers to meet higher commercial-level standards.
- Learning advanced maneuvers such as Lazy Eights, Chandelles, Eights on Pylons, Steep Spirals, and Power-Off 180s.
- Building the judgment and discipline required for professional aviation roles.
- Preparing for both the FAA Knowledge Exam and your checkride with a Designated Pilot Examiner.
FAA REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL PILOT CERTIFICATE (CPL)
Eligibility
18+ years old
Read/speak/write English
2nd Class medical
Hold Private Pilot License (PPL)
Logbook endorsement of training and experience from an authorized instructor to include the following:
Flight Experience (minimum)
- 250 hrs total (flight time to include 100 hrs PIC with 50 hrs in cross-country flight)
- 3 hrs flight training with an authorized instructor, performed within the preceding two calendar months
Flight Instruction - 20Hrs (to include)
- 10 hrs instrument training
- One 2 hr cross country daytime flight with a straight line distance of more than 100 NM from the original departure point
- One 2 hr cross country nighttime flight with a straight line distance of more than 100 NM from the original departure point
Solo Flight Time - 10 Hrs (to include)
- One cross-country flight of not less than 300 NM, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight line distance of at least 250 NM from the original departure point
- 5 hrs in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each involving a flight in a traffic pattern) at an airport with an operating control tower.
Knowledge / Skills Tests
- FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test (CAX)
- Checkride with DPE (oral + flight)