Commercial Pilot Training in Bakersfield, CA

The commercial pilot certificate

The commercial pilot certificate allows you to be paid to fly in certain operations and it holds you to a higher standard of precision and knowledge than the private pilot certificate. It is a step toward careers like flight instructing, aerial work and many professional flying jobs, and it is a rewarding challenge for any pilot who wants to hone their skills.

Jacob is a commercial pilot with an instrument rating, a CFI and a CFII, and has given over 5,000 hours of dual instruction in 16 years of teaching.

Requirements overview

• At least 18 years old.
• Hold at least a private pilot certificate and be able to read, speak, write and understand English.
• Hold a second-class medical certificate to exercise commercial privileges.
• Pass the commercial pilot knowledge test and practical test.
• Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of 14 CFR 61.129, which include a total of 250 hours of flight time (under Part 61) with specified pilot-in-command, cross-country, instrument, complex, night and solo time.

Rules and standards change from time to time; always verify the current requirements and the commercial pilot Airman Certification Standards (ACS).

What commercial training covers

Commercial training builds on what you learned as a private pilot with more precise aircraft control, more advanced systems knowledge and higher standards. Typical areas include:

• Complex airplane operations, including retractable landing gear, flaps and a controllable-pitch propeller.
• Commercial maneuvers such as steep turns, chandelles, lazy eights, steep spirals and eights on pylons, flown to tight standards.
• Power-off 180-degree accuracy approach and landing.
• Advanced performance and emergency operations, aircraft systems, weather and commercial privileges and limitations.

Planning your commercial training

If you do not yet have an instrument rating, consider instrument rating training first. It is not required for the commercial certificate but significantly expands commercial privileges and is useful training for any pilot.

Cost

Cost depends on how many hours you need and the airplane you fly. Flight instruction is $70 per hour, separate from airplane rental.