The Commercial Pilot Rating allows a pilot to accept payment for transporting passengers or cargo (when complying with FAR Part 135 or 121). The certificate is required for other pilot positions such as flight instruction, banner towing, and aerial photography.
The certificate never expires. Training may be accomplished in any of our glass-panel, Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA). This training fine-tunes piloting skills to commercial standards. Minimum age is 18 and the course, based on two or three sessions per week, is normally about two months plus time-building.
Under OCFC's FAA-approved Part 141 program, the Commercial certificate can be completed in 182 flight hours instead of the 250 required under Part 61 — a considerable saving.
What you'll learn
- Complex and technically advanced airplane operations
- Advanced ground-reference maneuvers
- Advanced takeoffs and landings
- Advanced flight maneuvers to commercial standards
- Extended cross-country flying
- Review for the FAA written test and checkride
Where this takes you
- Fly for hire — charter, cargo, banner tow, aerial photography
- Eligible for the Flight Instructor certificate
- 182-hour Part 141 path to the airline pipeline
Requirements
Private Pilot certificate and Instrument Rating; minimum age 18; 2nd Class FAA medical to exercise commercial privileges. Debt-Buster E3: 120 hrs total — 58 hrs dual, 27 hrs briefings; 63 hrs solo time-building not included (discounted rental $180/hr).