Commercial Rating   MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS WHAT AIRPLANES WILL I BE ABLE TO FLY? LIMITATIONS COST of TRAINING SUGGESTED FOLLOW-UP TRAINING MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Hold a valid Private Pilot Certificate Hold a third-class airman's medical certificate Pass an examination on aeronautical knowledge Pass an oral and practical examination on maneuvers and precedures Accumulate 250 hours of flight time as a pilot to include: a. 100 hours in aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes b. 100 hours PIC time, which includes: i. 50 hours in airplanes and 50 hours in cross country flight in airplanes c. 20 hours of flight training that includes: i. 10 hours of instrument flight training, of which 5 must be in single- engine ii. 10 hours of training in a complex or turbine powered airplane iii. 1 cross country flight of at least 2 hours in day VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight line distance of more than 100 NM from the original departure iv. 1 cross country flight of at least 2 hours in night VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight line distance of more than 100 NM from the original departure v. 3 hours in preparation for the practical test, which must be performed within 60 days of the practical test. d. 10 hours of solo flight time which includes: i. 1 cross country flight of not less than 300 NM total distance, with landings at a minimum of 3 points, 1 of which is a straight line distance of a least 250 NM from the origianl departure point. ii. 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings at an airport with an operating control tower TOP WHAT AIRPLANES WILL I BE ABLE TO FLY? As an instrument rated commercial pilot you will be able to fly in both visual conditions (good weather) and when flying an instrument-equipped airplane in almost all weather conditions. You will be able to fly in the clouds and in the areas of low visibility. You will be able to fly any single engine airplane and multi-engine airplane with a maximum gross weight of less than 12.500 lbs. As a holder of Commercial Pilot certificate you can fly for compensation or hire. Commercial pilots may fly sightseeing flights, pipeline patrol flights or conduct flight instruction after obtaining a Flight Instructor Certificate. For high-performance airplanes additional training is required even though no additional pilot certificates are necessary. TOP LIMITATIONS: Even as an instrument rated commercial pilot, you will still have a few limitations on your flights. There will be times the weather conditions will be so bad that even with well equipped airplane and your instrument rating you will not be able to takeoff or land at airports - e.g. during times of zero visibility or during storms. With regard to the commercial operations privileges, unless you comply with FAR Part 135, you may not operate aircraft as a pilot in command on aero-taxi flights in United States. TOP COST of TRAINING: Following is a breakdown of costs involved during a typical course of training for Commercial license without any prior flying skills. Please note, that 190 flight hours is the FAA mandated minimum for Commercial Pilot certificate, however some people may require more flight or ground training hours. Here at Hixson Aviation we have an outstanding record of successfully preparing many Commercial Pilot candidates for their final practical test within the below outlined schedule. (Coming Soon) TOP SUGGESTED FOLLOW-UP TRAINING: Flight Instructor Certification Course Becoming a Certified Flight Instructor is essential for pilots wishing to pursue a professional aviation career. As a flight instructor you will earn some money by teaching other people and to build your total flight experience. Even if becoming a professional pilot is not your career goal, giving flight instruction will keep your flying skills sharp. TOP