Commercial License

The training for your Commercial Pilot License is typically done under Part 61, even at larger professional schools. This is because, although Part 61 may require more flight hours before the checkride, it involves less instructor time and doesn’t require progress checks. Part 61 training focuses primarily on time building and solo or shared practice. In the end, the total costs are generally similar to those of Part 141, with the added benefit that you will accumulate more flight hours.

The training includes two cross-country flights with your instructor: one during the day and one at night, each of them at least two hours long. You also need a minimum of 20 hours of flight training with a commercial instructor. This includes practicing engine failures in the traffic pattern with power-off landings, as well as soft-field, short-field, and normal takeoffs and landings. You’ll also practice power-off, power-on, and accelerated stalls.

Additionally, you’ll learn the commercial maneuvers, which include lazy eights, Chandelles, steep turns, steep spirals, and eights on pylons. These maneuvers are more complex and require a higher level of precision and control than private pilot maneuvers, helping to prepare you for the demands of commercial flying.