Commercial Pilot

Commercial Pilot Certificate

What can you do as a Commercial Pilot?

With a Commercial Pilot certificate, you can legally fly aircraft for compensation, which allows you to work as a flight instructor, corporate pilot, aerial photographer, banner tow pilot, agricultural pilot (crop dusting), cargo pilot, and more, essentially any job where you are paid to fly an aircraft; you may also need additional certifications depending on the specific role.

What’s involved in Flight Training?

Commercial pilot training involves two main components – ground school and flight training. Ground school is accomplished either in our classroom or through a home study course. It teaches you all the background information that all pilots need to know, but are not easily taught in the air. Topics covered during ground school include regulations, airplane systems, navigation, aerodynamics, weather theory, and radio communications.

Typically 3-hour lessons are scheduled during which students will log 1-2 hours of flight time. Each lesson is structured to cover the specific maneuvers needed to master in order to earn a certificate. This training prepares the student to take both the written and practical tests. Certification is achieved upon successful completion of these two tests.

What aircraft will you fly?

Clausen Aviation has access to two Special Light-Sport Aircraft, a Van's RV-12, and a Remos GX through Icarus TB&R. The RV-12 counts as a TAA for 14 CFR 61.129(a)(3)(ii).

How long does it take?

That’s very much dependent on each student. Flying regularly and studying at home shortens the amount of time in the air and time with an instructor on the ground substantially. Flying a minimum of two, 3-hour lessons per week, a student can expect to have their certificate in approximately 6 months. For people doing flight training for a professional pilot career, contact us for a more detailed training curriculum. 

What are the Prerequisites?

To begin you’ll need:

• Course Training Materials 

• Proof of U.S. citizenship or TSA approval

• Private Pilot Certificate

• 3rd Class Medical or BasicMed

Before your final check ride, you will need to:

• Be 18 years old

• Have a minimum of 250 hours flight time – including:

  • 100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes.

  • 100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least—

    • 50 hours in airplanes; and

    • 50 hours in cross-country flight of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.

  • 20 hours of training on the areas of operation listed in § 61.127(b)(1)

    • 10 hours of instrument training of which at least 5 hours must be in airplanes;

    • 10 hours of training in a complex airplane, a turbine-powered airplane, or a technically advanced airplane (TAA);

    • One 2-hour cross-country flight in a single-engine airplane in daytime conditions of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure;

    • One 2-hour cross-country flight in a single-engine airplane in nighttime conditions of more than 100 nautical miles from the original point of departure; and

    • 3 hours in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months.

  • 10 hours of solo flight time in a single-engine airplane or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of pilot in command in a single-engine airplane with an authorized instructor on board in the areas of operation listed under § 61.127(b)(1)

• Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot written exam