Commercial Pilot Certification

The Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL) is your gateway to flying as a professional. With this certification, you can be paid for your flying skills — whether as a flight instructor, charter pilot, corporate pilot, or on the pathway to the airlines. At Atlas Aviation in Tampa, we offer structured, professional training in modern aircraft with FAA-certified instructors to help you achieve your aviation career goals.

Prerequisites

To begin Commercial Pilot training, you must:

  • Be at least 18 years old.

  • Hold at least a 2nd Class FAA Medical Certificate.

  • Hold a Private Pilot Certificate.

  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

Training Hours

FAA minimums for the Commercial Pilot Certificate are:

  • 250 total flight hours (Part 61 training)

    • 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC)

    • 50 hours cross-country time

    • 20 hours dual instruction (including instrument, complex aircraft, and night training)

    • 10 hours solo flight (cross-country and maneuvers)

👉 Average training time: Many students graduate with 260–280 hours, depending on proficiency.

Costs

Commercial training costs depend heavily on your flight time before starting. Students beginning immediately after earning a Private Pilot often log time-building flights to reach 250 hours. Typical breakdown:

  • Aircraft rental (Cessna 172, complex or high-performance aircraft): $XXX/hour wet

  • Instructor time: $XXX/hour

  • Ground school: $XXX (online or classroom)

  • Books, materials, and supplies: approx. $400

  • FAA written exam fee: $175

  • FAA checkride (practical exam) fee: $700–$900 (paid to examiner)

👉 Estimated total cost: $25,000 – $35,000, depending on prior hours, aircraft flown, and training pace.

Examinations

To earn your Commercial Pilot Certificate, you must complete two FAA tests:

  1. Knowledge Test

    • Covers advanced aerodynamics, regulations, performance, weight and balance, and systems.

    • Multiple-choice format, minimum passing score 70%.

  2. Practical Test (Checkride) with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)

    • Oral exam: 2+ hours, including flight planning, systems knowledge, and performance calculations.

    • Flight test: 1.5–2 hours, demonstrating precision maneuvers, complex aircraft handling, emergency procedures, and cross-country navigation.

Benefits of a Commercial Pilot Certificate

  • Earn Income Flying – Legally get paid to fly, opening career opportunities.

  • Work as a Flight Instructor (with additional CFI rating) – Teach others and build hours toward ATP.

  • Pathway to Airlines – Essential milestone for those pursuing professional aviation careers.

  • Advanced Flying Skills – Gain mastery in precision maneuvers, systems, and performance management.

  • Flexibility & Opportunities – Charter, corporate, sightseeing, banner towing, and other commercial flying jobs become available.