| |
Flight Training
Commercial Pilot
Most say that training to become a commercial pilot is far easier and more fun than instrument training. This is because most of your time is spent looking outside the cockpit while working on fine tuning your skills through specified maneuvers rather than under a hood focusing on small changes in your instruments, procedure turns, etc. A commercial certificate will allow you to fly persons or property for hire and is required before you become a CFI. A commercial certificate, by itself, will not allow you to run a charter operation but it will allow you to get paid by someone else to fly which will, no doubt, be a welcome change.
FAA Rating Requirements
General Requirements:
Minimum 18 Years Old to Take Commercial Pilot Flight Test
Must Read, Write, Understand, and Speak English
Hold a Private Pilot Helicopter Certificate
Minimum of 150 Hours of Flight Time
Current FAA Medical Certificate
Pass an FAA Oral and Practical Flight Test
Pass an FAA Written Knowledge Test
Flight Requirements:
150 Hours (Minimum) Total Pilot Time in Helicopters Must Include
5 hours of Instrument Training in a Simulator
100 hours of "Pilot-in-Command" Flight Time (35 hours or more of which must be in a helicopter)
20 hours of Dual Instruction in the Required Areas of Operation
10 hours of Cross-Country Helicopter Experience
1 Day VFR 2-hour (minimum) Dual Instruction Flight with one (1) 50 nautical-mile leg
1 Night VFR 2-hour (minimum) Dual Instruction Flight with one (1) 50 nautical-mile leg
10 hours of solo time which can include:
- 1 Cross-Country Solo flight with three landings and one (1) 50 nautical-mile minimum leg
- 5 hours night solo
3 hours of dual instruction in the preceding 60 days in preparation for the Checkride
Resources:
FAA Commercial Test Questions (pdf)
FAA Commercial Pilot Practical Test Standards (pdf)
Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs)
Our course outlined below assume you have at least the following experience:
5 hours of instrument training
100 hours of flight time as Pilot-in-Command
Estimated Minimum Cost:
| Item | Hours | Rate | Total |
| R22 Rental | 20 | $275/hr | $5,500 |
| Flight Instruction | 20 | $50/hr | $1,000 |
| Ground Instruction | 20 | $35/hr | $700 |
| Total | | | $7,200 |
|
