Commercial Pilot License

03 · COMM · ASEL

The certificate that lets you fly for compensation or hire. Tighter standards, sharper maneuvers, and the gateway to every paid seat in the cockpit.

Talk to an advisorSee real pricing
250 hrTotal flight time
100 hrPIC required
4–6 wkAccelerated track
300+Sunny days/yr
03What it is

Flyforhire.ToACSstandards.

The Commercial Pilot Certificate grants you the authority to fly for compensation or hire. It demands tighter tolerances on every maneuver and unlocks the first paid seats in the industry — charter, banner tow, traffic watch, and the path to airline jobs.

PrivilegesWhat you can do

  • Fly charter, cargo, banner tow, pipeline patrol, and traffic-watch ops
  • Act as pilot in command of an aircraft for compensation or hire
  • Build toward CFI / CFII to teach the next generation of pilots
  • Operate as a paid second-in-command on qualifying aircraft
  • Required base for ATP and most airline pilot career paths

LimitationsAnd what you can't

  • 2nd class medical certificate must remain current for commercial privileges
  • Cannot operate scheduled airline service without an ATP certificate
  • Single-engine land only — multi-engine requires the CMEL add-on
  • Some operations require additional type ratings or endorsements
  • Recent flight experience and currency requirements still apply
Prerequisites
  • Hold a Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating
  • 250 hours total flight time (100 PIC, 50 XC PIC)
  • 2nd-class FAA medical certificate
  • 18 years old, read/speak/write/understand English
Why Desert Wings

The case for training here.

Proven student success

Our students consistently pass their checkrides and achieve their aviation goals with confidence.

Gold Seal instruction

Learn from FAA-certified Gold Seal instructors with proven teaching methods and personalized attention.

Year-round flying

Train in Mesa, Arizona with ideal flying conditions and over 300 days of sunshine per year.

Flexible scheduling

Train at your own pace with scheduling options that fit your lifestyle and learning goals.

FAQ

Questions we hear a lot.

How many hours do I need before the commercial checkride?

The FAA requires 250 hours total flight time, including at least 100 hours of pilot-in-command and 50 hours of cross-country PIC. We help you structure time-building so every flight counts toward those minimums.

Do I need an Instrument Rating before starting the Commercial?

At Desert Wings, yes — both a Private Pilot Certificate and an Instrument Rating are required before starting commercial training. This is school policy: the FAA technically allows you to earn the Commercial without an IR, but the certificate is stamped "not valid for carrying passengers for hire at night or on cross-country flights over 50 NM," which kills its real-world usefulness for hiring.

What kind of medical certificate do I need?

You need at least a 2nd-class FAA medical certificate to exercise commercial pilot privileges. This is more stringent than the 3rd-class you used for Private and Instrument, so plan an exam with an AME before the checkride.

How long does the accelerated commercial program take?

Our accelerated full-time program typically runs 4–6 weeks once you arrive with the prerequisite hours. Total time depends on your starting hour count, weather, and how aggressively you can train.

Get started

SeerealpricingforyourCommercialCertificate.

Use our pricing calculator for a realistic estimate based on your current hour count and training pace — or talk to an advisor for a real plan within one business day.

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