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Commercial airline plane at our San Diego flight school, used for commercial pilot training at Pacific Flight Training.

Commercial Pilot

Ready to turn your passion for flying into a profession?

Why Get a Commercial Pilot License?


A Commercial Pilot License is essential if you want to be paid to fly. It opens up a wide range of opportunities, including:

  • Career Opportunities: Fly for hire as a charter pilot, tour pilot, or agricultural pilot. A CPL is also the first step toward becoming an airline pilot.

  • Advanced Skills: Gain proficiency in advanced maneuvers, emergency procedures, and complex aircraft operations, making you a more confident and skilled pilot.

What is a Commercial Pilot License?

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A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) allows you to be compensated for your flying services. With a CPL, you can legally work as a pilot, whether it’s flying passengers, conducting aerial tours, working as an agricultural pilot, or even becoming a flight instructor. This license is a significant step up from a Private Pilot License, requiring more advanced skills, knowledge, and experience.

Program Overview

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Advance Your Aviation Career with Our Commercial Pilot Training Program in San Diego! At Pacific Flight Training, our program is designed to prepare you for professional flying roles, providing you with the skills and expertise needed to operate aircraft safely and efficiently in diverse commercial environments. Take the next step toward your aviation career today!

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Our training includes:

  • Online Ground School: We utilize a trusted third-party provider to offer comprehensive online ground training. You'll cover essential topics such as advanced aerodynamics, aviation regulations, commercial flight planning, and aircraft systems, all at your own pace and convenience.

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  • In-Flight Training: All flight training is conducted using well-maintained Cessna 172 aircraft from the Plus One Flyers flying club. Under the guidance of a certified instructor, you'll practice complex flight maneuvers, cross-country flights, and gain the necessary flight hours required for commercial pilot certification.

What You'll Learn

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Throughout the Commercial Pilot Training Program, you will:

  • Accumulate Essential Flight Hours: Build the required flight time through extensive flying sessions, including solo and dual flights, cross-country trips, and night operations.

  • Master Advanced Flight Maneuvers: Develop proficiency in complex maneuvers like steep turns, chandelles, lazy eights, and eights-on-pylons to enhance your piloting skills.

  • Develop Professionalism and Ethical Judgment: Embrace the responsibilities of a commercial pilot by learning the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and decision-making essential for commercial aviation.

  • Prepare for Commercial Pilot Certification: Complete all necessary training to qualify for the FAA Commercial Pilot checkride and advance your aviation career.

FAA Requirements
The following requirements must be met to obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate:
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Be at least 18 years of age

 

Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language

 

Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate

 

Hold a current second-class medical certificate

 

Total Time: 250 hours of flight time, including:

  • 100 hours as pilot-in-command (PIC)

  • 50 hours of cross-country flight time

  • Dual: 20 hours of flight training with an authorized instructor, including:

    • 10 hours of training in a complex aircraft, turbine-powered aircraft, or TAA

    • 5 hours of cross-country flight training, with one flight being:

      • A total distance of at least 300 nautical miles, with landings at a minimum of three points, and one segment of at least 250 nautical miles.

    • 3 hours of night flight training, including:

      • 100 nautical miles of cross-country flight.

      • 10 takeoffs and landings at an airport.

  • Solo: 10 hours of solo flight or 10 hours of flight time while acting as PIC, including:

    • 5 hours of solo cross-country flight, with:

      • One solo flight of at least 150 nautical miles total distance, with full stop landings at a minimum of three points and one segment of at least 50 nautical miles between takeoff and landing.

    • 3 takeoffs and landings to a full stop at an airport with an operating control tower.

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Pass the required FAA knowledge test

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Pass the required FAA practical test

Achieve your commercial pilot certificate and open the door to a world of exciting career opportunities. Contact us today to learn more and start your journey toward becoming a commercial pilot!

  • What are the requirements to start flight training?
    You must be at least 16 years old to start your private pilot training Must be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding english Be a high school graduate or GED completer Must be able to obtain a FAA medical
  • How much does flight training cost?
    The cost of flight training can vary, but aircraft rental is $140-160 per hour, and the instructor fee is $85 per hour. You can expect to spend around 50-80 hours to complete your private pilot training. Additional costs include ground school, written exams, materials, and DPE (Designated Pilot Examiner) fees. Overall, obtaining your private pilot license can cost anywhere from $12,750 to $19,450.
  • Can I train on a part-time basis?
    Yes, we offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate part-time students. Whether you have a full-time job, school, or other commitments, we can tailor a training plan that fits your schedule, allowing you to progress at your own pace.
  • What is a discovery/intro flight?
    A Discovery Flight is an introductory flying experience that allows you to get in the airplane and take the controls under the guidance of a flight instructor. During the flight, you’ll learn basic maneuvers and experience the thrill of flying. It’s a great way to decide if flight training is right for you!
  • What’s the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 flight schools?
    Part 61 flight schools offer a more flexible and cost-effective approach to training, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their individual needs and schedules. This flexibility can reduce overall costs, as students can progress at their own pace and focus on areas where they need more practice, without being bound to a strict syllabus. Part 141 schools, on the other hand, follow a structured, FAA-approved syllabus with specific checkpoints and requirements. While this approach can be beneficial for those seeking a more regimented program, it often comes at a higher cost.
  • What should I bring to my first flight lesson?
    For your first flight lesson, bring a government-issued photo ID, your logbook (if you have one), a notepad and pen for taking notes, sunglasses, and comfortable clothing. It's also helpful to bring water and a positive attitude!
  • How often should I fly to make steady progress?
    Flying 2-3 times a week is recommended to maintain proficiency and progress steadily through the training.
  • What are the career opportunities after completing flight training?
    After completing flight training, you can pursue careers as a flight instructor, commercial pilot, airline pilot, or corporate pilot. You can also explore roles in aerial photography, agricultural flying, and banner towing.
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