Commercial Pilot

Exam

Third-party exam

Education

Specific course

Experience

Experience

Background check

None

All pilots who are paid to transport passengers or cargo must have a Commercial Pilot's license with an instrument rating issued by the FAA. To qualify for this license, the applicant must be at least 18 years old and have at least 250 hours of flight experience. The time can be reduced through participation in certain flight school curricula approved by the FAA. The individual also must pass a strict physical examination and have 20/20 vision with or without glasses, good hearing, and no physical handicaps that could impair performance. Passing a written test and a demonstration of flying ability are required. This license is valid until it is surrendered, suspended or revoked; but the pilot must have a current medical certificate. Detailed information can be found on the web sites: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfrhtml_00/Title_14/14cfr61_00.html, parts 61.121-61.133 and http://www.faa.gov/avr/afs/acs/61-65d.pdf.