Commercial Pilot
What Training Looks Like
Commercial training builds on your existing skills and elevates them to a professional standard. Here's what to expect at each phase.
COMMERCIAL MANEUVERS
Chandelles, lazy eights, eights on pylons, steep spirals. These precision maneuvers define the commercial ACS standard. You'll practice until you can demonstrate each one consistently within tight tolerances.
COMPLEX AIRCRAFT TRAINING
Ten hours in a complex aircraft (retractable gear, flaps, constant-speed prop) is required. You'll earn your complex endorsement and learn to operate at a higher performance level..
LONG CROSS-COUNTRY
A 300 nautical mile solo cross-country with landings at three points, with one leg at least 250 nm. Real-world planning, fuel management, and execution under commercial standards.
NIGHT & INSTRUMENT PROFICIENCY
10 hours of instrument time and 5 hours of night flying are woven throughout training. You'll sharpen the skills built during your Instrument Rating and apply them to commercial operations.
PRECISION FLIGHT OPERATIONS
Commercial ACS standards are tighter than private. Every maneuver is refined until you can demonstrate it to commercial tolerances, the standard expected of a pilot who flies for pay.
CHECKRIDE PREP & PRACTICAL TEST
Comprehensive oral review of commercial privileges, regulations, and systems, then a full commercial checkride flight with your instructor. No surprises when you sit with the examiner.
AGE
Must be at least 18 years old to obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate.
FAA REQUIREMENTS
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
You'll need a Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating before starting. The remaining requirements are built up during training and must be completed before your checkride.
CERTIFICATES & RATINGS
Must hold a Private Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating.
MEDICAL CERTIFICATE
Must hold at least a Second Class Medical Certificate.
FLIGHT HOURS
Minimum 250 hours total flight time (Part 61) or 190 hours (Part 141), including specific PIC, cross-country, and night requirements.
KNOWLEDGE TEST
Must pass the FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test with a score of 70% or higher.
HOURLY REQUIREMENTS
PART 61 vs. PART 141
Both paths lead to the same FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, but the hour requirements differ. Bravo operates as a Part 141 certificated school, meaning our students can complete their certificate with fewer required hours and a structured FAA-approved curriculum.
PART 61
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250 hours total flight time
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100 hours as Pilot in Command
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50 hours cross-country as Pilot in Command
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10 hours of training in a complex airplane, turbine-powered airplane, or TAA, as applicable
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Required night and instrument experience
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Commercial maneuvers and practical-test preparation
Note: Specific aeronautical experience requirements vary depending on the training path and previous experience. Our admissions team can review your logbook and determine the most efficient pathway.
PART 141
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190 hours total flight time
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FAA-approved commercial pilot curriculum
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Structured stage training and progress checks
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Required cross-country, night, instrument, and commercial training
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Practical-test preparation
WHERE WE ARE
Our Locations
We operate out of two airports in the Mid-Atlantic region.