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COMMERCIAL PILOT TRAINING

A Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is an advanced level of pilot certification that allows the holder to be compensated for their piloting services. This certification is a critical step for those looking to pursue a career in aviation. Here’s an overview of what a CPL is and what it enables you to do

  1. Charter Flights: Conduct charter flights for passengers or cargo.

  2. Aerial Tours: Provide sightseeing tours from the air.

  3. Flight Instruction: Teach new pilots (if you also hold a Certified Flight Instructor rating).

  4. Aerial Photography and Surveying: Perform aerial surveys, photography, and other specialized tasks.

  5. Corporate and Business Aviation: Fly corporate jets or planes for businesses.

  6. Agricultural Operations: Conduct aerial application of chemicals and fertilizers (crop dusting).

  7. Search and Rescue Operations: Participate in search and rescue missions.

  8. Banner Towing and Skywriting: Tow banners for advertising or perform skywriting.

  9. Medical Evacuation Flights: Transport patients and medical staff (if the aircraft and operation are properly certified).

  10. Pipeline and Powerline Patrol: Fly patrols for inspecting pipelines, powerlines, and other infrastructure.

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Benefits of a Commercial Pilot License

  • Career Opportunities: Opens up a wide range of job opportunities in various sectors of aviation.

  • Higher Income Potential: Allows you to earn income as a professional pilot.

  • Increased Skills and Knowledge: Enhances your flying skills, knowledge, and overall safety as a pilot.

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Key Features of a Commercial Pilot License

  1. Professional Status: A CPL allows you to operate as a professional pilot and be paid for your services.

  2. Advanced Training: It involves more rigorous training and a higher standard of proficiency than a private pilot license.

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Eligibility Requirements

  1. Age: Must be at least 18 years old.

  2. Language: Must be able to read, speak, write, and understand English.

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Ground Training

A high level of understanding on the following topic:

  • Advanced aerodynamics

  • Aircraft systems

  • Aviation weather

  • Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) for commercial operations

  • Advanced navigation and flight planning

  • Performance and limitations

  • Emergency operations and procedures

  • Crew resource management

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Flight Training

  1. Flight Hours: Accumulate a minimum of 250 flight hours, including:

    • Total Time:

      • At least 100 hours in powered aircraft

      • At least 50 hours in airplanes

    • Pilot-in-Command (PIC) Time: At least 100 hours, including:

      • 50 hours in airplanes

      • 50 hours of cross-country flight time

    • Dual Instruction (with an instructor): At least 20 hours, including:

      • 10 hours of instrument training (can include 5 hours in a simulator)

      • 10 hours of training on a complex airplane, a turbine-powered airplane, or a technically advanced airplane (TAA)

      • One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours, in daytime, over 100 nautical miles

      • One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours, at nighttime, over 100 nautical miles

      • 3 hours of training within 2 calendar months before the practical test

    • Solo or PIC Time: At least 10 hours, including:

      • One cross-country flight of at least 300 nautical miles with landings at three points and one segment of at least 250 nautical miles

      • 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and landings at an airport with an operating control tower

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