What Is a Commercial Pilot?

A Commercial Pilot is a licensed pilot who is legally allowed to fly aircraft for compensation or hire. This means they can be paid to operate flights, unlike private pilots who may only fly for personal or recreational purposes.

CPL entry requirements

To qualify for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), candidates must meet specific regulatory requirements, including minimum age limits, valid licences and medical certification, required flight experience hours across different flying conditions, successful completion of theoretical knowledge examinations, and passing both an oral and practical flight test with an approved examiner.

• Minimum age: 18 years

• Required licences & medicals:

  • Valid PPL (Private Pilot Licence)

  • Class 1 Medical Certificate

  • Night Rating

  • General Radio Licence (can be arranged through us)

Flight Time Requirements

Applicants must have a minimum of 200 total flying hours, including:

Pilot-in-Command (PIC)

• 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command

• 20 hours cross-country (PIC)

• 5 hours night flying (PIC)

Instrument & Aircraft Experience

• 20 hours instrument time

  • Maximum of 10 hours may be completed in a simulator

• 5 hours in a complex aircraft

  • (e.g. adjustable flaps, retractable landing gear, etc.)

Theoretical Knowledge Exams

9 Required Subjects

• Aircraft Technical & General

• Air Law & Flight Operations

• Meteorology

• Instruments & Electronics

• Navigation

• Human Performance

• Radio Aids & Communication

• Flight Planning & Performance

• General Radio

Final Assessment

Skill Test

• Final oral examination

• Practical flight test with an approved examiner