Commercial Pilot

Turn Your Passion into a Profession

Ready to take your flying to the next level? Our Commercial Pilot Training program is designed for those who want to transform aviation from a hobby into a career. With expert instructors who bring real-world flying experience, modern training aircraft, and simulator support, we provide the skills and confidence you need to succeed in professional aviation.

Train Smarter

Career-Focused Instruction

Learn from seasoned pilots who understand the demands of commercial flying.

Modern Equipment

Train in safe, reliable aircraft and reinforce skills in our Redbird BATD simulator.

Local Advantage

Austin-area airspace offers the perfect balance of complexity and accessibility, preparing you for real-world operations.

start flying

Training Areas

  • Ground training covering regulations, safety, weather, advanced aerodynamics, performance & limitations, aircraft systems, navigation, and aeronautical decision making. We use the Sporty’s Commercial Pilot Ground School.
  • Preflight preparation
  • Preflight procedures
  • Airport operations
  • Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds
  • Performance maneuvers
  • Ground reference maneuvers
  • Navigation
  • Slow flight and stalls
  • Emergency operations
  • High-altitude operations
  • Postflight procedures

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Hold at least a Private Pilot certificate
  • Read, speak, write, and understand the English language
  • 250 hours total time (you can accumulate some of this during your training)
    • 100 hours in powered aircraft, including 50 hours in an airplane
    • 100 hours PIC, including 50 hours in an airplane and 50 hours cross-country PIC
  • Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot written test
  • Pass the check ride with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE)

Required Flight Training Time

  • 20 hours of flight training
    • 10 hours of simulated IMC
    • 10 hours of complex or technically advanced aircraft (TAA)
    • 100nm/2-hour day cross-country flight
    • 100nm/2-hour night cross-country flight
  • 10 hours solo or PIC with an instructor
    • 5 hours night VFR with 10 takeoffs and landings at a towered airport
    • 300nm cross-country flight

Cost Breakdown

A typical cost breakdown for commercial pilot training:

40 hours airplane rental @ $175/hr$7000
60 hours flight instruction @ $80/hr$4800
Check ride with FAA Designated Pilot Examiner$1200
Supplies and Sporty’s Ground School$500
Total$13,500