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 and modern training aircraft, 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 the Pipistrel Alpha Trainer, a technically advanced aircraft (TAA) with a full glass cockpit that satisfies the FAA’s TAA requirement for your commercial certificate.

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 @ $180/hr$7200
60 hours flight instruction @ $80/hr$4800
Check ride with FAA Designated Pilot Examiner$1200
Supplies and Sporty’s Ground School$500
Total$13,700