Commercial ASEL

Part 61: ASEL Commercial Pilot Checklist

Eligibility Requirements

References: 14 CFR 61.39, 14 CFR 61.123

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
  • Hold at least a Private Pilot certificate
  • Pass the knowledge test within the preceding 24 calendar months of the practical test
  • Meet the aeronautical experience requirements
  • Obtain the appropriate logbook endorsements from an authorized instructor
  • Comply with 14 CFR 61.39 (Prerequisites for Practical Tests), which requires:
    • At least a 3rd Class Medical certificate to take the practical test, if a medical certificate is required
    • A review of the knowledge test deficiencies by an authorized instructor
    • Logged training time in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months
    • A completed and signed application form (IACRA)
  • Pass a practical test

Aeronautical Knowledge

Reference: 14 CFR 61.125

  • Received and logged ground training from an authorized instructor or completed a home study course on the aeronautical knowledge areas of 14 CFR 61.125(b)

Flight Proficiency

Reference: 14 CFR 61.127

  • Received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instructor on the Areas of Operation in 14 CFR 61.127(b)(2)

Aeronautical Experience

Reference: 14 CFR 61.129, McLellan (2015) Legal Interpretation

  • At least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot including 100 hours in powered aircraft (of which 50 hours must be in airplanes)
  • 100 hours of PIC flight time, which includes: at least 50 hours in airplanes and 50 hours in cross-country flight (of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes)
Aeronautical Experience (Dual)
  • 20 hours of training on the Areas of Operation in 14 CFR 61.127(b)(2) that includes at least:
    • (Dual–CFII) 10 hours of instrument training using a view-limiting device including attitude instrument flying, partial-panel skills, recovery from unusual flight attitudes, and intercepting and tracking navigational systems; 5 hours of the 10 hours required on instrument training must be in a multi-engine airplane
    • 10 hours of training in a multi-engine complex airplane or a turbine-powered airplane
    • One 2-hour cross-country flight in a multi-engine airplane in daytime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 NM from the original point of departure
    • One 2-hour cross-country flight in a multi-engine airplane in nighttime conditions that consists of a total straight-line distance of more than 100 NM from the original point of departure
    • 3 hours in a multi-engine airplane with an authorized instructor in preparation for the practical test within the preceding 2 calendar months from the month of the test

Notes:

  • “Training” (not “flight training”) can be conducted in a flight simulator or flight training device from an authorized instructor unless the regulations state otherwise (e.g., “training in a complex airplane”).
  • 14 CFR 61.131 provides night flying exceptions for pilots in the State of Alaska.
  • The 20 hours of training also applies to persons adding a category rating to a pilot certificate.
Aeronautical Experience (Acting as PIC)
  • 10 hours of solo flight time or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of PIC with an authorized instructor on board in a multi-engine airplane on the Areas of Operation listed in 14 CFR 61.127(b)(2), which includes at least:
    • One cross-country flight of not less than 300 NM total distance, with landings at a minimum of three points, one of which is a straight-line distance of at least 250 NM (150 NM in Hawaii) from the original departure point
    • 5 hours in night VFR conditions with 10 takeoffs and landings at an airport with an operating control tower

Use of Flight Simulators and Flight Training Devices

Reference: 14 CFR 61.129

  • A maximum of 100 hours may be performed in a full flight simulator or flight training device if the training was accomplished in accordance with 14 CFR Part 142 by an authorized instructor
  • A maximum of 50 hours may be performed in a full flight simulator or flight training device if the training was not accomplished in accordance with 14 CFR Part 142 by an authorized instructor

Note: The simulator or device must represent the category, class, and type, if applicable, of aircraft appropriate to the rating sought.