Picture of pilot and co pilot inside plane, sourced from unsplash, piture by Nicolas Jossi

Commercial Pilot Course

The Commercial Pilot Course is designed for those looking to turn their passion for aviation into a professional career. With a Commercial Pilot Certificate, you’ll be qualified to carry passengers and/or cargo for hire, opening the doors to a variety of paid flying opportunities.

Commercial Pilot
Certification

A Commercial Pilot Certificate is the next step after obtaining your Private Pilot and Instrument Ratings. This certification allows you to begin flying for compensation, whether that’s through passenger flights, cargo transport, or other commercial operations. It builds on the foundational skills you’ve acquired, adding advanced techniques and professional standards necessary for safe, efficient flight under varied conditions.

The Commercial Pilot Certificate is a crucial milestone on your path to becoming a professional pilot and prepares you for future opportunities in airline or corporate aviation. Below is a step-by-step guide to earning your Commercial Pilot Certificate with Universal Flight Training.

Roadmap

Commercial Pilot

Your aviation dreams are our priority. Whether you’re aiming for a professional career, building flight hours, or exploring for fun, we offer the ideal path to reach your goals.

Step 1

Begin with Ground Training for Advanced Aviation Concepts

The first step in your commercial training journey is a series of ground instruction sessions covering advanced topics in aviation. Here at Universal Flight Training, we provide 15 hours of ground instruction to cover essential subjects such as regulations, complex maneuvers, aerodynamics, and flight performance. These sessions are led by experienced instructors who provide a practical approach to mastering the material.

Our ground training not only prepares you for the FAA written exam but also builds the knowledge and decision-making skills essential for commercial flight operations. We make sure you’re equipped with the expertise and confidence required for this demanding level of piloting.

Universal Flight school students attending ground school

Step 2

Complete Flight Training to Build Proficiency and Professionalism

After ground instruction, you’ll move into the flight training phase. With a total of 170 flight hours, Universal Flight Training offers extensive hands-on practice that reinforces advanced flight techniques. Of these, 55 hours are dedicated to one-on-one instruction from our certified flight instructors, who will guide you through complex maneuvers, night flying, and cross-country flights under professional standards.

This phase hones your flying precision, smoothness, and command, developing your ability to operate as a pilot in command with the responsibility required in commercial aviation. You’ll also gain experience in various types of airspace, building the situational awareness and skillset necessary for commercial flying.

Picture of co pilot inside plane, sourced from unsplash, piture by Avel Chuklanov

Step 3

Obtain a Second-Class Medical Certificate

As a future commercial pilot, you’ll need a second-class medical certificate, which certifies that you meet the physical and mental requirements set by the FAA for commercial pilots. Universal Flight Training can provide guidance on finding an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner to complete this step smoothly.

This medical certificate not only ensures your readiness for commercial flying but also verifies that you’re in excellent health to handle the demands of a professional aviation career.

Picture of a medical examinations, sourced from unsplash, piture by Chang Duong

Step 4

Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot Written Exam

To demonstrate your knowledge of commercial flight operations, you’ll need to pass the FAA Commercial Pilot written exam. Universal Flight Training offers exam preparation resources, including access to practice tests, review sessions, and instructor support to help you feel confident and prepared.

Our team will work closely with you to ensure you understand key topics such as complex flight operations, federal regulations, and performance calculations, enabling you to approach the exam with clarity and confidence.

Picture of a person studying for a test, sourced from unsplash, piture by Avery Evans

Step 5

Complete the Commercial Pilot Checkride

The final step to earning your Commercial Pilot Certificate is the checkride, a comprehensive assessment that includes both an oral and a practical exam. At Universal Flight Training, we prepare you for this stage with detailed mock checkrides, one-on-one review sessions, and focused feedback to help you succeed.

This checkride evaluates your knowledge and ability to perform commercial-level maneuvers, as well as your understanding of regulations and procedures. Passing this checkride grants you the Commercial Pilot Certificate, officially qualifying you to work as a commercial pilot.

Picture of two people flying an airplane, sourced from unsplash, piture by Avel Chuklanov

Achieving your Commercial Pilot Certificate with Universal Flight Training is a significant accomplishment that positions you for a rewarding career in aviation. With the skills, experience, and professionalism you’ll develop here, you’ll be ready to launch your journey as a commercial pilot and pursue exciting opportunities in the aviation industry.

Learn More About

Our Training Programs

Whether you are pursuing a professional career, building flight hours, or seeking leisurely adventure, we have the perfect program for you, no matter what your experience level is.

Private Pilot

Your passport to the skies! Learn to pilot your dreams with our Private Pilot Course.

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Instrument Rating

Navigate through clouds and the skies with precision through our Instrument Rating course.

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Commercial Pilot

Start your pilot career with our Commercial Pilot Course. Your path to the captain's seat is here.

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Multi-Engine Rating

Master the art of multi engine flying and unlock new horizons in your aviation career.

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Certified Flight Instructor

Become a trusted guide in the world of aviation. Become a CFI and teach others to fly.

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Sport Pilot

Take flight, live light! Discover freedom in the sky with our Sport Pilot Course.

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Start Your Aviation Journey
With a Discovery Flight

Experience the thrill of flying with a discovery flight at Universal Flight Training. Whether you're exploring a new hobby or dreaming of a professional pilot career, this is your chance to take the controls and see Sarasota and the surrounding Gulf Coast like never before. Schedule your discovery flight today and take the first step toward your aviation journey!