For an initial commercial pilot certificate with an airplane single-engine rating, the FAA requires at least 250 hours of flight time. That total must include the following experience. We will review your logbook to identify what you have already completed and what remains.
250 hours total
At least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot, including 100 hours in powered aircraft and at least 50 hours in airplanes.
100 hours PIC
At least 100 hours as pilot in command, including 50 hours in airplanes and 50 hours of cross-country time, with at least 10 of those cross-country hours in airplanes.
20 hours of training
Required training includes instrument work, advanced-airplane experience, day and night cross-countries, and practical-test preparation.
Instrument and advanced airplane
Ten hours of instrument training, including five in a single-engine airplane, plus 10 hours in a complex, turbine-powered, or technically advanced airplane, or a combination.
Day and night cross-countries
One two-hour daytime and one two-hour nighttime cross-country in a single-engine airplane, each covering more than 100 nautical miles straight-line from departure.
Solo or duties of PIC
Ten hours meeting the applicable solo or duties-of-PIC requirements, including a 300-NM cross-country and five hours of night VFR with 10 takeoffs and landings at a towered airport.
Additional eligibility, knowledge-test, endorsement, and practical-test requirements apply. These are FAA minimums for the airplane single-engine rating, not a guaranteed training timeline. See 14 CFR 61.129 for the complete current rule.
