Commercial Pilot Certificate
Turn your passion into a profession. A Commercial Pilot Certificate allows you to be compensated for flying, opening doors to careers in charter, cargo, aerial photography, banner towing, and more.
- Get paid to fly
- Required for airline careers
- Advanced flight maneuvers
- Professional pilot standards
What Can You Do With a Commercial Pilot Certificate?
A Commercial Certificate opens the door to professional aviation careers
Get Paid to Fly
Unlike Private Pilots, Commercial Pilots can be compensated for flying. Turn your passion into a paycheck.
Fly Charter Operations
Work for Part 135 charter operators, flying passengers and cargo to destinations on demand.
Aerial Work
Fly for aerial photography, surveying, banner towing, pipeline patrol, and other commercial operations.
Corporate Flying
Fly for corporations as a pilot for their company aircraft. Great hours, great pay, and interesting destinations.
Flight Instruction
With the additional CFI Certificate, teach others to fly. Many pilots build hours instructing on their way to the airlines.
Airline Career Path
Your Commercial Certificate is a required step toward the airlines. Fly paid jobs while you build time toward the 1,500-hour ATP minimum.
Requirements & Prerequisites
Here's what you need before starting Commercial Pilot training
Pilot Certificates
- Hold a Private Pilot Certificate
- Instrument Rating strongly recommended, not required, but it opens far more career options
Flight Experience
- 250 hours total flight time
- 100 hours PIC time
- 50 hours cross-country PIC
Age & Medical
- 18 years old minimum
- FAA Second-Class Medical Certificate
Knowledge Requirements
- Pass FAA Commercial Pilot knowledge test
- Demonstrate advanced aeronautical knowledge
Need to build hours? You can rent our aircraft for time building. The Alpha Trainer at $180/hour keeps it affordable.
What's Included in Your Training
Professional-level training that prepares you for commercial operations
Ground School
Advanced aeronautical knowledge
- Commercial pilot regulations (Part 61, 91, 135)
- Advanced aerodynamics
- Advanced aircraft systems
- Weight and balance calculations
- Performance charts and planning
- Commercial decision making
Flight Training
Advanced maneuvers to commercial standards
- Chandelles and lazy eights
- Steep spirals
- Eights on pylons
- Power-off 180° accuracy landings
- Short and soft field operations
- Emergency procedures
Checkride Prep
Final preparation for your commercial checkride
- Written exam preparation
- Oral exam practice
- Maneuvers to ACS standards
- Mock checkrides
- Final stage check
Key Milestones
TAA Checkout
First weekGet comfortable in the glass-cockpit Alpha Trainer
Commercial Maneuvers
10-20 hoursMaster chandelles, lazy eights, eights on pylons
Solo Practice
20-35 hoursPolish maneuvers to commercial standards
Checkride
30-45 hoursPass your FAA practical test
Ready to get paid to fly?
Map your fastest path to commercial in a free 30-minute consultation.
Transparent Pricing
Real-world estimates at our current rates, not FAA-minimum pricing. No hidden fees, no surprises.
Flight Training
$8,145Ground Training
$1,274Materials & Fees
$1,625Pricing covers the commercial training phase only, with the instructor billed on dual and ground hours. Before the checkride the FAA requires 250 hours total time, 100 hours as pilot in command, and 50 hours of cross-country PIC time. Building hours? You can rent our aircraft for time building, and the Alpha Trainer at $180/hour keeps it affordable.
Build Your Own Estimate
Drag the sliders to see how training choices change your total. Same rates as the table above.
Below the 30 hours of commercial training flight time the FAA requires (20 dual + 10 solo). Fine if some of your existing hours already count.
- $299
- $300
- $175
- $150
- Aircraft (0 hrs)$0
- Instruction (dual + ground)$0
- Fixed costs + DPE$0
An estimate, not a quote. Your pace and the weather get a vote too.
Talk through your plan with admissionsThis estimate covers the commercial training phase only. To qualify for the checkride the FAA also requires 250 hours total flight time, so depending on your logbook you may need time building beyond these training hours. Renting our Alpha Trainer at $180/hour keeps that affordable.
Train Confidently. Zero Risk.
Self-paced training starts with just a $1,000 refundable deposit that goes straight toward your training. From there, you pay as you fly.
How It Works
Your $1,000 refundable deposit is applied directly to your training, and from there you pay lesson by lesson. Pause or discontinue whenever you choose. Any unused funds are refunded in full, and every hour in your logbook is yours forever and transfers to most other flight schools.
Discontinue Anytime
No long-term contracts. Pause or stop your training whenever you choose. No penalties.
Pay As You Fly
Your refundable $1,000 deposit goes toward training, then you're only charged for the lessons you actually fly.
Logged Hours Are Yours
Your logbook, endorsements, and certificates go with you and transfer to other flight schools.
Questions about how payment works? Talk to admissions for real answers, no pressure.
130+ Five-Star Reviews Tell the Story
See Why Pilots Choose Us Over Other Schools
"As parents of a son graduating high-school, we didn't know the first thing about Flight School. We couldn't be happier with our son's experience in the Fast Track Program at US Flight Co. The process was seamless, the instructors were excellent, and he was able to complete his training in a year without sacrificing quality. At 19 years old, he is now a CFII at US Flight Co. A proud moment for our family. Highly recommend!"
"Pursuing a passion for flying is a significant investment of time and money. I did a lot of research before choosing US Flight Co. and I'm really satisfied with my decision. I was pleased to find great facilities, well maintained aircraft, kind and professional staff, and flexible and efficient scheduling. I started with no experience and was able to pass my private pilot check ride with no problem. The instructors are patient and professional and built my knowledge, skills, and confidence in a way that kept it light and fun the whole time."
"After having talked with several different flight schools and also several discovery flights, I chose US Flight Co because they were able to answer my questions and address my concerns with a unique approach rather than cookie cutter answers. They actually listened to me and adapted their training to fit my schedule. Whether you are going all the way to the airlines or just looking into a new hobby, US flight Co and the CFIs are genuinely interested in working with you as an individual."
"I started my aviation journey with US Flight Co last October and have been really pleased with the company as a whole, the administrative team, the instructors (S/O to Josh!!) and the pace of the program. About 8 months in, I'm preparing for my commercial check ride and hope to complete my CFI rating by next month."
"I am currently in the process of obtaining my private pilot's license at US Flight Co, and I couldn't be more impressed. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, making each lesson both informative and enjoyable. The training facilities are top-notch, and the aircraft are well-maintained and modern. I've felt a real sense of progress with every flight, and the team has created a welcoming atmosphere that fosters learning and confidence."
"Us Flight Co is a top flight school in Des Moines. I have been pursuing my private pilots license while finishing my senior year of high school. Because of navigating high school classes I was matched one on one with an instructor. This has been a great match and I appreciate the one on one learning I am receiving. US Flight CO's fleet of aircraft is diverse and expanding. As a student you have plenty of hours for flying and ground instruction. There is also flexibility to work with your school classes or employment hours."
"US Flight Co has been amazing with my aviation journey so far! Started flying at the end of 2024, currently working towards my instrument rating. They have been super flexible and easy to work with, considering I'm in the fast track program with a full time job. Instructors are safe, knowledgeable and fun to fly with. I look forward to continuing my aviation journey with them!"
"I Joined US flight Co about 10 hours into my PPL and have been with them since. My experience has been nothing but positive and they have far exceeded my expectations. They have great Instructors, reliable aircraft, great availability, and most importantly it's all at a very reasonable price. The instructor cadre are very clearly experts in their field and are passionate about ensuring their students are safe pilots and well prepared for their checkride. Aircraft rentals at US flight Co are well priced and well maintained. TLDR: Great people, fantastic instructors all at a reasonable price!"
"I have gone through other schools where I couldn't keep an instructor or the school didn't have their stuff together. US Flight Co has been the complete opposite - professional, organized, and committed to student success."
"Absolutely amazing crew of people. Great instructors who are all willing to help, even if they are not your primary instructor. Very relaxed environment and very personable people to train with. If you are looking for quality instruction look no further."
"Went on a discovery Flight here. Super nice facilities and Jaden my instructor was AMAZING! Would highly recommend. You can tell the instructors care and love their jobs! I wouldn't go anywhere else!"
"Having tried both flight schools based in Des Moines, I can honestly say this is the better of the two"
"I'm working to overcome a fear of flying! Jared has been more than helpful and patient with me. I highly recommend US Flight Co for anyone looking to overcome their fears or learn to fly!"
"I took part in the airline fast track program. It has been an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. I have worked with several CFIs and they are all top notch."
"Flight co has been super flexible with my schedule and has a great team of instructors who are very capable and knowledgeable. I had a great experience obtaining my private pilots license with them!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about earning your Commercial Pilot Certificate
How long does it take to get a Commercial Pilot Certificate?
The commercial training phase itself typically takes 2-4 months and 30-45 flight hours. The bigger variable is the FAA's 250-hour total time requirement: your timeline depends on where your logbook stands today.
If you're coming straight from your Private Pilot Certificate, most of the journey is filling that gap, and pilots usually spend it productively by earning the Instrument Rating (strongly recommended before commercial) and building cross-country time along the way. Bring your logbook to a free consultation and we'll map your timeline from your actual hours.
Do I need an Instrument Rating first?
Technically, you can get a Commercial Certificate without an Instrument Rating, but it will carry limitations that make it nearly useless for employment. Our recommendation: get your Instrument Rating first, then focus on commercial. You'll fly better, the instrument training counts toward your commercial requirements, and you'll graduate employable.
What can I do with a Commercial Certificate that I can't do with a Private?
The key difference is compensation. As a Private Pilot, you cannot be paid to fly (with limited exceptions). With a Commercial Certificate, you can work as a pilot for charter operations, aerial work, corporate flying, and more.
What kind of jobs can I get with a Commercial Certificate?
Entry-level commercial pilot jobs include flight instruction (with CFI), banner towing, aerial photography, skydive operations, pipeline patrol, and cargo flying. With more hours, you can move into charter, corporate, and eventually airline flying.
Do I need a complex aircraft for commercial training?
Not anymore. Since 2018 the FAA lets you meet the 10-hour requirement in a complex aircraft, a turbine, or a technically advanced aircraft (TAA). Our Pipistrel Alpha Trainers qualify as TAA, so you can knock it out at $180/hour instead of hunting for complex rental time. If you want actual complex and multi-engine time, our Travel Air is available with the multi-engine add-on.
What's the difference between Second-Class and Third-Class Medical?
A Second-Class Medical is required to exercise commercial pilot privileges. It has slightly stricter vision and health requirements than Third-Class, but most pilots who qualify for Third-Class also qualify for Second-Class. The exam is the same; only the standards differ.
How do I build the 250 hours required?
Common methods include cross-country time-building flights, safety pilot time with instrument students, and renting for personal trips. You can rent our aircraft for time building, and the Alpha Trainer at $180/hour keeps it affordable. Many students also finish their Instrument Rating during this stretch so the hours do double duty.
Is a Commercial Certificate enough to fly for the airlines?
No. Airlines require an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which requires 1,500 hours. However, your Commercial Certificate is the foundation. You can build hours as a commercial pilot (flight instructor, cargo, charter) until you reach ATP minimums.
Free Commercial Planning Session
Tell us your certificates, hours, and goals. A commercial instructor will reach out within one business day to map your fastest path to the checkride.
How We Can Help
- Get your questions answered by a real pilot
- Schedule a tour of our facility at KDSM
- Map out your training timeline and costs
- Talk through financing options
Connect With Admissions
We'll reach out within one business day
Ready to Go Pro? Let's Talk
Meet with one of our admissions coordinators
Every pilot's path to commercial is different. Let's review your experience, discuss your goals, and create a personalized plan to get you to your commercial checkride efficiently.
- Review your current certificates & hours
- Discuss career goals
- Create time-building plan
- Outline training timeline
Bring your logbook (or digital totals) so we can give you an accurate assessment.