Commercial Pilot Airplane (SEL) Course

A Commercial Pilot airplane license permits you to carry passengers and cargo for compensation or hire. After earning your Private Pilot airplane license, the Commercial Pilot airplane license is the next step for pilots wishing to improve their skill and knowledge levels or if they are on the Career Pilot Program. The completion standards are higher for commercial pilots and the majority of costs associated with this rating are from building hours to meet the FAA experience requirements.

Course Information

The Commercial Pilot Airplane Pilot course syllabus is designed to build upon the aeronautical knowledge and skills learned during the Private Pilot Airplane course. At the end of the Commercial Airplane Pilot Course, you will have acquired the aeronautical knowledge and flight proficiency necessary to pass the FAA Commercial Pilot exam. You will then be able to fly for hire or continue on to the Certified Flight Instructor course if following the Career Pilot Program.

The Commercial Airplane (SEL) Pilot course includes the Part 141 Instrument Rating course. Hours and prices are based on the completion of both courses concurrently, which is the most efficient use of your training funds. Pilots who already hold an instrument rating or with previous applicable experience, please contact our flight academy for a custom training solution to meet your needs.

Enrollment Prerequisites

  • Applicants must have a Private Pilot certificate for airplanes.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years of age *
  • Read, speak, write and understand English
  • If a non-U.S. citizen, the student must undergo the flight training application process mandated by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

* Students may train at an earlier age, but the student is not eligible for a commercial pilot checkride until the age of 18.


Hours are based on Part 141 FAA minimums, not average completion times. Rates listed for the aircraft are block rates, available when customer chooses cash deposit option of $3,000 deposit increments. Add $10/hr for regular rate on the aircraft rental if not choosing block payments. Prices for books & supplies, the knowledge test, the FAA’s practical test and your medical certificate may vary.

Cessna 172

COURSE COMPONENT HOURS RATE TOTAL
Dual Flight Instruction 150 $200 $30,000
Pre/Post Briefing 33 $50 $1,650
Ground Instruction 35 $50 $1,750
Commercial Pilot Airplane (SEL) Course Total $33,400