Commerical Pilot

for a commercial pilot certificate training with an authorized instructor, or completion of an approved home-study course, on the aeronautical knowledge areas that apply to the aircraft category and class (single engine or multi engine airplane) rating sought.

Aeronautical knowledge areas include:

1. Applicable Federal Aviation Regulations that relate to commercial pilot privileges, limitations, and flight operations;
2. Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board;
3. Basic aerodynamics and the principles of flight;
4. Meteorology to include recognition of critical weather situations, windshear recognition and avoidance, and the use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts;
5. Safe and efficient operation of aircraft;
6. Weight and balance computations;
7. Use of performance charts;
8. Significance and effects of exceeding aircraft performance limitations;
9. Use of aeronautical charts and a magnetic compass for pilotage and dead reckoning;
10. Use of air navigation facilities;
11. Aeronautical decision making and judgment;
12. Principles and functions of aircraft systems;
13. Maneuvers, procedures, and emergency operations appropriate to the aircraft;
14. Night and high-altitude operations;
15. Procedures for operating within the National Airspace System.

General. For a commercial pilot certificate the applicant must receive and log flight training from an authorized instructor on the areas of operation that apply to the aircraft category and class (airplane, single engine or multi engine) rating sought.

Areas of operation

Airplane, single-engine:

1. Preflight preparation
2. Preflight procedures
3. Airport operations
4. Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds
5. Performance maneuvers
6. Ground reference maneuvers
7. Navigation
8. Slow flight and stalls
9. Emergency operations
10. High-altitude operations
11. Post flight procedures.

Airplane, multiengine:

1. Preflight preparation
2. Preflight procedures
3. Airport operations
4. Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds
5. Performance maneuvers
6. Navigation
7. Slow flight and stalls
8. Emergency operations
9. Multiengine operations
10. High-altitude operations
11. Post flight procedures.

During the course of normal training, the focus is on acquiring and building a working knowledge of the fundamental principles, theories, and regulations of aviation as well as learning the motor skills associated with applying those things in the air, flying an airplane.  It is a building block process in which a solid foundation of knowledge and skills is built followed by the addition of more and more layers over time.  Formal testing occurs at two specific stages along the way.

The first milestone is a written examination administered on behalf of the FAA covering the information considered fundamental to becoming a commercial pilot.  While the topics are similar to those covered in Private Pilot training, the level of understanding and depth of knowledge expected is more challenging.  It covers things such as aviation history, aerodynamics, theory of flight, aircraft systems, flight planning, aviation weather, maintenance requirements, weight and balance as well as the rules and regulations associated with flying.  The second and final milestone, called the Practical Test, occurs at the point where you have accumulated the required number of flight hours, some with an instructor, some on your own and are ready to take what’s called the check-ride.  At each of these milestones, specific, focused training is offered aimed at preparing you to take and pass the actual examination.

The written test preparation training is focused on the specifics of that FAA exam, the administration of the exam, the subjects covered, questions asked and so forth.  Prep for the written can be accomplished with your instructor or through a host of self directed study methods including weekend seminars, interactive computer courses and old fashioned practice exams.  Once ready, you present your graduation certificate or instructor’s “endorsement” to the testing center and take the written exam.

The Practical Test is a different matter.  At the conclusion of you basic training you will meet with either an FAA Examiner or a Designated Pilot Examiner who will first, conduct an oral examination probing your knowledge and understanding of the basics of flying.  Once satisfied that your knowledge is adequate, you will take the examiner up and demonstrate your flying skills by performing a variety of takeoffs and landings, performance maneuvers, and so forth.

Prior to taking the practical test, very specific ground and flight training which must be completed and certified by your flight instructor, just before taking the actual practical test.  The training is specific to the rating you are going after and the aircraft you are using.  Its sole purpose is to ensure that you understand the materials and can safely fly the airplane within the standards established for the rating you are seeking.