How Many Hours in What Aircraft Are Needed Before Commercial Check Ride?

Does it have to be in a complex or technically advanced aircraft all the way?

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 10:50 AM ET

Verified

For the commercial certificate the emphasis is on mastery of the aircraft. [Courtesy: Garmin]

Key Takeaways:

Commercial pilot applicants can combine hours logged in complex aircraft, technically advanced aircraft (TAA), or turbine-powered aircraft to meet the 10-hour experience requirement for the check ride.
The commercial pilot check ride can be taken in a basic aircraft like a Cessna 150, provided that weight and balance limitations are met.

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Question: I am preparing for my commercial pilot check ride. In addition to the hourly experience requirements I have logged six hours in a G1000 Cessna 172 (a technically advanced aircraft or TAA) and five hours of experience in a complex aircraft, specifically a Cessna 172RG. One of the instructors at the school says I need 10 hours in one or the other to qualify for the check ride.

My previous instructor, however, said I needed a total of 10 hours, and I could mix the experience and even take the check ride in a Cessna 150 to save money. Which CFI is correct?

Answer: Your previous instructor is correct.

For this one, we refer to FAR 61.129—Aeronautical experience for the commercial certificate, airplane single-engine rating, with the relevant clause in bold text.