Becoming a Newly Rated Commercial Single-Engine Pilot

The climb to commercial ensures you are proficient, knowledgeable, and thorough in your flying.

Richard Donaldson

Wednesday, March 01, 2023 at 06:35 PM ET

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The climb to commercial ensures you are proficient, knowledgeable, and thorough in your flying. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The author achieved their commercial single-engine pilot certification in under two years, progressing from private to instrument ratings, and accumulating 266 total flight hours at a cost of approximately $55,000-$60,000.
The commercial rating is presented as a "masters degree in flying," demanding a deep understanding of fundamentals and placing pilots in an exclusive club capable of earning money.
Future plans include multiengine and flight instructor (CFI/MEI/CFII) certifications to offset flying costs, build hours, and pursue Part 135 operations, targeting 500-800+ total hours.
The author recommends Part 61 training for self-motivated individuals due to its significantly lower cost (estimated $65,000 to commercial) compared to Part 141 programs, which can exceed $140,000 but offer structured learning and a restricted ATP at 1,000 hours.

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I just passed my commercial single-engine airplane check ride on January 6. I started flying with the initial intent of just passing my private, but got hooked as I progressed. I always have enjoyed teaching as a way of hyper-learning, so I knew I was interested in going the CFI route (I have been a ski & scuba instructor in the past).

My first actual logged lesson was March 31, 2021. I then received my private pilot certification on October 15, 2021, and then went on to complete my instrument rating on August 22, 2022. This was all through Part 61 schools at Leopard Aviation and Scottsdale Executive Flight Training at Scottsdale Airport (KSDL). Most of my instructors came from Part 141 programs.