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 rapidly achieved commercial pilot certification in under two years, investing approximately $55,000-$60,000, and plans to pursue CFI and multiengine ratings to build flight hours and offset costs for a career in Part 135 operations.
The commercial certificate signifies a deep mastery of flying fundamentals, enabling pilots to earn money and acting as a crucial step towards advanced ratings and high-demand aviation careers.
The article contrasts Part 61 flight training (flexible, self-paced, potentially lower cost) with Part 141 programs (structured, higher cost but offers a restricted ATP path at 1,000 hours for airline careers).

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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.