Commercial Pilot FAQs
Focused answers for your flight training path
Why Summit Flight Academy
Meet Jami, the friendly admin at Summit Flight Academy, located at Lee's Summit Airport (KLXT) in Lee's Summit, Missouri. Jami is here to help you with any questions you may have about starting your aviation journey, from scheduling a discovery flight to connecting you with experienced flight instructors.
Commercial Pilot Information
Commercial Pilot Flight Training FAQs
Browse questions specifically about commercial pilot certification, training hours, checkride prep, and package pricing at Summit Flight Academy.
Commercial Pilot
Frequently asked questions
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
- Hold a U.S. private pilot certificate
- Hold at least a third-class medical certificate (all career-bound students need to secure a first-class medical)
- Meet the aeronautical experience requirements
- Pass a knowledge test
- Pass the practical test (aka checkride)
- Want to fly for compensation in any form.
- Want to challenge themselves to fly with more precision.
- Aspire to teach future pilots.
- Can meet second and/or first-class medical certification requirements
- Complete ground school (online + instructor): Upon completion, you will takean FAA knowledge exam on advanced levels of aviation topics covered on yourprivate pilot knowledge exam such as aircraft systems, weather, and flightplanning. New for commercial students is learning the applicable commercialaviation regulations, commercial pilot privileges, and limitations.
- Advanced Cross Country Flying: Commercial pilots often spend a lot more oftheir flight time in cross country flying. You'll complete additional dual cross countryflights to refine your ability to fly further, encountering more complex weather,airspace, and flight planning.
- Advanced Maneuvers: A commercial pilot refines their flying skills withadvanced maneuvers that demonstrate even greater command of an aircraft.
- Checkride preparation: Once all the FAA requirements are completed, you'llbegin to focus on bringing it all together. You'll work with your instructor to prep forthe oral portion of your checkride and fly together to ensure all your flight tasksmeet the FAA airmen certification standards for private pilots.
- Third-party fees: You'll pay directly for your medical exam (~$150 if needed),knowledge test ($175), and checkride fee ($850).
- NaNhours of total time and overall requirements of CFR 61.129, you will needadditional time to meet those requirements. We can assist you with those hours ina variety of ways with simulator time, time-building with another pilot, or getting anearly start on right-seat flying if earning your CFI certificate is in your plans. Pleaseinquire for a plan and quote.
What are the requirements to be a commercial pilot?
The FAA has the following requirements to become a private pilot:
Is a commercial pilot certificate right for you?
A commercial pilot certificate is best for pilots that:
What will I learn and do in training?
Some of what you'll learn and do:
What's not included?
Two categories of items:
Why Become a Pilot?
If you've thought about becoming a pilot, now is the perfect time to get started. Summit Flight Academy is your place to start training and get your pilot certificate and ratings.
How to Become a Pilot
Embark on the exciting journey to becoming a pilot with Summit Flight Academy by following these structured steps.
- Sign Up
- Enroll in Summit's Private Pilot Program to receive comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience guided by our seasoned instructors.
- Train
- Immerse yourself in hands-on flight training and Summit's tailored ground school education, gaining expertise in navigation, weather, radio communications, and regulations.
- Pass the Exams
- Successfully complete the FAA written exam, a practical flight test with a FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), and receive your Private Pilot Certificate.
By beginning training with us, you'll soon be up in the air on your own, and closer to succeeding in your aviation goals than ever before.
Give Flying a Try
Take an Intro
Flight Today
Test out if flight training is right for you by booking an introductory discovery flight with us! Meet the team, visit the flight school, and go up in a plane with one of our expert instructors.
