Becoming A Commercial Pilot
In order to obtain a Commercial Pilot Certificate, you must hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate, and you must successfully pass the FAA Knowledge Test and a Practical Test for a Commercial Pilot Certificate. The practical test consists of an oral examination and a flight test. This test is given by a FAA Inspector or a FAA Designated Examiner and is administered at Sky Walk. When these tests are successfully completed, you will receive a Commercial Pilot Certificate.
The Commercial Pilot Certificate is required to be able to get paid money for your flight. For example, Certified Flight Instructor, Charter Pilot, Cargo Pilot, Aerial Photography, etc. Some commercial operations require, after you have become a commercial pilot, to go through the Part 135 check-ride or other check-rides depending on the operation you will be getting into. And, if you do not hold an Instrument Rating, your operations will be very limited. We recommend you get an Instrument Rating before you take your Commercial Pilot check-ride.
We recommend to all of our Private Pilot Course graduates to obtain an Instrument Rating. With our experience, an instrument rated pilot will be able to fly an airplane a lot more precisely and become a lot more familiar with the Air Traffic Control System. Additionally, the pilot will be able to fly through clouds and fog so that you have more flexibility to go more places, not affected by weather conditions such as a Non-Instrument rated pilot.
You may also want to consider obtaining your Multi-Engine Rating after completing your Commercial training, especially if you plan to pursue a career as a pilot.