5.C
Aviation Merit Badge
Digital Resource Guide
Explain the following: the commercial pilot certificate, the airline transport pilot certificate, and certified flight instructor (CFI).
Here’s a detailed explanation of the Commercial Pilot Certificate, Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, and Certified Flight Instructor Certificates.
1. Commercial Pilot Certificate
Purpose:
Allows pilots to earn money for flying.
Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold at least a private pilot certificate.
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Accumulate a minimum of:
- 250 total flight hours (Part 61) or 190 hours (Part 141 schools).
- 100 hours as pilot-in-command (PIC).
- 50 hours of cross-country flight time.
- 10 hours of instrument training.
- 10 hours of training in a complex aircraft or technically advanced airplane (TAA).
- Pass a second-class medical exam.
- Complete the FAA written knowledge test and a practical test (checkride).
Privileges:
- Perform paid flight duties, such as aerial tours, banner towing, ferry flights, crop dusting, or cargo transport.
- Does not allow flying as a captain for airlines (requires an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate).
Limitations:
- Without an instrument rating, commercial pilots are restricted to daytime flights and within 50 nautical miles of the originating airport.
Next steps:
- Many commercial pilots continue training to earn an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.
2. Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
Purpose:
The highest level of pilot certification, required to act as captain (Pilot in Command) for airlines.
Requirements:
- Be at least 23 years old.
- Hold a commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating.
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Accumulate a minimum of 1,500 total flight hours, including:
- 500 hours of cross-country time.
- 100 hours of night flight.
- 75 hours of instrument flight.
- 250 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
- Pass a first-class medical exam.
- Complete ATP-specific ground school and simulator training.
- Pass the ATP written knowledge test and practical test (checkride).
Privileges:
- Operate as a captain for airlines.
- Serve as Pilot in Command (PIC) for aircraft requiring an ATP certificate.
Restrictions for First Officers:
- First officers must hold an ATP certificate with restricted privileges if they do not meet the full ATP requirements (e.g., age, flight hours). This is common under FAA Part 121 regulations.
Career Importance:
- The ATP certificate is a critical milestone for airline pilots and is often required for management or training positions in aviation.
3. Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate
Purpose:
Allows pilots to teach others how to fly and provide flight training.
Requirements:
- Hold at least a commercial pilot certificate or ATP certificate.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Pass the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) written exam (unless you hold a teaching credential).
- Pass the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) written exam.
- Accumulate the necessary hours and skills to teach maneuvers and flight principles.
- Pass a practical test (checkride) with an FAA examiner.
- Pass the ATP written knowledge test and practical test (checkride).
Privileges:
- Provide training for student pilots, including pre-solo, cross-country, and checkride preparation.
- Conduct flight reviews and proficiency checks.
Limitations:
- CFIs cannot act as Pilot in Command unless they meet additional requirements for the specific operation.
- CFIs must renew their certificate every two years through a flight review or additional training.
Benefits:
- Many pilots become CFIs to build flight hours toward their commercial or ATP requirements while earning an income.
- Provides valuable teaching experience and enhances a pilot’s knowledge and skills.
Key Takeaway
Experienced and ambitious pilots can turn their love of flying into a career with the right training and skillset. Have you every dreamed about doing something exciting like this – and getting paid for it?
Key Takeaway
Experienced and ambitious pilots can turn their love of flying into a career with the right training and skillset. Have you every dreamed about doing something exciting like this – and getting paid for it?
While these careers sound exciting, there is a lot of work involved to get there. Learn more about what it takes to be a civilian or military pilot!
