Airline pilots operate regularly scheduled passenger flights. To fly as an airline pilot, you must have an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which is the highest pilot license the FAA issues. However, all pilots must first start by earning their private pilot license and then their commercial pilot license, before they can attain an ATP certificate.

To earn a commercial pilot certficate, a pilot must:

• • Hold a private pilot license
  • Receive the following logbook endorsements from an instructor
    • Logbook endorsement to take the aeronautical knowledge test.
    • Logbook endorsement to take the practical test.
  • Pass the following tests:
    • Commercial pilot knowledge test (often called a ‘written’ and abbreviated CAX).
    • Commercial pilot practical test (also known as a ‘check-ride’).

Reference 14 CFR §61.103 for the entire list of eligibility requirements.

To exercise the privileges of a commercial pilot license, you must hold either a second or first-class medical certificate, which can be obtained through an aeromedical examiner (AME).

Commercial pilots are subject to certain health standards, such as vision, hearing, equilibrium, mental, neurologic, and cardiovascular requirements. For a complete list of the health requirements for obtaining a second-class medical and flying as a commercial pilot reference CFR 14 §67 Subpart C.

A prerequisite of the Airline Career Pilot Program is that students must possess an FAA first-class medical certificate before starting training. Even though you only need a second-class medical for your commercial pilot license, you will need a first-class medical to fly as an airline pilot and exercise the privileges of an Airline Transport Pilot certificate.