Your Ticket to Flying for Hire
From maneuvers to mock orals, every milestone builds the foundation for your aviation career
Program Start & Training Plan
Work with your CFI to review your logbook, align goals, and build a training schedule that meets FAA requirements and your career timeline.
Advanced Maneuvers & Precision Flying
Master chandelles, lazy eights, steep spirals, eights-on-pylons, and other commercial-level maneuvers that demonstrate professional-level aircraft control.
Master High-Performance Aircraft
Gain required experience in complex or technically advanced aircraft (TAA) equipped with advanced avionics.
Cross-Country Proficiency
Build long-distance planning skills and log required day and night cross-country flights, including flights over 250 NM with multiple landings.
Simulator Integration
Use Aspire’s FAA-approved simulators to refine instrument procedures, emergencies, and complex systems management in a safe, repeatable environment.
Checkride Preparation
Polish maneuvers, review regulations, run mock orals, and complete proficiency flights so you’re confident and ready for the commercial checkride.
Choose Your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Path
Program estimates assume students already meet the FAA minimum flight hour requirements to qualify for the checkride. Those still building time toward eligibility can combine time-building packages or additional training to reach the required total before beginning the course.
All estimates reflect Aspire’s structured approach to commercial proficiency training and include aircraft, instruction, and checkride preparation at realistic, all-inclusive rates.
Piper Cherokee
Piper Archer
Cirrus SR20
Note: Commercial Pilot License (CPL) applicants must have logged at least 10 hours in a Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA). If all training is completed in the Cherokee, an additional $2,350 in flight time will be required to meet this requirement.
The Aspire Aviation Difference
Aspire’s FAA-approved simulators replicate the Garmin G1000 NXi and Cirrus Perspective cockpits in our fleet. These allow unlimited practice of commercial maneuvers, instrument procedures, and emergencies at lower cost.
Combined with our modern aircraft and experienced CFIs, you’ll build confidence and proficiency in the same tools used by professional pilots.
What You Can Do With a Commercial Pilot Certificate?
A Commercial Pilot Certificate opens the door to professional and advanced flying opportunities that go beyond a Private or Instrument Rating.
Fly for Compensation or Hire
Qualify for jobs such as flight instruction (with a CFI), banner towing, pipeline patrol, or aerial photography.
Expand Professional Pathways
Open doors to corporate aviation, charter flying, cargo operations, or future airline careers.
Become an Airline Transport Pilot
Start logging time required for ATP minimums and airline opportunities.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Prerequisites
To earn a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) under FAA Part 61, you must meet these requirements:
- Age – At least 18 years old.
- Medical Certificate – Hold a valid FAA 2nd Class Medical or higher.
- Private Pilot Certificate – Must already hold a Private Pilot License (PPL).
- Flight Experience – Minimum of 250 total flight hours
- Knowledge Test – Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot Airman Knowledge Test.
- Practical Test – Successfully complete the commercial checkride (oral + flight) with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Program FAQ
Do I need an Instrument Rating before earning a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)?
An Instrument Rating is required for most commercial operations and is strongly recommended before beginning commercial training.
What happens if I already have time in complex or technically advanced aircraft?
Your previous complex/TAA time can count toward commercial requirements. We’ll review your logbook and tailor your plan so you don’t repeat hours unnecessarily.
How does Aspire support hour-building toward ATP?
We offer aircraft rental, safety pilot opportunities, and structured training paths designed to help you build quality flight hours efficiently and safely.
Do I need to have all 250 hours before starting commercial training?
No. You can begin commercial lessons before reaching 250 hours. Your CFIs will structure training so you meet the FAA requirements by the time you’re checkride-ready.
What’s the difference between a Commercial Certificate under Part 61 vs Part 141?
Under Part 61 (Aspire’s structure), you’ll need 250 hours total time. Part 141 schools can qualify you at 190 hours but require a more rigid schedule. Many students prefer Part 61 flexibility, especially when balancing work and family.
Do I need a multi-engine rating for commercial flying?
Not initially. A single-engine commercial certificate allows you to fly for hire in single-engine aircraft. Many students add multi-engine privileges later to expand career opportunities.
How do I finance my Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and hour-building?
Aspire partners with financing providers and offers flexible scheduling so you can spread out costs. Many students also offset expenses by renting aircraft for shared cross-country flights with other pilots.
Where Passion Meets Profession
Aspire’s Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Program prepares you to operate at a professional standard and get paid to fly. Training emphasizes advanced maneuvers, precision flying, and complex aircraft operations so you can meet and exceed FAA requirements.
Our instructors mentor you through every step, helping you refine your skills and develop the discipline expected of a professional aviator. Whether your goal is charter, corporate, or airlines, Aspire gives you the training and tools to take the next step in your career.