Commercial Pilot Rating Experience Requirements

A pilot certification allowing operation of aircraft with engines exceeding 200 horsepower.

A pilot certification allowing operation of aircraft designed for flight at altitudes above 25,000 feet MSL.

The study of how air behaves at high altitudes.

The study of weather patterns at high altitudes.

A condition where there is less oxygen available to breathe at higher altitudes.

The total amount of time spent flying an aircraft, including all types of flights.

Time spent flying an aircraft with an engine, excluding gliders.

The time spent flying an aircraft with a pilot at the controls.

Flying a distance of at least 50 nautical miles between two different airports.

Training in areas of operation required for a commercial pilot license, such as maneuvers, procedures, and airspace operations.

Flying an aircraft with an instructor on board to practice specific skills and maneuvers.

Flying alone, without an instructor, to develop independent piloting skills.

Flying in low- visibility conditions, using instruments to navigate and maintain control of the aircraft.

An uncontrolled, explosive ignition of the fuel-air mixture within the cylinder's combustion chamber.

Occurs when the fuel-air mixture ignites prior to the engine's normal ignition event.

When low engine operating temperatures are coupled with running a rich mixture.

An electrical generator that uses permanent magnets to produce periodic pulses of alternating current.

Generates an electrical current completely independent of the aircraft's electrical system.

Operates whenever the crankshaft is rotating.

The ratio of the "weight" of fuel to the "weight" of air in the mixture to be burned.

Leaning the fuel mixture at cruise altitude promotes optimal engine performance.

Propellers with blades that are fixed at a specific angle and cannot be adjusted.

Propellers whose blade angle can be adjusted in flight to control speed and efficiency.

A condition that occurs when a propeller spins too slowly, leading to the build-up of unburnt fuel on the spark plugs. This can cause engine misfires and damage.

The act of leaning an aircraft slightly forward before taxiing. This helps prevent propeller fouling by ensuring the propeller spins at a faster rate.

A signal used by ground personnel to authorize an aircraft to taxi away from a runway or taxiway. It's usually a flashing green light.

A signal used by ground personnel to instruct an aircraft to stop, usually indicated by a steady red light.

A signal used by ground personnel to indicate a runway or taxiway is in use, usually represented by a flashing red light.

A signal used by ground personnel to indicate a general warning, typically signified by flashing white light.

An illusion where a stationary light appears to move when stared at for a long time in the dark.

A potentially dangerous situation where a pilot misinterprets a sloping cloud formation, an obscured horizon, or other visual cues as the true horizon, leading to an incorrect aircraft attitude.

The perception of upward movement caused by an abrupt vertical acceleration, often experienced in updrafts. It can lead to a pilot pushing the aircraft into a nose-low attitude.

The time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as defined by the Air Almanac.

The period when the geometric center of the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon, occurring before sunrise (morning) and after sunset (evening).

When the upper edge of the sun, known as the upper limb, disappears below the horizon.

When the upper edge of the sun, known as the upper limb, appears above the horizon.

Alcohol consumption can significantly impair a pilot's judgment, reflexes, and coordination, potentially leading to dangerous situations. Pilots are required to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) below 0.04 percent and must wait 8 hours after consuming alcohol before flying.

The area of airspace above 18,000 feet MSL up to 60,000 feet MSL. All flights must be instrument flight rules (IFR).

The area of airspace surrounding major airports, extending 10 nautical miles from the airport and up to 10,000 feet MSL. Aircraft must be equipped with certain radio equipment. All flights must be IFR.

The area of airspace surrounding less congested airports, extending 5 nautical miles from the airport and up to 4,000 feet AGL. Aircraft must be equipped with a transponder with Mode C capability. All flights must be IFR.

The area of airspace surrounding smaller airports, extending 4 nautical miles from the airport to 2,500 feet AGL. Aircraft must be equipped with a transponder. All flights must be IFR.

The uncontrolled airspace above 10,000 feet MSL and above 12,500 feet MSL between 122.0° and 127.0° longitude. All flights must be IFR.

The uncontrolled airspace below 10,000 feet MSL, extending from the surface to 10,000 feet MSL. VFR or IFR flights are allowed.

The uncontrolled airspace below 1,200 feet AGL or 700 feet AGL at non-towered airports. VFR flights are allowed during the day and night. IFR flights are allowed during the day.

The visual flight rules (VFR) weather minimums for flights conducted in Class G airspace. These minimums vary depending on the time of day and the altitude of the aircraft.