This is the first step towards a career in aviation. The commercial certificate enables the pilot to be paid or compensated while working for a commercial operator. The commercial certificate also will increase the skill of the pilot by teaching even more precise control of the aircraft by performing limited aerobatic maneuvers and accuracy approaches. We offer both single and multi engine training, ratings and time building.  Cardinal Wings has one of the few Multi Engine Airplanes in Kentucky in the form of a well equipped Piper Seminole.  Students have the option of training in both Twin Engine and Single Engine at the same time. This increases the efficiency of training and keeps costs lower. The commercial certificate requires a minimum of 250 hours total time. At the discretion of the student, we will pair students together to build time in a crew environment and allow them to share the costs of the aircraft.

The single engine portion is focused on performing specific maneuvers to a high level of proficiency. The multi-engine portion focuses on an introduction to multi-engine aircraft and procedures. Once the student is proficient with normal operations, they will be trained how to fly the aircraft with simulated engine failures and how to cope with various emergencies associated with flying a multi-engine aircraft.

FAA's basic requirements for the Commercial Rating

You must be 18 years old

You must be able to read, speak and understand the English language

You must pass a computerized test based on the ground training knowledge you receive and make at least a 70 score.

You must hold a valid Private Pilot Certificate

You must have a total of 250 hours of flight time

You must have 100 hour pilot in command time

You must have 50 hours of cross country flight logged of which:
- One Day VFR cross country of 2 hours and 100 miles
- One Night VFR cross country of 2 hours and 100 miles
- and One 300 mile cross country flight with landings at 3 points.

You must have 10 hours training in a retractable aircraft with controllable pitch prop

These are just the basic requirements. 14CFR 61.129 goes into much greater detail. We will go over your unique case and make sure all of the requirements are met and devise a plan most effective for you.

Commercial Pilot Course Costs

This course is intended for those who would like to add a Commercial Certificate to fly for hire.  This certificate allows a pilot to be paid for services while working for a commercial operator.  This course assumes the student holds a private pilot certificate with 235 hours total time including 50 hours of PIC Cross Country.  If more time is needed, the student will pay for the normal rental of the aircraft beyond the 15 hours.  If the course is completed with less than 15 hours, the student will be able to rent the aircraft free of charge until 15 hours is achieved.  This course includes:

• 15 Hours of Flight Time Including

-Local Training
-Cross Country
-Simulated Emergencies

• 13 Hours with a Flight Instructor
• Ground Instruction
• Written Exam

PA-44-180T Seminole                                                                                    $4,315.00
(Price does not include Examiners Fee of approximately $350.00)

Commercial Pilot Add-On
This course is intended for those wanting to add multi-engine or single-engine privileges to their commercial certificate.  If more time is needed, the student will pay for the normal rental of the aircraft beyond the 10 hours.  If the course is completed with less than 10 hours, the student will be able to rent the aircraft free of charge until 10 hours is achieved.  Single-engine add-ons are based on 6 hours of training.  This course includes:

Multi-Engine Add-on

• 10 Hours of Flight Time Including

-Local Training
-Emergency Training
-Complex Endorsement

• 8 Hours with a Flight Instructor

Single-Engine Add-on

• 6 Hours of Flight Time Including

-Local Training
-Emergency Training

PA-44-180T Seminole                                                                                       $2,785.00
Cessna 172M                                                                                                      __$775.00
Cirrus SR20                                                                                                         $1,416.00
(Price does not include Examiners Fee of approximately $350.00)