How to Get a Commercial Pilot License

If you’re serious about turning your passion for flying into a paid, professional career, earning a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) is your next major step. At Paragon Flight,

students receive comprehensive, FAA-approved training that combines expert instruction, advanced aircraft, and real-world flight experience. Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading your credentials, our proven approach helps you acquire the skills, confidence, and certifications necessary to thrive in professional aviation.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how students earn their CPL at Paragon Flight:

1. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

Before starting CPL training, students must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold at least a Private Pilot License (PPL)
• Obtain a Second-Class FAA Medical Certificate
• Be fluent in English
• Have a high school diploma or GED (college experience is a plus)

2. Choose a Training Path

Paragon Flight offers two FAA-approved training options:

• Part 141: A structured, full-time program ideal for students who want an accelerated, academically focused experience.
• Part 61: A more flexible approach for students balancing training with work or other commitments.

3. Complete Required Training and Flight Hours

To qualify for a CPL, students must log:

• 250 total flight hours (including dual instruction and solo time)
• 100 hours of pilot-in-command (PIC) time
• 50 hours of cross-country flying
• 10 hours of instrument training
• 10 hours in a complex or Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA)

At Paragon, students meet these requirements using a TAA fleet including the Piper PA28 Pilot 100i, Piper PA-44 Seminole, and Cirrus SR20 G6, all equipped with Garmin G1000/G3X Touch avionics.

4. Master Advanced Skills

CPL training at Paragon includes:

• Commercial maneuvers (steep turns, chandelles, lazy eights, etc.)
• Advanced systems management
• Navigation and cross-country proficiency
• Scenario-based training using FAA-approved simulators

5. Pass the FAA Exams

Students must complete:

• The FAA written knowledge exam for the CPL
• A checkride (practical exam) with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), including an oral exam and flight test

6. Start Your Career

After earning a CPL, students can:

• Apply for Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) training at Paragon to build hours
• Pursue airline, charter, corporate, or cargo pilot jobs
• Begin preparing for their Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification

Take Off with Confidence at Paragon Flight

Paragon Flight is a nationally recognized flight academy with three campuses in Fort Myers and Punta Gorda, Florida, and LaGrange, Georgia. Known for its FAA-approved Part 141 and Part 61 programs, Paragon offers flexible, career-focused training designed for aspiring professional pilots from all backgrounds.

Students train on a modern fleet of Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), including models equipped with Garmin G1000 and G3X Touch avionics, and benefit from FAA-approved flight simulators that support immersive, scenario-based training. With personalized instruction from experienced flight professionals, a strong safety culture, and over 300 days of flyable weather annually, Paragon provides an environment built for real progress and long-term aviation success.

Whether your goal is to fly for an airline, instruct the next generation of pilots, or enter corporate and charter aviation, Paragon Flight delivers the training, tools, and support to help you get there. Contact us today to speak with an advisor or schedule a tour at one of our premier training campuses.