Commercial Pilot Hours Limits

The Paragon Flight Professional Pilot Program in Florida will provide you with comprehensive preparation for becoming a commercial pilot – including everything that you need to know regarding limits on hours and other FAA rules and regulations. 

Rules Regarding Down Time for Pilots

Commercial Pilot Hours LimitsRested pilots are as important as you might imagine. Knowing the rules regarding limits on hours and other physical and behavioral limitations is as critical as knowing how to navigate the plane itself. Flight hour limitations are such that pilots many not work any more than:

  • 500 hours over three months time;
  • 800 hours over a consecutive six months; 
  • 1,400 hours during a single year.

During a 24-hour time period, pilots may not work more than:

  • 8 hours for a single-pilot crew;
  • 10 hours for a two-pilot crew.

Other requirements include:

  • Minimum of 10 hours of rest time immediately before a flight;
  • Maximum of 14 hours in a duty period;
  • Minimum of 14 hours of rest time for a flight with multiple time zones.

In addition to being well-rested, pilots must be in peak physical condition. That’s why the FAA mandates strict medical requirements. 

In anticipation of this need, the P3 Professional Pilot Program at Paragon Flight requires that candidates obtain an FAA First-Class Medical Certificate. 

Additional requirements for program participation include that the candidate be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, provide a personal and a professional character reference, have a clean driving record, pass a criminal background check, pass a behavioral and cognitive evaluation, have a clean record with the FAA, be literate and fluent in the English language, be available full-time for training that consists of 4-5 flight lessons and 10-20 hours of ground training each week, and be of good character with a strong work drive.

The Choice of Paragon Flight

Paragon Flight operates an award-winning flight school. We’ve been honored with recognition by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) many times over the years, and we work diligently to earn this recognition in our daily operations for every student pilot.

With two locations, Paragon Flight can meet the needs of many students. You’ll find us in Fort Myers (FMY) as well as Punta Gorda (PGD). We offer a tower-controlled runway, plenty of practice areas, and modern facilities for all of our students.

Furthermore, the area offers lovely weather all year long. Sunny, clear skies are more than pleasant; they provide our pilots the opportunity to complete more hours, on their schedule. This flexibility will allow you to finish your training faster, especially when you take advantage of the accelerated timeline of the P3 Professional Pilot Program. 

Fast-Paced Timeline of the P3 Program:

  • 0-10 Weeks – Professional Pilot License (PPL)
  • 11-18 Weeks – Instrument Flight Rating (IFR)
  • 19-30 Weeks – Commercial License, Single Engine & Multi Engine (CSEL & CMEL)
  • 31-38 Weeks – Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

By the time you’re done with this program, you’ll be commercially licensed to operate both single-engine and twin-engine aircraft and to perform as a licensed flight instructor. This level of training will put you well on your path toward working as an airline pilot and more.

Come to Paragon Flight to learn all that you need to know to earn your license and operate as a commercial pilot – from the limits on hours of operations to the skill needed to counteract any spin. Contact us today, online by following this link or by calling (239) 274-3170, to discuss the appropriate program for you or to dive into financial resources available.