Commercial Pilot Medical Requirements

The P3 Professional Pilot Program at Paragon Flight is a condensed training program that allows students to progress from zero experience to a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with credentials for flying single- and multi-engine aircraft and serving as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in 38 mere weeks. This level of training to become a commercial pilot requires a dedicated person who meets specific standards regarding medical requirements, availability, and more

P3 Professional Pilot Program Timeline

  • Commercial Pilot Medical Requirements0-10 Weeks Private Pilot (PPL) – the foundation for all future training
  • 11-18 Weeks Instrument Flight Rating (IFR) – instruction regarding navigation and communication equipment
  • 19-30 Weeks Commercial License, Single Engine and Multi-Engine (CSEL and CMEL) – mastery of aircraft with one or two engines and standards held for commercial pilots
  • 31-38 Weeks Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – learn how to share aviation skills with aspiring pilots

Prerequisites for Participation in the P3 Program

  • 18 years of age
  • High school diploma or GED, with some college preferred
  • Character references – one personal, one professional
  • Clean MVR (Motor Vehicle Record)
  • Clear criminal background check
  • Pass a behavioral and cognitive measurement
  • Clean FAA record
  • FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate
  • Fluency and literacy in the English language
  • Full-time availability (4-5 practical flight sessions, 10-20 hours of ground training per week)
  • Strong work ethic and drive, good moral character

These prerequisites are pretty straightforward, but what exactly should you anticipate with an examination to secure a 1st class medical certificate? If your ambitions end with a commercial license, you can settle for a 2nd class certificate, but you will not be able to participate in the P3 program. 

First-Class Medical Expectations

  • 20/20 vision, with or without correction
  • Color vision
  • Hearing screening
  • No challenges to speech
  • No problems with equilibrium
  • Evaluation of mental health history and substance use
  • Absence of neurologic conditions that could interfere with safe operations
  • Absence of cardiac disease that could interfere with safe operations
  • Lack of any medical condition like diabetes that could interfere with safe operations
  • Evaluation of medications taken

The First Class Medical Certificate from the FAA is the highest certificate possible with the most stringent standards for pilots.

If you meet the physical, mental, commitment, and availability expectations for the P3 Program, we welcome you to participate. There’s never been a better time to become part of the community. Pilots are in demand. Entry-level pilots earn an $80k average, and senior captain salaries top $280k per year.

Why Paragon Flight

In addition to the accelerated Professional Pilot (P3) Program, we offer incredible weather, experienced flight instructors, stellar aircraft, and a top-of-the-line curriculum. More than 350 days of the year are sunny, with clear skies for takeoff and landing, and the sites from the sky are remarkable. We operate out of the hub of aviation in Southwest Florida, Page Field, an airport with a tower-controlled runway and several airfields nearby.

Being such an ideal place for pilots, we also have no shortage of expert flight instructors so that we can provide a best-fit promise. If you’re displeased with your instructor, request another.

If you meet the medical requirements, have the time, and clear the other prerequisites, come to Paragon Flight for the P3 Professional Pilot Program to become a commercial pilot. Explore the process and get help with financing by contacting us online by clicking here or by phone at (239)747-0056.