How Long Does It Take to Become a Commercial Pilot In Florida?

As you transition from dreaming of being a pilot to making plans to see it done, you likely have many questions. Whether you’re wondering how long does it take to become a commercial pilot, how much does it costs, or what to expect during training, allow Paragon Flight, the premier flight school in Florida, to answer all of these questions. Let’s dive right in!

How Long Does It Take to Become a Commercial Pilot In Florida?First things first, let’s define what it means to be a commercial pilot. A commercial pilot is a professional, deemed by the FAA to be sufficiently trained and prepared to haul cargo and people and be paid for those services. Without a commercial pilot license, it is illegal to accept a dime for pilot duties. Commercial pilots fulfill many roles in the sky, and it has never been a better time for interested prospects to join the field.

Timeline for Commercial Pilot License Acquisition

Paragon Flight offers the P3 Professional Pilot Program. This program’s purpose is to expedite the training of our students as they strive to become professionals in the field. Accomplishing our goal of helping students develop skills and long term professional success requires a three prong approach:

  • Quality training as opposed to quantity of training
  • Financial facilitation through student loans, grants, and scholarships
  • Development of leadership, character, and professional attitudes

0-10 WEEKS Step One – Private Pilot (PPL) – Provides the foundation for all training and is essential to future efforts to become a commercial pilot.

18 WEEKS Step Two – Instrument Rating (IFR) – The IFR course will teach you to fly with avionics, radio communication, and navigation tech. Commercial pilots must have these skills.

30 WEEKS Step Three – Commercial License, Single Engine and Multi Engine (CSEL and CMEL) – Completing the requirements for commercial licensing will be the next step. The program will prepare you to fly commercially in both a single-engine plane as well as a twin-engine aircraft, with safety, proficiency, and skill transferability as the standards of our program.

38 WEEKS Step Four – Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – The final phase of our P3 Program is to become a flight instructor yourself. The benefits of this certification include the ability to earn a living as you log flight hours in pursuit of further certifications, like those required to become an airline pilot.

Requirements for Participation in the P3 Program

  • 18 years old
  • High school graduate or GED holder (some college preferred)
  • Professional character reference
  • Personal character reference
  • Positive driving record
  • Clear criminal background check
  • Passing scores on a behavioral and cognitive measurement
  • Clear FAA record
  • FAA First Class Medical Certificate
  • Fluent and literate in the English language
  • Full-time availability (4-5 classes/week; 10-20 hours)
  • Strong character and work ethic

Paying for P3 Participation

If the financial aspects of becoming a pilot have held you back, Paragon Flight is here to help! We work with students to locate appropriate financing options. Whether you participate as a college student and obtain student loans or grants to reasonable personal loans, speak to our team about all of the resources available to you.

If you’re ready to participate in an accelerated, high-quality commercial pilot program, call Paragon Flight at (239) 747-0056 or follow the provided link to express interest in our P3 Professional Pilot Program. This Florida-based program provides a surprising answer to the question of how long does it take to become a commercial pilot.