Flight proficiency

This regulation specifies the areas of operation you must receive training in and demonstrate proficiency for a commercial pilot certificate. The specific areas depend on which aircraft category and class rating you're seeking.

For example, if you're pursuing a single-engine airplane rating, you'll train in eleven areas including preflight preparation, takeoffs and landings, performance and ground reference maneuvers, navigation, slow flight and stalls, emergency operations, high-altitude operations, and postflight procedures. Multiengine airplane training covers similar areas but substitutes multiengine operations for ground reference maneuvers.

Helicopter, gyroplane, powered-lift, glider, airship, and balloon ratings each have their own tailored list of areas—for instance, helicopters include hovering maneuvers while gliders focus on soaring techniques and performance speeds. Notably, airship and balloon ratings uniquely require fundamentals of instructing and technical subjects.

Your instructor must provide both ground and flight training in these areas, and you must log this training before taking your commercial pilot practical test.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*