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The Pilots Desk
US-FAA14 CFR 61.129

Aeronautical experience

Read the official rule

In plain English

The commercial pilot (airplane single-engine) certificate requires 250 hours total time, including specific pilot-in-command, cross-country, night, and 10 hours in a complex or technically-advanced aircraft, plus long day and night solo (or performing-the-duties) cross-countries.

Key points

  • 250 hours total time with detailed PIC and XC components.
  • 10 hours of instrument and 10 hours in a complex/TAA airplane.
  • A long ~300-NM day XC and a long night XC.

Common pitfalls

  • Mis-logging the specific required cross-countries (distances and landings matter).

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

This is an original plain-English explanation for training and reference, not legal advice and not for navigation. Always rely on the current official rule linked above. Last reviewed June 7, 2026.