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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-private-first

What certificate must you hold before you can earn a commercial pilot certificate?

At least a private pilot certificate (or the military route in 61.73).

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  1. A flight instructor certificate
  2. At least a private pilot certificate ✔
  3. An instrument rating

Why: A commercial applicant must hold at least a private pilot certificate, or meet the military pilot rules in 61.73. An instrument rating is not required first, though without one the certificate gets the 50 nautical mile and night limitation.

Huh, didn't know that: A flight instructor certificate is not a prerequisite either. In fact, a flight instructor applicant must already hold a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate.

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Why did the student start with private? You have to taxi before you can charge.
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References

Answer: At least a private pilot certificate. A commercial applicant must hold at least a private pilot certificate, or meet the military pilot rules in 61.73. An instrument rating is not required first, though without one the certificate gets the 50 nautical mile and night limitation.

  1. 14 CFR 61.123 Eligibility requirements: General (Cornell LII eCFR mirror) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/61.123
    Hold at least a private pilot certificate issued under this part
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. 14 CFR 61.183 Eligibility requirements (flight instructor) (Cornell LII eCFR mirror) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/61.183
    Hold either a commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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