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Under Part 61, how much total flight time does a commercial airplane applicant need?

250 hours as a pilot (single-engine or multiengine airplane).

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  1. 250 hours ✔
  2. 150 hours
  3. 1,500 hours

Why: Section 61.129 requires 250 hours of flight time for the airplane category with single-engine or multiengine class. Helicopter applicants need 150 hours, and 1,500 hours is an airline transport pilot number.

Huh, didn't know that: A Part 142 approved course can reduce the total to 190 hours.

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References

Answer: 250 hours. Section 61.129 requires 250 hours of flight time for the airplane category with single-engine or multiengine class. Helicopter applicants need 150 hours, and 1,500 hours is an airline transport pilot number.

  1. 14 CFR 61.129 Aeronautical experience (Cornell LII eCFR mirror) www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/61.129
    must log at least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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