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Commercial Pilot Career Options

5 Commercial Pilot Careers You Can Obtain with Your Pilot License

What Can You Do With a Commercial Pilot License?

Before and after going to flight school, many individuals wonder, “What can you do with a commercial pilot license?” Many careers are open to experienced commercial pilots and beginners alike, from flight attendants to aerial photography pilots.

If you’re interested in getting an Arizona commercial pilot license, Leopard Aviation has the professional commercial pilot training program you need. With skilled instructors and a fleet of advanced aircraft, we make learning how to fly fun and effective.

Below, we discuss the various careers and commercial pilot privileges you get after attending private pilot flight school.


Become a Commercial Airline Pilot

The most obvious answer to “What can you do with a commercial pilot license?” is to become a commercial pilot. After getting a commercial license, pilots can apply for jobs with major airline carriers and carry passengers domestically or internationally.

Many minor flying jobs, such as banner towing, local tour flying, and pipeline patrol, require only a commercial pilot certificate. Major airlines have stricter requirements.

In addition to getting your Instrument Rating and commercial pilot license, you’ll also need to garner up to 1,500 flight hours to get an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. Airline pilots must also have an FAA medical certificate, spend 50 flight hours in a multi-engine aircraft, have a Multi-Engine Rating, and be older than 23.


Work as a Corporate or Charter Pilot

Another answer to “What can you do with a commercial pilot license?” is to be a corporate pilot. Corporate pilots work for companies that own planes and facilitate business professionals’ travel. They handle fueling, plane maintenance, and all other responsibilities necessary to carry persons safely.

Similarly, private carriage flights involve transporting multiple business professionals or customers. Exclusivity and privacy increase with fewer clients.

Many pilots work private carriage for self-employment as it reduces their commercial pilot limitations. Flying a privately owned aircraft gives you the freedom to run your business while maintaining FAA compliance and choosing your customers.


Certified Flight Instructor

Flight instruction is one of the first jobs regarding “What can you do with a commercial pilot license?” Flight instructors teach aspiring pilots and help them gain their private pilot license, commercial operating certificate, Instrument Rating certification, and more. They teach individuals the proper processes regarding plane maneuvering, emergency handling, communication, and instrument reading.

In addition to helping others gain their licensure, working as a flight instructor also counts towards the necessary hours for a transport pilot license. Whether you want to get your ATP certificate or maintain your flight skills, becoming a flight instructor has many benefits.


Engage in Part 119 Exception Operations

addition to flight instruction, you can work as an aircraft ferry pilot, take aerial photography, take passengers on nonstop commercial air tours, be a pilot for hot air balloons, run an emergency mail service, and more.

Part 119 allows you to perform aerial work operations, such as helicopter operations, within 25 miles of the takeoff location. Crop dusting and other agricultural applications are also standard.

 

Fly as a Cargo Pilot

Cargo pilots transport packages and freight internationally. As a cargo pilot, you transport aircraft, mail, and other items requiring delivery, which warrants an ATP certificate. You’ll work with individual companies and fulfill cargo orders.

Many cargo pilots work with a small crew. Because of the extensive demands of flying cargo, multiple pilots facilitate the transport process and handle other tasks throughout the aircraft. This position pays exceptionally well but has fewer travel perks than working for a typical aircraft carrier.

 

Commercial Pilot Limitations

Some limitations come with a lack of certifications. Many careers require you to have an Instrument Rating to carry passengers to points more than 50 miles from your departure location. Commercial pilots cannot facilitate Part 135 operations such as air taxi flights and other on-demand operations.

You must be aware of the difference between private and common carriage. You cannot offer services for compensation as a commercial pilot without having your own business, a commercial certificate, and an ATP certificate.

Some individuals with medical certificates are eligible to fly aircraft. You’ll need a first- or second-class certificate, in addition to a commercial license, to operate under these circumstances.

Other limitations include working for unlicensed operations. When working for any commercial operation, you’ll need to confirm their license to avoid risking your own.


Begin Your Commercial Piloting Career in Arizona

Whether you want to be a First Officer on an aircraft or something else, utilizing your commercial pilot certificate can result in a fulfilling career and excellent pay. Commercial piloting might be right for you if you enjoy traveling and providing services. At Leopard Aviation Flight School, we offer flight lessons in Mesa and Scottsdale, AZ.

Our licensed flight instructors and FAA-approved training give you the confidence to fly commercially in Arizona and beyond. Learn about the commercial pilot license requirements and discover other careers regarding “What can you do with a commercial pilot license?” when you enroll in our courses. Contact Leopard Aviation Flight School today at 480-605-4539.

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