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Best commercial pilot certifications
The best certifications for a commercial pilot are Commercial Pilot (CP), Certified Aviation Manager (CAM), and Commercial Driver License (CDL).
Commercial pilot certifications demonstrate your competency as a commercial pilot to employers. However, not all commercial pilot certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best commercial pilot certifications. Obtaining a commercial pilot certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
4 best certifications for commercial pilots
| Rank | Commercial pilot certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commercial Pilot (CP) | FAA |
| 2 | Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) | NBAA |
| 3 | Commercial Driver License (CDL) | FMCSA |
| 4 | Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) | FAA |
4 best commercial pilot certifications
1. Commercial Pilot (CP)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
2. Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
NBAA's Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Program identifies qualified professionals to lead flight departments and companies that use business aircraft. Join the ranks of esteemed aviation professionals who have already been recognized as Certified Aviation Managers and apply for the CAM Exam today.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
3. Commercial Driver License (CDL)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation that is responsible for establishing standards for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators, including the Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The minimum national CDL testing standards and licensing requirements established by FMCSA are administered by state driver licensing agencies when they issue a CDL. You are required to obtain and hold a CDL if you drive interstate, intrastate (within a state), or for foreign commerce and drive a vehicle that meets any of the classifications of a CDL. States develop their own tests which must meet the minimum federal standards, but which also may have standards unique to the state. To get a CDL, first you must get a commercial learner's permit. States can only issue learner's permits and CDLs to drivers after they pass knowledge exams and skills tests. You have to pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests for the class of license and type of endorsement required to operate the type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive. And, you have to take the skills test in a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle you plan to operate. For a quick reference of CDL Classes, see the CDL License Matrix.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
4. Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
What is the best certification for a commercial pilot?
The best commercial pilot certification is Commercial Pilot (CP). The Commercial Pilot (CP) is awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this commercial pilot certification:
- To become a certified Commercial Pilot (CP), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 2 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for commercial pilots?
The most in-demand commercial pilot certification is Commercial Pilot based on all active job postings. Having this commercial pilot certification will give you access to more commercial pilot jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a commercial pilot career and salary?
The Certified Aviation Manager certification will help you to secure a pilot position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A pilot's average salary is $77,975 whereas commercial pilots make an average salary of $94,406.
The most common combination of commercial pilot certifications include: Commercial Pilot (CP), Certified Aviation Manager (CAM), and Commercial Driver License (CDL).
Online courses for commercial pilots to earn certifications
1. Fundamentals of Flight mechanics
How do planes take off? How do they fly? How do pilots maintain control of them? And how high can airplanes fly? Get answers to all these questions and more with this specialization exploring the fundamentals of flight mechanics. You will learn how the laws of physics apply to airplanes and discover important concepts in aviation including lift, drag, and propulsion...
2. Flight Mechanics - Anemobarometry
This course focuses on the physics of the atmosphere and its consequences on speed and altitude measurements. At the end of this course, you will understand precisely the meaning of the speed and altitude indication available to the pilot of an airplane. You will understand the difference between standard and actual atmosphere and be able to perform basic altitude and speed correction computations. You will understand why jet airliners need to be pressurized, or why a clogged Pitot tube can...
3. Part 1 FAA Private Pilot Ground School (Part 61)
Introduction to flight training, Aircraft Structure, Systems and Flight Instruments...
4. Airline Operations: Flight Planning and Flight Dispatch
Airline Operations: Master the essentials of aviation - aircraft operational control and dispatch...
5. Flight mechanics - Propulsive balance and energy
This course is dedicated to energy management, i.e. speed and altitude control. The various sources of drag are first described and modeled, as well as thrust origin, and evolution with speed and altitude. Using these models, we can evaluate the propulsive balance and derive important concepts like flight regimes, best climb speed, or propulsion ceiling. We take then a glance at cruise performances and the evolution of range with weight. This course is a part of the specialization "Fundamentals...
6. Flight mechanics - Lift and trajectory
In this course, you will understand the influence of the angle of attack and speed on the lift. Then we will focus on hazards and limitations, like stall, spiral dive, or flutter. You will understand why stall phenomenon and Mach number limit the maximum lift and altitude the airplane can achieve. Then, you must understand what is flutter and why the altitude and speed of the airplane must be restricted to a safe domain. In the end, we will explain how to control the trajectory of the airplane...
7. Flight Mechanics - From Theory to Certification of Aircraft
Modeling theory, aircraft 6DOF simulation, flight dynamics, flight simulators and aircraft certification...
8. Phantom & Mavic Flightschool - flight training & Go4 app
Master your flying skills & the DJI Go flight modes like Tapfly, Active Track, Waypoints, Point of interest & more!...
9. Development of Secure Embedded Systems
Three people died after the crash landing of an Asiana Airlines aircraft from Seoul, Korea, at San Fransisco International Airport (SFO) on July 6, 2013. The American National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) established that the crash most probably was caused by the flight crew's (in)actions. Three teenage girls lost their lives; two in the airplane and another was accidentally run over by a firetruck.\n\nThe human factor is often cause for accidents. NTSB and others report that more than 50...
10. Autonomous Vehicle Engineering
This specialization is intended for students seeking to explore the Autonomous Vehicle sector, which is undergoing profound transformation in today’s world. It offers a general overview of modern electronic and information technologies used in the Automotive and Aerospace fields and provides skills for several industrial sectors.\n\nThrough the courses you will develop a multidisciplinary know-how: the all-important big data management, the principles of modelling and simulation of mechatronic...
11. UAS FAR 107 FAA Drone Exam Preparation - INCLUDES NEW RULES
Prepare to pass the FAA knowledge test for UAS Remote Pilot Certification (RPC)...
12. UAS/Drone Remote Pilot Test Prep for Part 107
Don't learn just enough to pass the exam (updated 2023)...
13. (Core) 4hr FAA Part 107 Knowledge Test Prep for Drone Pilots
Save time, skip fluff & learn the important stuff...
14. Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft Fundamentals and Advanced
Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering: Master the Mechanics of Airplanes - Aerodynamics, Flight Maneuvers, JET Engines...
15. UAS/UAV (Drone) Remote Pilot Certification Test - Part 107
The comprehensive guide to passing the FAA Drone Pilot Knowledge Exam...
16. Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft Systems and Avionics
Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering: Master the Systems of Airplanes - Hydraulics, Avionics, Electric, Propulsion...
17. FAA Part 107 Exam Prep with Quizlet and PDF Study Materials
Pass the exam with the help of an experienced drone pilot and Professor (2023 Updates Included)...
18. Introduction to 2 & 3D Drone Modeling With Agisoft Metashape
Building 2D & 3D Models with drone images and Metashape. Drone flight setups and basic modeling with Metashape...
19. DJI Drones: How To Become The Ultimate Pilot
Fly with confidence, get professional videos, stay safe and get in the air quickly!...
20. Outstanding Customer Service - The Ultimate Guide!
Unlocking the Powerful Secrets of OUTSTANDING Customer Service - Transform Your Business!...