FAR 61.123 — Commercial Pilot Eligibility
FAR 61.123 lists the eligibility requirements for a commercial pilot certificate: age, English, training, knowledge test, experience, and practical test.
In Plain English
FAR 61.123 sets the baseline requirements you must meet to earn a commercial pilot certificate. This is the gateway rule for anyone wanting to fly for compensation or hire — before you can even schedule the practical test, every item below must be satisfied.
To be eligible, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English (the Administrator may impose operating limitations if a medical condition prevents meeting one of these).
- Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying you completed the required ground training (or home-study review) on the knowledge areas in § 61.125 and are prepared for the knowledge test.
- Pass the knowledge test on the § 61.125 aeronautical knowledge areas.
- Receive flight training and an instructor endorsement covering the areas of operation in § 61.127(b) for the category/class sought.
- Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of Subpart F for the category/class sought.
- Pass the practical test on the § 61.127(b) areas of operation.
- Hold at least a private pilot certificate (or meet § 61.73 for military pilots).
- Comply with all other Part 61 sections that apply to the category/class sought.
This matters because skipping any element — age, prerequisite certificate, endorsements, or experience — disqualifies you from testing, regardless of skill.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.123§ 61.123 Eligibility requirements: General.
To be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate, a person must:
(a) Be at least 18 years of age;
(b) Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. If the applicant is unable to meet one of these requirements due to medical reasons, then the Administrator may place such operating limitations on that applicant's pilot certificate as are necessary for the safe operation of the aircraft.
(c) Receive a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the required ground training or reviewed the person's home study on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in § 61.125 of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required knowledge test that applies to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
(d) Pass the required knowledge test on the aeronautical knowledge areas listed in § 61.125 of this part;
(e) Receive the required training and a logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor who:
(1) Conducted the training on the areas of operation listed in § 61.127(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought; and
(2) Certified that the person is prepared for the required practical test.
(f) Meet the aeronautical experience requirements of this subpart that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought before applying for the practical test;
(g) Pass the required practical test on the areas of operation listed in § 61.127(b) of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought;
(h) Hold at least a private pilot certificate issued under this part or meet the requirements of § 61.73; and
(i) Comply with the sections of this part that apply to the aircraft category and class rating sought.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What are the basic eligibility requirements for a commercial pilot certificate?
Per FAR 61.123, you must be at least 18, able to read/speak/write/understand English, hold at least a private pilot certificate (or meet § 61.73), receive required ground and flight training endorsements, pass the knowledge and practical tests, and meet the aeronautical experience requirements for the category and class sought.
Q2Do you need to hold a private pilot certificate before getting your commercial certificate?
Yes. FAR 61.123(h) requires that an applicant hold at least a private pilot certificate issued under Part 61, or alternatively meet the requirements of § 61.73 (which covers military pilots).
Q3What endorsements must a commercial applicant have in their logbook before the practical test?
Under FAR 61.123(c) and (e), the applicant needs an instructor endorsement certifying completion of ground training on the § 61.125 knowledge areas and preparation for the knowledge test, plus a second endorsement certifying training on the § 61.127(b) areas of operation and readiness for the practical test.
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Related Sections in Part 61