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.
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.
Five FAA-written-style questions. Instant explanations, every answer cites its source — no account needed.
You are flying VFR in Class E airspace at 8,500 feet MSL during the day. What are your minimum visibility and cloud clearance requirements?