How many total flight hours are required for a commercial pilot certificate under Part 61?

To obtain a commercial pilot certificate under Part 61 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, a candidate must accumulate a minimum of 250 total flight hours. This hour requirement includes specific types of flight time such as pilot-in-command hours, cross-country flight time, and night flight time, among others.

The regulation stipulates that this experience ensures that the pilot has a diverse range of flying skills and knowledge that are essential for carrying passengers or cargo for compensation or hire. The 250 hours is a comprehensive benchmark designed to promote safety and proficiency in commercial operations. This requires students not only to log flight hours but also to gain experience in various flight conditions and environments, preparing them for the complexities of commercial aviation.