Commercial Pilot Training Materials

You need a commercial pilot test prep book or bundle built on current FAA question banks, such as the Gleim or ASA test prep, plus the Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement you will use at the testing center. Many pilots add an online ground school for full coverage and the required test endorsement.

The FAA commercial pilot knowledge test requires a minimum passing score of 70 percent. The exam draws from released FAA test items covering aerodynamics, regulations, performance, and operations, which is why studying with a current question bank and test prep guide is the most reliable way to pass on the first try.

Under Part 61 you generally need at least 250 hours of flight time, including specific cross-country, instrument, and pilot-in-command experience. An approved Part 141 school can certify you with as few as 190 hours. Confirm the exact aeronautical experience requirements with your flight school and an instructor.

No, you can earn a commercial pilot certificate without an instrument rating, but you will carry a limitation. Without the instrument rating you may not carry passengers for hire on cross-country flights beyond 50 nautical miles or at night, so most commercial pilots add the instrument rating.

Both ASA and Gleim are excellent and built on current FAA question banks. Gleim is known for methodical, topic-by-topic coverage and a complete online ground school, while ASA offers a multi-format bundle with book, download, and online practice tests. The better choice depends on your preferred study style.

The oral exam covers the knowledge areas in the Commercial Pilot Airplane ACS, including regulations and privileges, aircraft systems and performance, weather, cross-country planning, and commercial maneuvers. A designated pilot examiner asks scenario-based questions before the flight test, so an oral exam guide and the ACS are the core prep tools.