Ratings & Certificates

Sport, private, instrument, commercial: requirements explained.

Instrument Rating Requirements (Part 61, Airplane)

Part 61 instrument-airplane requirements (61.65(d)): 50 hr PIC cross-country, 40 hr instrument, 15 with an instructor, and the long IFR cross-country.

✓ Source-checked Oct 16, 2026 Ratings & certificates

Commercial Pilot Requirements (Airplane)

FAA commercial airplane requirements under 61.123 and 61.129, the no-instrument-rating limitation in 61.133, and realistic ways to build hours before the commercial.

✓ Source-checked Oct 16, 2026 Ratings & certificates

Sport Pilot vs Private Pilot After MOSAIC

Sport pilot under MOSAIC (61.315, 61.316, 61.329) vs private pilot: eligible aircraft, one passenger, night privileges, endorsements and medical.

✓ Source-checked Oct 16, 2026