Advanced Training
image of maintenance crew working on aircraft

Commercial Training

Flexible commercial training tailored for pilots ready to start their career. Learn how to be a pilot that gets paid to fly and build the confidence to operate at higher standards and skill levels

Earn your FAA Commerical Certificate
Flexible scheduling options & competitive prices
Start Commercial Training

How do I earn my Commercial Certificate?

Instrument training is where you learn to fly with precision and confidence when the horizon disappears. You’ll master controlling the airplane by reference to the instruments, sharpen your radio and procedure skills, and learn how to safely navigate clouds, low visibility, and busy airspace with an instructor by your side.

Cost: See Details Below

Start Commercial Training

Earn your FAA Commercial certificate

Train with experienced flight instructors and maintenance that prioritize safety  

Learn at your own pace with a training program catered to you
and your learning style. Your time and investment is as important to us
as it is to you

Buck's Flight Academy has a strict adherence to uphold and maintain all
14 CFR Part 43 and 91 maintenance requirements

Pricing

Commercial Rating (CSEL) Cost Breakdown

Below is the FAA minimum cost estimate under Part 61 using the required 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time. This pricing includes aircraft rental and instructor time based on minimums.

Our Rates

Straightforward hourly pricing.

Cessna 172 Rental
Wet rate (aircraft only)
$175/hr
Instructor
Dual instrument instruction
$55/hr
Additional PIC Time (if needed):
Add $175/hr per hour required (aircraft rental only). Many pilots reduce cost by flying with a safety pilot when appropriate.
Part 61 Requires 250 hours total time, including 100 hours PIC (with 50 hours of cross-country as PIC), plus specific night experience—5 hours night VFR with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings in the traffic pattern at a towered airport. If you already have these requirements logged from prior flying, there’s no added cost for meeting them.
Example Breakdown

Training Cost Estimate

Example: 25 flight hours total (15 dual + 10 solo/PIC).

Aircraft Rental
25 hrs × $175/hr
$4,275
Instructor
15 hrs × $55/hr
$825
Total Minimum Flight Cost
Aircraft + instructor (FAA minimum only)
$5,200
Schedule Commercial Training
Good to know: If you still need to build time toward commercial eligibility, the total aircraft cost will increase with additional hours.

Additional Costs

These costs vary by student, examiner, and study method.

Commercial Ground School (King Schools)
Estimated:$275
FAA Commercial Written Exam Fee
Estimated:$150 – $175
Checkride (DPE) Fee
Estimated:$800 – $1,200(paid directly to the examiner)
Additional Ground Instruction
Estimated:$55/hras needed(beyond standard briefings)
Typical additional costs:~$1,200 – $1,600
These expenses are typically spread throughout training, not paid all at once.

Flight Training in Focus

Explore our academy’s training highlights and student journeys.
From solo to certified!