Commercial Pilot Syllabus

Stage 1: Commercial Maneuvers Introduction

Objective: To introduce the student to Commercial Pilot maneuvers, and to increase
aeronautical knowledge to Commercial standards.
Completion Standards:
● The student must complete at least 6 hours of ground training with a MyFlight instructor
covering the knowledge areas listed below.
● Prior to completion of the stage, students must complete an oral stage check to evaluate
their ground knowledge understanding of:
1. Major aircraft components and systems by describing normal operation of
systems such as primary and secondary flight controls and trim, powerplant and
propeller, landing gear, fuel, oil, hydraulic, electrical, flight instruments, avionics,
and environmental systems.
2. Use of all performance charts, tables, and data to determine takeoff and landing,
climb, and cruise performance.
3. Weather products required for preflight planning, current and forecast weather for
departure, enroute, and arrival phases of flight.
4. Meteorology applicable for flights conducted in both instrument and Visual
Meteorological Conditions to include atmospheric composition and stability, wind,
temperature, moisture, precipitation, weather system formation, air masses,
fronts, clouds, turbulence, thunderstorms, microbursts, icing, and fog.
5. Airworthiness, including certificate and document locations and expiration,
required inspections, airworthiness directives, equipment requirements, and flight
with inoperative equipment.
6. Currency requirements, privileges, limitations, medical certification, and
documents related to commercial pilot operations.
● Prior to completion of the stage, students must pass a stage check to evaluate their flight
ability to:
1. Perform steep turns and slow flight in accordance with published procedures
while maintaining altitude +/- 100 feet, airspeed +/- 10 knots, and heading +/- 10
degrees.
2. Perform power-on, power-off, and accelerated stalls in accordance with the
Commercial Pilot testing standards.
3. Perform chandelles in accordance with published procedures, complete the
rollout at the 180° point +/- 15 degrees, no more than 10 knots above stall speed.
4. Perform lazy eights in accordance with published procedures, arrive at each 180°
point +/- 15 degrees, at an altitude +/- 150 feet from entry altitude, at an airspeed
+/- 15 knots from entry airspeed.
 5. Perform steep spirals in accordance with published procedures, maintain a
constant radius with only minor deviations while maintaining specified
airspeed +/- 15 knots, and roll out towards a specified heading +/- 15 degrees.
6. Perform eights on pylons in accordance with published procedures, select
suitable pylons, determine the approximate pivotal altitude, enter the maneuver
at the appropriate altitude and airspeed, and maintain the reference line on each
pylon with only minor deviations.
7. Comply with instrument approach procedures, both with and without the use of
autopilot, and maintain altitude +/- 100 feet, heading +/- 10 degrees, airspeed +/-
10 knots, and allow less than 3/4-scale deflection of the CDI, glideslope, or
localizer indications. Maintain the MDA, when reached, +100/-0 feet to the
missed approach point.
8. Perform a power-off 180° accuracy approach and touch down -200/+400 feet
from the specified touchdown point.
9. Perform normal takeoffs and landings, short-field takeoffs, soft-field takeoffs, and
soft-field landings in accordance with the Commercial Pilot testing standards.
10. Perform short-field landings, establish the recommended approach and landing
configuration while maintaining airspeed +/- 5 knots, touchdown within 400 feet
beyond a specified point with no side drift and minimum float.

Notes:
● Lessons may be completed in any order necessary to meet goals set by the instructor
and student. Flight and ground lessons may happen concurrently as the instructor
deems necessary.
● Multiple instructional periods may be required to meet the lesson objective.
● The line items listed in the lessons below are recommended topics to be covered to
sufficiently meet the objective of each lesson. Instructors may elaborate on each topic at
their discretion.
● Instructors may review any lessons from the Private Pilot or Instrument Rating Syllabus
to ensure students are proficient with aircraft operation and procedures.
● Any solo time necessary to meet the aeronautical experience required is to be
conducted when the student’s schedule allows. Instructors are not required to determine
when students should and should not build time.
Ground Lesson A - Advanced Weather
Objective: To discuss weather reports and forecasts, weather hazards, and basic weather
theory. To introduce the student to more advanced weather concepts.

➢ Weather Reports and Forecasts

➢ Atmospheric Composition and Stability
➢ Air Masses
➢ Fronts and Pressure Systems
➢ Moisture, Cloud Formation, and Precipitation
➢ Icing
➢ Thunderstorms
➢ Microburst
➢ Turbulence
➢ Types of Fog

Ground Lesson B - Advanced Aerodynamics

Objective: To review the principles of flight and to discuss more advanced aerodynamics.

➢ Four Forces
➢ Lift Equation
➢ Airfoil Design Characteristics
➢ Airplane Stability and Controllability
➢ Aerodynamics of Maneuvering Flight
➢ Stall/Spin Awareness
➢ Turning Tendencies
➢ Adverse Yaw
➢ Load Factors
➢ Maneuvering Speed
➢ Vg Diagram
➢ Wingtip Vortices
➢ Ground Effect

Ground Lesson C - Commercial Maneuvers

Objective: To introduce the student to the Commercial Pilot maneuvers, including procedures
and Airmen Certification Standards.

➢ Commercial Pilot Airmen Certification Standards

➢ Steep Turns
➢ Chandelles
➢ Lazy Eights
➢ Steep Spirals
 ➢ Accelerated Stalls
➢ Eights-on-Pylons
➢ 180-Degree Power Off Accuracy Approach and Landing

Ground Lesson D - Systems

Objective: To review and discuss more detailed aircraft systems.

➢ Aircraft Engine
➢ Fuel Systems
➢ Electrical Systems
➢ Flight Instruments
➢ Primary Flight Display
➢ Multifunction Display
➢ Flight Management System
➢ Autopilot
➢ Constant Speed Propeller
➢ Propeller Governor

Ground Lesson E - Performance, Limitations, and Weight and

Balance
Objective: To discuss aircraft limitations, weight and balance computations, and performance
calculations included in the Aircraft Flight Manual.

➢ Aircraft Flight Manual/Pilot Operating Handbook

➢ Aircraft Limitations
➢ Factors Affecting Performance
➢ Density Altitude
➢ Calculating Performance Data
➢ Climb Performance
➢ Cruise Performance
➢ Take-Off and Landing Performance
➢ Computing Weight and Balance
➢ Effects of Weight and Balance on Performance

Ground Lesson F - Aircraft Airworthiness

Objective: To discuss aircraft airworthiness, including inspection requirements, documents, and
inoperative equipment.

➢ Aircraft Airworthiness
➢ Required Aircraft Documents
 ➢ Required Inspections
➢ Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
➢ Special Flight Permit
➢ Preventative Maintenance
➢ Inoperative Equipment
➢ VFR Equipment Requirements
➢ Kinds of Operation Equipment List

Ground Lesson G - Commercial Regulations

Objective: To discuss regulations applicable to operations as a commercial pilot and to
introduce commercial pilot privileges and limitations.

➢ FAR Part 91
➢ FAR Part 61
➢ Required Pilot Documents
➢ Currency Requirements: Flight Review
➢ Currency Requirements: Passenger Carrying
➢ Night Currency Requirements
➢ Medical Certificate Class and Duration
➢ Alternative Medical Certification FAR 68 (BasicMed)
➢ FAR 61.133 Commercial Pilot Privileges and Limitations
➢ FAR 119
➢ NTSB Accident Reporting Requirements

Ground Lesson H - Stage 1 Oral Check

Objective: To evaluate the student on the knowledge areas included in Stage 1.
Completion Standard: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge areas
included in Stage 1 and will meet the applicable stage completion standards.

➢ Aircraft Systems
➢ Aircraft Performance
➢ Weight and Balance
➢ Weather Information
➢ Aircraft Airworthiness
➢ Pilot Qualifications
➢ Commercial Regulations

Flight Lesson A - Introduction to Commercial Maneuvers

Objective: To introduce the student to Commercial Pilot flight maneuvers.

➢ Chandelles
 ➢ Eights-on-Pylons
➢ Lazy Eights
➢ Steep Spirals
➢ Steep Turns
➢ Accelerated Stalls
➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Takeoff and Climb
➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Approach and Landing
➢ Short-Field Takeoff and Climb
➢ Short-Field Approach and Landing
➢ Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb
➢ Soft-Field Approach and Landing

Flight Lesson B - Day Cross-Country (2.0 Hours)

Objective: To review cross-country operations and to complete a day cross-country flight as
required by FAR 61.129(a)(3)(iii).

➢ Cross-Country Flight Planning

➢ Pilotage and Dead Reckoning
➢ Navigation Systems and Radar Services
➢ Diversion
➢ Lost Procedures
➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Takeoff and Climb
➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Approach and Landing
➢ Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb
➢ Soft-Field Approach and Landing
➢ Short-Field Takeoff and Climb
➢ Short-Field Approach and Landing
➢ Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)
➢ Risk Management

Flight Lesson C - Night Cross-Country (2.0 Hours)

Objective: To review cross-country operations and to complete a night cross-country flight as
required by FAR 61.129(a)(3)(iv).

➢ Cross-Country Flight Planning

➢ Pilotage and Dead Reckoning
➢ Navigation Systems and Radar Services
➢ Diversion
➢ Lost Procedures
➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Takeoff and Climb
➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Approach and Landing
➢ Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb
 ➢ Soft-Field Approach and Landing
➢ Short-Field Takeoff and Climb
➢ Short-Field Approach and Landing
➢ Aeronautical Decision-Making (ADM)
➢ Risk Management

Flight Lesson D - Traffic Pattern Operations

Objective: To practice traffic pattern procedures and to introduce the student to power-off
approaches.

➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Takeoff and Climb

➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Approach and Landing
➢ Short-Field Takeoff and Climb
➢ Short-Field Approach and Landing
➢ Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb
➢ Soft-Field Approach and Landing
➢ 180-Degree Power Off Accuracy Approach and Landing
➢ Forward Slips to a Landing
➢ Go-Around

Flight Lesson E - Review for Stage 1 Check

Objective: To review maneuvers and procedures as necessary to prepare the student for the
Stage 1 flight check.

➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Takeoff and Climb

➢ Short-Field Takeoff and Climb
➢ Soft-Field Approach and Landing
➢ Steep Turns
➢ Maneuvering During Slow Flight
➢ Power Off Stalls
➢ Power On Stalls
➢ Accelerated Stalls
➢ Chandelles
➢ Lazy Eights
➢ Steep Spirals
➢ Eights on Pylons
➢ Instrument Approach Procedures
➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Approach and Landing
➢ Short-Field Approach and Landing
➢ Soft-Field Approach and Landing
➢ 180-Degree Power Off Accuracy Approach and Landing
Flight Lesson F - Stage 1 Flight Check
Objective: To evaluate the student in all required flight tasks included in Stage 1.
Completion Standard: The student will demonstrate all required tasks and will meet the
applicable stage completion standards.

➢ Preflight Assessment
➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Takeoff and Climb
➢ Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb
➢ Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb
➢ Steep Turns
➢ Maneuvering During Slow Flight
➢ Power Off Stalls (Straight and Turning)
➢ Power On Stalls (Straight and Turning)
➢ Accelerated Stalls
➢ Chandelles
➢ Lazy Eights
➢ Steep Spirals
➢ Eights on Pylons
➢ Instrument Approach Procedures
➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Approach and Landing
➢ Short-Field Approach and Landing
➢ Soft-Field Approach and Landing
➢ 180-Degree Power Off Accuracy Approach and Landing
➢ Postflight Procedures
 Stage 2: Commercial Pilot Course Completion
Objective: To complete the aeronautical knowledge and flight training required to prepare
students to pass the Commercial Pilot Knowledge and Practical Exam.
Completion Standards:
● The student must meet the following minimum training time requirements during this
stage:
1. All ground training in accordance with 61.125
2. A minimum of 10 hours of ground training with a MyFlight instructor throughout
the Commercial Pilot Course.
3. All aeronautical experience listed in 61.129(a) or (b)
● Prior to completion of the stage, students must pass the FAA Commercial Pilot
Knowledge Exam
● Prior to completion of the stage, student must pass a stage check to evaluate their ability
to:
1. Demonstrate all applicable Tasks as specified in the Commercial Pilot Airplane
Airmen Certification Standards within the established standards.
2. Demonstrate mastery of the aircraft by performing each Task successfully.
3. Demonstrate proficiency and competency in accordance with the standards.
4. Demonstrate sound judgment and exercise aeronautical decision making and risk
management.

Notes:
● Lessons may be completed in any order necessary to meet goals set by the instructor
and student. Flight and ground lessons may happen concurrently as the instructor
deems necessary.
● Multiple instructional periods may be required to meet the lesson objective.
● The line items listed in the lessons below are recommended topics to be covered to
sufficiently meet the objective of each lesson. Instructors may elaborate on each topic at
their discretion.
● Instructors may review any lessons from the Private Pilot or Instrument Rating Syllabus
to ensure students are proficient with aircraft operation and procedures.
● Any solo time necessary to meet the aeronautical experience required is to be
conducted when the student’s schedule allows. Instructors are not required to determine
when students should and should not build time.
Ground Lesson I - Airspace, VFR Charts, and Cross-Country
Objective: To discuss the national airspace system, VFR chart symbology, and cross-country
flight planning.

➢ National Airspace System

➢ Airspace Entry Requirements
➢ Basic VFR Weather Minimums
➢ Special VFR Weather Minimums
➢ TFRs, SUA, DC SFRA/FRZ, Other Airspace Areas
➢ VFR Sectional Chart Symbology
➢ Cross-Country Flight Planning
➢ VFR Flight Plan - Activating and Closing
➢ VFR Navigation Log
➢ Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) System

Ground Lesson J - High Altitude Operations

Objective: To introduce the student to high altitude operations, including supplemental oxygen
and pressurization systems.

➢ FAR 91.211 Supplemental Oxygen - Unpressurized

➢ FAR 91.211 Supplemental Oxygen - Pressurized
➢ Time of Useful Consciousness
➢ Importance of Aviators Breathing Oxygen
➢ Oxygen Systems - Continuous Flow
➢ Oxygen Systems - Diluter Demand
➢ Oxygen Systems - Pressure Demand
➢ Oxygen Systems - Oxygen Servicing
➢ Fundamental Concept of Cabin Pressurization
➢ Loss of Cabin Pressure

Ground Lesson K - Human Factors

Objective: To discuss human factors, including aeromedical and physiological issues, decision
making, and night operations.

➢ Hypoxia
➢ Hyperventilation
➢ Middle Ear Sinus Problems
➢ Spatial Disorientation
➢ Motion Sickness
➢ Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
➢ Stress and Fatigue
 ➢ Dehydration and Nutrition
➢ Hypothermia
➢ Optical Illusions
➢ Dissolved Nitrogen in the Bloodstream
➢ Alcohol, Drugs, and Over the Counter Medications
➢ Aeronautical Decision Making and Judgment
➢ Recognizing Hazardous Attitudes
➢ Night Operations
➢ Physiological Aspects of Night Flight as it Relates to Vision
➢ Night Visual Illusions

Ground Lesson L - Stage 2 Oral Check

Objective: To evaluate the student on the Commercial Pilot knowledge areas according to the
Airmen Certification Standards.
Completion Standard: The student will demonstrate an understanding of the Commercial Pilot
knowledge areas and will meet the applicable stage completion standards and Airman
Certification Standards.

➢ Pilot Qualifications
➢ Airworthiness Requirements
➢ Weather Information
➢ Cross-Country Flight Planning
➢ National Airspace System
➢ Performance and Limitations
➢ Operation of Systems
➢ Human Factors
➢ High Altitude Operations

Flight Lesson G - Maneuvers Practice

Objective: Tp practice maneuvers and procedures in preparation for the Stage 2 flight check.

➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Takeoff and Climb

➢ Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb
➢ Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb
➢ Maneuvering During Slow Flight
➢ Power Off Stalls (Straight and Turning)
➢ Power On Stall (Straight and Turning)
➢ Accelerated Stalls
➢ Steep Turns
➢ Chandelles
➢ Lazy Eights
➢ Steep Spirals
 ➢ Eights on Pylons
➢ Emergency Approach and Landing
➢ Emergency Descent
➢ Instrument Approach Procedures
➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Approach and Landing
➢ Short-Field Approach and Landing
➢ Soft-Field Approach and Landing
➢ Power Off 180-Degree Accuracy Approach and Landing
➢ Go-Around/Rejected Landing

Flight Lesson H - Stage 2 Flight Check

Objective: To evaluate the student according to the Commercial Pilot Airplane Airmen
Certification Standards and to determine whether the student is prepared to pass the
Commercial Pilot Practical Test.
Completion Standard: The student will meet all standards of knowledge, judgment, and skill as
specified in the Commercial Pilot Airman Certification Standards for the issuance of a
Commercial Pilot Certificate.

➢ Preflight Procedures
➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Takeoff and Climb
➢ Short-Field Takeoff and Maximum Performance Climb
➢ Soft-Field Takeoff and Climb
➢ Maneuvering During Slow Flight
➢ Power Off Stalls (Straight and Turning)
➢ Power On Stall (Straight and Turning)
➢ Accelerated Stalls
➢ Steep Turns
➢ Chandelles
➢ Lazy Eights
➢ Steep Spirals
➢ Eights on Pylons
➢ Emergency Approach and Landing
➢ Emergency Descent
➢ Instrument Approach Procedures
➢ Normal and/or Crosswind Approach and Landing
➢ Short-Field Approach and Landing
➢ Soft-Field Approach and Landing
➢ Power Off 180-Degree Accuracy Approach and Landing
➢ Go-Around/Rejected Landing