FAA Commercial Pilot Aeronautical Experience Requirements
Must log at least 150 hours flight time as a pilot that consists of at least:
100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in helicopters
100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time which includes:
35 hours PIC in helicopters
10 hours of cross-country flight in helicopters
20 hours of dual training on the areas of operation, which includes:
10 hours of instrument training in an aircraft
One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a helicopter in day VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure
One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a helicopter in night VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure
10 hours of solo flight time in a helicopter, which includes:
One cross-country flight with landings at a minimum of three points, with one segment consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure
5 hours in night VFR condition with 10 takeoffs and landings (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern)
3 hours in a helicopter in preparation for the FAA practical test within the 60-day period preceding the date of the test
The minimum number of flight hours required for the Commercial Certificate is 150 and it is reasonable to expect that you will attain the required standard to pass the check ride with that number of hours.
Commercial Pilot Add-on Helicopter Rating
Must log at least 150 hours flight time as a pilot that consists of at least:
100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in helicopters
100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time which includes:
35 hours PIC in helicopters
10 hours of cross-country flight in helicopters
20 hours of dual training on the areas of operation, which includes:
10 hours of instrument training in an aircraft
One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a helicopter in day VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure
One cross-country flight of at least 2 hours in a helicopter in night VFR conditions, consisting of a total straight line distance of more than 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure
10 hours of solo flight time in a helicopter, which includes:
One cross-country flight with landings at a minimum of three points, with one segment consisting of a straight-line distance of at least 50 nautical miles from the original point of departure
5 hours in night VFR condition with 10 takeoffs and landings (with each landing involving a flight in the traffic pattern)
3 hours in a helicopter in preparation for the FAA practical test within the 60-day period preceding the date of the test
The minimum number of flight hours required for the Commercial Certificate is 150 of which 50 hours must be in helicopters it is reasonable to expect that you will attain the required standard to pass the check ride with that number of hours.
You are not required to take the FAA written examination.