The training for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) follows a similar path, regardless of whether the training is conducted full time or part time.

The first stage is to obtain a Private Pilot Licence. This licence allows a pilot to carry passengers with them, but not for hire or reward - they cannot be paid for their flying.

The Private Licence will generally be achieved with around 50-60 hours of flight time, and also involves three written examinations. A flight test is conducted prior to the issue of the licence.

After a Private Pilot Licence, the trainee needs to build their experience while developing their skills to the level required for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence. The Commercial licence is issued after the candidate has achieved 150 hours flying experience, plus passed a written examination and a flight test.

At this point the candidate is qualified to be paid for their flying. There are, however two main limitations placed on a "standard" Commercial Pilot - they can only fly during daylight hours, and they must also fly in reasonably fair weather. These limitations are significant for a CPL holder, so additional training must be undertaken to remove them.

Generally, a CPL trainee will undertake training for a "Command Instrument Rating" which allows them to fly at night and in bad weather. If desired, the night flying component can be covered on its own as a Night VFR rating.

After completion of this additional training the new Commercial Pilot is in a much more employable situation, and is able to pursue jobs in air charter and airfreight operations.

The CPL holder can also undertake training at this point in time to become a Flying Instructor - probably the best way to obtain that first job in the aviation industry. Training to be an Instructor also increases flying skills, as an Instructor must be able to show proficiency in all flying manoeuvres.

Generally, employment will not be possible in the airlines at this point in time as the new CPL holder does not have the flying experience required. This is an important point, and one that is often overlooked when deciding on training options. The CPL holder will have to obtain employment flying small aircraft in General Aviation to build up experience prior to being able to apply to the airlines. This employment can be in the air charter or airfreight areas, or maybe as a Flying Instructor. Gaining employment as a Flying Instructor is the easiest way of increasing flying experience.