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Commercial Pilot Certificate
An FAA pilot certificate that authorizes compensated flying privileges beyond private pilot limitations, subject to the ratings and limitations on the certificate. Many pilots pursue the commercial certificate after the instrument rating as the next career or advanced training milestone.
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Learn more in Commercial Pilot License →Related Terms
- Convective SIGMETA SIGMET issued for thunderstorm-related hazards, including severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, heavy precipitation, hail, and strong winds. Convective SIGMETs are reviewed during preflight hazard checks because they identify areas where VFR and IFR flight may be unsafe.
- CRM (Crew Resource Management)A set of training procedures used in aviation to optimize human performance by reducing the effect of human error. CRM focuses on communication, situational awareness, problem-solving, decision-making, and teamwork among flight crew members.
- Cross-Country FlightA flight that includes a landing at a point other than the point of departure, with specific distance and landing criteria depending on the certificate or rating. Private pilot night training and instrument rating experience both include defined cross-country requirements that must be correctly logged.
- CrosswindA wind component that blows perpendicular to the aircraft's direction of travel, particularly relevant during takeoff and landing. Pilots use specific techniques (crab method or wing-low method) to compensate for crosswind conditions.