What is the primary purpose of a commercial pilot certificate?

The primary purpose of a commercial pilot certificate is to allow the holder to act as pilot in command for compensation or hire. This means that with this certification, a pilot is qualified to be compensated for flying duties, which includes operating more complex aircraft and taking on various types of flying jobs, such as cargo transport, flight instruction, or even flying charter services.

While cargo transport services and instructing student pilots can be part of the activities that a commercial pilot may undertake, the certificate itself is fundamentally about being able to conduct these operations for compensation. Additionally, the commercial pilot certificate does not enable the holder to operate just any type of aircraft; specific ratings and endorsements are required for different aircraft categories and types. Thus, the primary focus is on the ability to be compensated for piloting, which is the core reason for obtaining this certification.