PPL vs CPL

This table highlights common numerical differences based on FAA ACS documents (FAA-S-ACS-6C for Private, FAA-S-ACS-7B for Commercial). It is not exhaustive and specific task elements may vary. Always refer to the official ACS documents.

Maneuver / Parameter	PPL ACS Standard	CPL ACS Standard
Altitude Control
- Straight & Level / Basic Inst.	±100 ft or ±200 ft (task dep.)	±100 ft
- Slow Flight	±100 ft	±100 ft
- Steep Turns	±100 ft	±100 ft
- Ground Reference Maneuvers	±100 ft	±100 ft
Airspeed Control
- Straight & Level / Basic Inst.	±10 kts	±10 kts
- Slow Flight	Maintain airspeed +10/-0 kts	Maintain airspeed +5/-10 kts
- Steep Turns	±10 kts	±10 kts
- Normal/Xwind Approach (VREF)	+10/-5 kts	+5/-5 kts
- Short Field Approach (VREF)	+10/-5 kts	+5/-5 kts
Heading Control
- Straight & Level / Basic Inst.	±10° or ±20° (task dep.)	±10°
- Slow Flight	±10°	±10°
- Steep Turns (Rollout)	±10°	±10°
- Stalls (Recovery Heading)	±10°	±10°
Bank Control
- Steep Turns	45° ±5°	50° ±5°
- Slow Flight	±10° (Coordinated)	Coordinated
- Stalls (Recovery Bank Max)	20°	20°
Landings (Touchdown Zone)
- Normal / Crosswind	Within 400 ft beyond point	Within 200 ft beyond point
- Short Field	Within 200 ft beyond point	Within 100 ft beyond point
- Power-Off 180° Accuracy	N/A	Within 200 ft beyond point
Specific Commercial Maneuvers
- Chandelles (Rollout Heading)	N/A	±10°
- Lazy Eights (Altitude at points)	N/A	±100 ft
- Lazy Eights (Airspeed at points)	N/A	±10 kts