Whats the difference in an Airline Pilot and a Commercial Pilot?

Question

Whats the difference in an Airline Pilot and a Commercial Pilot?

Answer 1

airline pilots are type certified in specific airplanes (turbine/large/heavy) with a ATP which "qualifies" them to carry people/cargo....a commercial pilot is allowed to earn money flying - like survelliance, or flying along power lines, or taking arial photos/towing banners.  airline pilot is a commercial pilot with additional credentials/certifications.

this is the "simple" answer.

Answer 2

In order to be an 'Airline' pilot, you must have your 'Commercial' certificate.  But, all 'Commercial' pilots are not necessarily 'Airline' pilots.

Answer 3

"commercial" simply means you can be paid to fly.  All airline pilots are commercial pilots, not all commercial pilots are airline pilots.

Flight instructors, aerial applicators, banner towing, pipeline patrol, aerial sightseeing, aerial photography, etc, etc,......these are all examples of commercial pilots.

Answer 4

In the general use of the words there is no difference. A commercial pilot designates a non military pilot in most cases.  Many military pilots go on to work for airlines after their military service time is over.

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