Sim, com algumas exceções. O FAR 61.123 contém os requisitos para um certificado comercial, enquanto 61.153 contém os requisitos para um certificado ATP.
FAR 61.123 (h) estados que um candidato deve:
Hold at least a private pilot certificate issued under this part or meet the requirements of §61.73
FAR 61,73 refere-se à opção de pilotos militares para solicitar um certificado FAA com base em suas qualificações militares. Para pilotos não militares, o certificado comercial só pode ser obtido após a obtenção do certificado de piloto privado.
Meet at least one of the following requirements:
(1) Holds a commercial pilot certificate with an instrument rating issued under this part;
(2) Meet the military experience requirements under §61.73 of this part to qualify for a commercial pilot certificate, and an instrument rating if the person is a rated military pilot or former rated military pilot of an Armed Force of the United States; or
(3) Holds either a foreign airline transport pilot license with instrument privileges, or a foreign commercial pilot license with an instrument rating, that—
(i) Was issued by a contracting State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation; and
(ii) Contains no geographical limitations.