Philly

I get what you are saying, but I was thinking there might be another reason to take an ATP SEL check. My buddy retired from the AF and only flew in the military. He has his ATP MEL and works for a 121 carrier now. He has recently expressed interest in buying a SEL airplane. I was thinking the best route for him to get his SEL is to go straight to the ATP SEL which I would think would be easier/more applicable/efficient than doing a PPL SEL. Another bonus: He then wouldn't need a CFI (or a current one--me) as I believe an ATP can train/recommend an ATP candidate right? Or is my recollection of this incorrect? (No I haven't had a chance to go look this up. Just thought of it while reading the thread.)

Thoughts??

totaldigger

Going back to the original question, has anyone gotten an SEL add-on to their CFI/II recently? I am interested in the exact process. It doesn't require a separate written, does it? I thought it was only a checkride. Anyone know what that checkride is like?

zach141

If you hold a Flight Instructor Airplane Multi-engine ticket, there is no additional written, and there is no requirement to demonstrate complex airplane stuff. In my own case, which was a check for reinstating my CFI-Single Engine, the examiner did a pretty good job of testing the things he figured I would rusty on--like rules regarding civilian student pilots, and rules regarding airspace that IFR pilots don't worry much about.

Assuming your examiner plays by the rules in the CFI PTS, what he is supposed to look at on the check is detailed in the front of the booklet in a little table. That table says something to the effect of "if the applicant holds so-and-so rating, then this or that Area of Operation can be skipped".

Depending on what you're trying to do, doing training and a practical test to take a "real" civilian CFI practical test may or may not be worth the effort/money.

Best wishes.

totaldigger

Thank you, Zach, that helps.

As soon as I finish the Military Competency Instructor test, I'll have my MEL CFI/II, but not for SEL. I would like to be able to instruct in SEL airplanes, so I'll need to get the add-on checkride.

Hacker15e

For someone who doesn't have a Comm-SEL, but does have an ATP-ME, the ATP add-on ride is a ton easier than the Commercial SEL ride.

LowSlowT2

My opinion is based solely on the typical mil-comp guy: CFII AMEL who needs a ASEL CFI add-on, but already has an ATP. To take the add-on ride, you need an ASEL commercial ticket, but an ASEL ATP counts because it's a "higher" qual. The ATP ASEL checkride is easier by a fair bit than the ASEL Commercial.

If he doesn't have his ATP already, it's a different kettle of fish somewhat because now we're talking writtens too...

...it isn't about finding a job necessarily, it's about minimizing training expenses and getting through the checkride. If someone is interested in pursuing an ASEL ATP job, more power to them.

pitpilotc9

Sorry a little off topic here - but it does relate to the MCI. Before you go in to the FSDO to get your MCI, make sure you fill out and complete an FAA IACRA account. The examiner asked me about it when I arrived, and being a Mil only guy, I had never heard of it since it wasn't on the gouge.......