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Commercial SEL/CFI training

Old 07-27-2007, 10:02 AM
  #1  
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Default Commercial SEL/CFI training

My instrument ride is in 6 days, but I am already looking forward to the next step (commercial, CFI/II/MEI)

Here is the scoop. I have 135TT in airplanes and 25TT in gliders (160 hours total). My end goal is to get my commercial single, commercial multi, and CFI/II/MEI ratings. My plan is basically to build some time in a 172. Then I want to do my commercial single and CFI training while building up to 250hrs. When I hit 250, I want to take my commercial single ride, then take my CFI ride in a few days (having done the flight training while building up to 250hrs). Then off to ATP for their comm multi add on/II/MEI course for $4195.

Here are my questions.
How much flight training is usually required to get your commercial single engine?
Do you need to do your checkride in a complex aircraft, or just 10hrs of flight training is complex as required by the FAR's?
How much flight training is usually required to get your CFI (just initial)?

The reason I ask is because I would like to build up time from my current 160hrs before I call my instructor and ask him about starting commercial/CFI training. I would also like to use those 50-60 hours of time building to obtain my tailwheel endorsement, and maybe my commercial glider license.
Thank you,
Aerospacepilot
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Old 07-28-2007, 01:59 AM
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it is not very easy but what you can do is since you have a ways to go to get the hours for your COMM you can do maybe 1/2 of that from the right seat because basically all of your CFI ride is being able to duplicate your commercial ride from the right seat to commercial standards all while instructing.

Since you have to learn the maneuvers anyway you might as well learn them from the right seat...hell, if you feel so inclined take your comm checkride from the right seat, the examiner doesnt care where you sit and it will just be more practice. The CFI ticket is not about the flying, it is about the 100+ hours of cramming and studying you will do.

I took my CMEL and CSEL add-on at 250.1 hours so there is no reason you cant as well.

Do not waste your time building on a tailwheel endorsement if you are trying to get to CFI in a hurry. Take every hour you can get and learn those manuevers inside and out from both seats so when you hit the 250 you knock the checkride out of the park. The tailwheel endorsement is less than 10 hours and will be the most fun you will have in a plane, but it can wait.
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Old 08-01-2007, 05:27 PM
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Good luck with the instrument ride mate.
For your commercial checkride you will need take the test in a complex aircraft.

This is only for your initial commercial rating. Some people take their commercial checkride in a complex twin aircraft and go back and add on their SEL commercial in a non-complex aircraft.

-Boman
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Old 08-01-2007, 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by aerospacepilot View Post
Here are my questions.
How much flight training is usually required to get your commercial single engine?
Do you need to do your checkride in a complex aircraft, or just 10hrs of flight training is complex as required by the FAR's?
How much flight training is usually required to get your CFI (just initial)?
USMC is correct, you can be ready in less than 250 hours. Get with your instructor now, knock out the required XC's and learn the manuevers and then go solo to build time (and keep practicing commercial manuevers). Once you approach 250 hours, get back together with your CFI for checkride prep.

If you do your commercial training (and checkride) from the right seat that will almost eliminate any need for additional CFI flight training (other than checkride prep). Check out insurance and club rules before soloing in the right seat (you might not want to solo in IMC in the right seat unless you have a full panel on that side).

If you do not do the commercial from the right seat, 10+ hours would probably get you ready for the CFI.

On the checkride, you need to do certain manuevers (pattern work) in a complex airplane. Most folks do the whole checkride in the complex, but sometimes people will do just the pattern work in the complex and then take a fixed-gear to do the other manuevers. Saves a LITTLE money, but you have to know speeds and systems for two airplanes, review two Mx books, and preflight two airplanes. Also you double your chances of a Mx problem and a rescheduled checkride. Not worth the hassle in my mind, but some people do it
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