Complex time
 

I am currently an instrument rated pilot just trying to build some time before commercial. The time I'm building isn't needed to get commercial but I am just trying to increase my total time.

In my area I can fly a non-complex aircraft for about $110/hr or a complex for about $180/hr.
Is complex time really worth the extra $70/hr?

Thanks for the help!

If you are only trying to increase your total time, then I'd say that the non-complex one is not worth the extra $110/hr.

Pay for your training, have someone else pay you for your time building. I know that jobs are not easy to come by now, but you're not to your commercial yet. Who knows what it'll be like when you get your CFI or want a pipeline job, etc.

Now, if this is not time building and just for fun, then its worth is only up to you.

The complex time might help with insurance for some piston jobs, but will not matter for most professional flying jobs. I wouldn't spend the money unless you have an opportunity lined up that requires complex time.

If your flying for fun then its up to you. If you don't have your complex endorsement yet, then you could go up with an instructor and get it. It shouldn't take more than 30 minutes of ground instruction on the systems and emergency procedures and then about a 1-1.5 hours of flight for the endorsement (although insurance might require more time). Complex airplanes typically fly a little faster than your run of the mill C172 which makes them more fun but require a new level of responsibility since the gear isn't welded on. Depending on the aircraft type, it might not be a $70/hr difference if you take into account the higher true airspeeds in cruise and the shorter flight times when compared to the non-complex aircraft. Do the math and see how it works out. It might be worth it. On that note, if your planning on just staying in the pattern (which you shouldn't be doing anyway... start racking up that Part 135 x-c time!), don't waste the money on the complex airplane.

I would save it so you can use the complex more during your training. More complex training and building good solid procedures for the gear from day on can, IMO, be very beneficial in remembering to put it down.

SEL is SEL. Don't worry about "comples" or "high performance". Rent a C150 and build time cheap.