Commercial single engine add-on
 

I am an AH-64 D Apache Longbow pilot. I currently hold an FAA license as a Commercial Pilot Helicopter-Rotary Wing, and Airplane Multi-Engine Land as well as an instrument ticket. I have private pilot privileges in Airplane Single engine land. My question is what will it take to add on the commercial single engine rating. I've looked at the PTS and all it gives is what academic and practical areas I will be evaluated on during the check ride. What I want to know is what are the aeronautical experience requirements that I have to meet?

61.129 has the hour requirements for all of the ratings. Look at the single-engine commercial rating, and subtract off what you have with the Multi-Engine rating. You'll find that there is no hour requirement per se, just make sure you are up to speed with all of your maneuvers. Since it is just an add-on, and assuming your multi was completed in a complex airplane, you can do it in any airplane.

The FAA PTS for Airplane CPL has a matrix showing exactly what checkride tasks you will need to do for an add-on based what rating you have and what you want to add.

The biggies off the top of my head will be Chandelles, Lazy-8s, and engine out approach. But I haven't looked at that PTS in years and I know some things have changed. Correct that you can use fixed-gear since you already did the retract work for you ME.

If you prefer more an instrument type checkride you may consider the ATP single engine land checkride if you meet the flight time requirements! Although, I believe it has to be in a complex aircraft versus fixed gear! Of course with all these recent regulation changes who knows? I also knew a guy who was able to knock out a single engine land and sea at the same time. Now that sounds like fun!

Since a pilot has already shown they can raise and lower the gear and flaps and control the prop on a commercial airplane checkride there is no requirement to use a complex plane for the ATP SEL.

Starting Thursday I believe you'll have have to have 50 hours in SEL planes for the SEL ATP.

Since you already have a commercial MEL, I believe all you need is 3 hours of prep within 60 days by a CFI and a sign off! Like it was mentioned previously, you can take the checkride in a fixed gear aircraft.

You certainly have a complex sign off (retract gear) but you may consider a high performance sign off if the twin you flew had 200 or less horse power. 59.

To act as PIC in a high performance airplane: section 61.31(f).
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name), (pilot certificate), (certificate number), has received the required training of section 61.31(f) in a (make and model of high performance airplane). I have determined that he/she is proficient in the operation and systems of a high performance airplane.
/s/ [date] J. J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-05
60.

links to endorsements:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j...49967636,d.aWc

§ 61.63(c) Nothing basically required except training logbook endorsement from authorized instructor and checkride.
There is no minimum hours requirement in this case, as well as 3 hours dual in last 60 days is not needed in this case.

I concur with this. Just remember that you will have to be the SME on this, as most CFIs and flight schools will try to go with what they know, which will be significantly more training than you are required to receive. No instructor worth his salt is going to sign you off without at least making sure you can pass the checkrides, but make sure they don't require more than necessary.

Can one take the ATP SEL without a signoff?

Yes. There is no sign off for the ATP, on your first attempt. I believe if you get pink- slipped, then you have to get some training and a sign off just like any other rating.