Multi-Commercial
 

Hey guys,
I'm planning on getting my commercial certificate once I finish my IFR rating. So far I've been able to keep my costs down and I would like to continue to do so. My question is would it be smarter to get my high performance/complex endorsement and just get my SEL commercial, or should I get the high performance/complex as well as my multi-engine/land rating and get a SEL/MEL commercial at the same time. My end goal is to become a MEI so would this way be cheaper? Would I have to take two separate check rides in a SEL and MEL to get both? I've read the FAR's so I know the requirements for both. I'm just curious if it would be smarter/cheaper to do them both at the same time.
The local FBO charges $1000 for a 10-hr block in a 172m and $235/hr for a Geronimo.

I think you have to take the SEL commercial in a single which is why a lot of AllATPs grads do not have it. It is a useful ticket because there are a lot of jobs out there flying singles for time building. It used to be the case you had to take the ride in a retractable, but I think they may have changed that rule (check). I would do as much in a single as you can, because even though twin time is valuable for logging purposes, there is also a lot more risk associated with busting checkrides in them. I recommend using singles as much as possible. Build multi hours later while teaching or doing block time packages in one.

The ASEL checkride must be done in an ASEL. There are some maneuvers for that rating which do not apply to AMEL (ie engine out approach to LDG and some ground ref manuevers).

If you have a reasonably assured job path to an MEI job then you could skip the ASEL. But if you're going to apply for random CFI jobs, those will always have new CFI's start in ASEL, and work up to twins when they have more experience ( and their senior MEI's leave for the airlines).

Yes you have to take two separate check rides.
It may be beneficial doing the AMEL Commercial first. The ASEL would then be an add-on and would drop the requirement of having to use a single engine retract.


Echoing Rickair, unless you already have an MEI gig lined up, having the CFI and CFII will open up more opportunities.

Sounds like you are flying out of Spruce Creek?

I don't have anything lined up, I'm just forming a plan of action. And yes I am flying out of Spruce Creek.

If you definitely plan on getting the MEI, it is worth considering doing the ME portion first.

What Flyhayes hinted at is that the first instructor check ride has to be done in a complex aircraft and the MEI certification will complete that requirement.

When you add the CFI (ASEL) it will be an add-on so there will be some things you won't need to do and you can do it in a non-complex (i.e. cheaper) aircraft.

I am not certain that it will ultimately save money as the same applies to doing ASEL first; then AMEL is an add-on with less to accomplish.

But, I think the real benefit lies in the maneuvers to be completed for each rating.

There are a lot of factors to consider. If you plan on spacing out the ratings (for monetary or other reasons), it may be best to knock out ASEL first as you can start employing that one right away, like rickair mentioned, while you build time and money in the bank.

Download the PTS (https://www.faa.gov/training_testing...-S-8081-6D.pdf) and you can see the differences by referencing the add-on table on page 21 and page 96. This also includes an update, change 4, updated Jan 2015 clarifying the use of complex aircraft.

Cheers,
Heed

Thanks, I really appreciate that. I think it would probably be best to just go for my CFI initial and get to working. Then get my CFII. I've heard a few schools in my area do free MEI's if they're short on instructors, so who knows.