155mm

Don't know about today's GI Bill but definitely go for the commercial or ATP SEL add-on (depending on fixed wing time)! Check with your tax accountant because at the commercial add-on level or above you are getting education to enhance your career and it may be a write-off. The ATP SEL ride is an instrument check and doesn't have lazy 8's, etc.

ArmyFW

The only thing I really want is the ability to rent a Cessna on the weekends at most. I will be getting my Milti engine ATP soon but don't really think I need the single engine add-on. I just want private privileges in a Single engine

Barnstormer

Having done this flying thing for over 40 years, get the highest ratings possible. if you want to pay the bills by flying, be able to fly anything on the ramp.

BeatNavy

Go through the requirements for an add on PPL, comm ASEL, and ATP ASEL in the applicable PTSs and part 61. Check 61.165.e for ATP add on info. Your checkride requirements for the ATP ASEL are easier than the PPL/COMM checkride imo since there aren't any real maneuvers, minus having to do the instrument approaches, but those are easy. It'll be no different than your ATP AMEL ride but with no single engine stuff (well I guess the whole ride is single engine, but you know what I mean) and it'd be in a less complex plane.

Don't assume that a lower rating/privileges means an easier or less complex checkride or preparation process. In this case, the opposite is true. You'd never have to do private or commercial single maneuvers. An army helo only IP/SP buddy of mine busted his ASEL private add on because his short field landing was out of PTS standards. How would you like to explain busting a PPL add on ride after being a commercially rated pilot and military instructor/examiner.

The private ride is a basic airmanship ride, the commercial ride is an energy management stick and rudder maneuvers ride, and the ATP ride is mostly another instrument ride. It's assumed at that point you've done all the other stuff. If you're already an ATP rated airplane pilot for two-motored planes, why cut yourself short on fewer privileges with more basic flying tasks to spend time/money on (and get evaluated on and possibly bust)? There's an argument to be made that any ATP ASEL pilot should be able to perform short field landings, chandelles, lazy 8s, etc., but if you never have to be evaluated on them in a jeopardy event because you hold a higher rating already, who cares?

https://www.pilotsofamerica.com/comm...l.88061/page-2

This thread is about the same issue you have and what the guy did about it (ATP ASEL add on ended up being the easiest route for him).

ArmyFW

Thanks I understand the process now and I'm digging through the regs and finding a new CFI

I also realize I should have done a better job at explaining what I will have. I'm still at Rucker going through training and only have like 20 hours in an airplane right now. When I finish the training next month I will get my commercial but I will have less than the 250 technically needed. But I know that this is because of graduating from a military flight school. Will I need to get the 250 Total hours before being eligible for the single engine add-on?

155mm

Still confused! Are you a rated Army Helicopter pilot with an FAA Commercial/Instrument Rotorcraft going through fixed wing transition?

ArmyFW

I'm in the fixed wing for life program, so we went through primary flying the Lakota and then went straight to Dothan to get qualified on fixed wing.

I've already taken the commercial test at the PHPA place in Dothan and they said when I graduate from Rucker I will get my AMEL commercial as well as rotary commercial because we took checkrides in both as well as the instrument ticket. It's very confusing for them as well because the process is pretty new

155mm

When you get your wings, take the military competency exam from the FAA, bring all your training records to the FAA and see what ratings they give you based on your military training. Be patient, it takes time!

I'm still confused, Is the Army contracting out your undergraduate pilot training to a civilian flight training program or are you getting instructed by the military?

When you say you already took the "commercial test" are saying you indeed have an FAA commercial rating or just took the commercial written exam? Honestly, none of this makes sense! Are you a troll?

ArmyFW

No I'm not a troll lol. I took the compentency exam already. But do not have the actual license yet. There is a place right outside of base called the Proffesional Helicopter Pilots association that pretty much my entire class went to after instruments phase and took the test. They said when we get our wings bring our documents back to them and the actual FAA representative will be there to give us our actual license. They do that to minimize the wait time apparently. Since we already have taken the exam all we need to do is show that we graduated and it's done. I wish I knew more about it but I've only been flying since last October.

So how it works now for us we do our primary flight training in helicopters by a civilian contractor (URS). Then the fixed wing guys go to Dothan and get trained by CAE.

Really everyone, even the people at the PHPA are confused by our situation since we start on helicopters and end in fixed wing.

155mm

My advice is to wait until the dust settles and see what ratings you hold in your hand after all the training is complete. Getting a SEL add-on shouldn't be a big deal!