Centerline Thrust Removal
 

Just starting to look at options (not committing to anything, but wanted to see what's out there). I've got my Commercial AMEL with centerline thrust restriction (got it when I grad'd UPT in T-38s). In the time since I've built up about 2500 hours in B-52s, but have never had the centerline thrust restriction removed. Is removing that just a matter of showing my logbook to a FSDO or is there a written and/or practical test in there as well?

Alternately, I'm looking at getting my ATP AMEL in the next couple of months. Would getting that simply make the centerline thrust restriction OBE?

When you get your ATP, bring them your current B-52 form 8 paperwork and they will remove the centerline thrust restriction. The only caveat is that during your ATP with the check airman you will have to demonstrate recovery from a VMC maneuver, similar to a nose high turning stall with one engine operating. Easy.

Gotcha - I'm assuming I'd need to do the mil comp for instructor (the MEI part of it) after getting the ATP?

For the MCI.. check out or search for sheppard air... should be test only and then bring Fm 8 paperwork to local FSDO...
this works if you are looking to get your mil IP ratings xferred to FAA equivalents...

I used Sheppard Air to prepare for the MCI. Spent a few weekends and followed their directions exactly. I believe you're allowed 3 hours for the test. It took me 45 minutes, plus 15 minutes to check answers. Not a single question I didn't recognize. Sheppard Air guarantees something like a 90%. Their preparation software is second to none IMO. Highly recommend.

I did what you asked at in the original post: I went to the FSDO and had them remove the CL thrust restriction after showing them my form 8 and hours. I only had a commercial at the time. While I was there I had them put my L382 (C-130) type on as well.

Got my ATP a few years later.

I currently have a COMM ASEL vs. AMEL because I didn't get to the FSDO before my 10 multi hours in the previous 12 months expired (the 12-month restriction has since gone away). I only had single engine hours since I just graduated from the F-16 RTU. According to the gouge on the Sheppard Air website, I should be able to show my UPT transcript with multi hours and have the multi w/ centerline thrust restriction added today.

If that is true, my question is this: Does it buy me anything over just having a ME added when I do my ATP checkride? Essentially, is there a difference between having the ME added vs. centerline thrust restriction removed on the ATP checkride? I called and talked to the local FSDO and he said no difference, but I also got the distinct impression that he wasn't tracking what I was asking.

Also my two cents on the MCI Sheppard Air prep - I studied for about 5-6 hours, taking some time to actually relearn how to do some the of the weight and balance calcs for my own education, and got a 97% in about 40 minutes. Didn't bother to check my answers since I was confident I had at least 90% correct from the prep.

I don't think it buys you anything, especially if you're going to knock out your ATP in the next few months (which I'm willing to bet you are with the coming changes). Just have it added when you do your checkride (be sure to tell your checker and complete the Vmc demo) and save yourself the additional hassle. My ME time is mostly Hornets with some T-2 time from flight school, and my centerline thrust restriction went away when I recently got my ATP.

Copy and thanks for the gouge.

LloydC is 100% correct