Additional Class Rating

[lawfly]

The Seneca I is similar in cockpit/panel layout and appearance to the PA-28R-200 (Piper Arrow) of its day. If you have any time in the Arrow (I was instructing in the Arrow when I 1st flew the Seneca) you'll see what I mean. It's a good multi trainer. As with all light twins, not much single engine performance. For thrills, read up (if you haven't already) on what is and isn't required of light twins, performance-wise, when an engine fails. Even at well under gross, you'll notice the difference in SE performance (i.e., ROC) on cold days vs. hot days, if you have occasion to do SE work in the airplane in winter and in summer. It is possible to demo the difference between published Vyse/blue line, which is a gross weight speed, and Vyse for a given weight, if you will. I recall my ATP examiner (did Commercial multi add-on in Seneca I, and also did initial ATP in Seneca I) demo'd how the lighter than gross weight airplane climbed faster SE at several knots below blue line, and SE performance wasn't too bad on that cold day at that lower speed. Now, that was with zero thrust, rather than fully feathered, if I remember correctly, so that's a factor, too. But still instructional on weight to Vyse relationship. Could go on, but enough of that. It's a good training airplane. The later turbocharged and higher horsepower (220 hp ? starting with III, I think; II is 200hp turbocharged) versions are decent transportation machines for unpressurized piston twins. Oh, I bought a standard POH and studied it before I took the course; I think the course provider sent it to me. One bit of trivia: I think it has a max landing weight of 4,000, vs. max takeoff weight of 4,200 lbs, for the standard airplane. Check me on that. Good question for oral.

 

[dmspilot00]

Mini... let me guess, are you flying the Seneca at New Castle (UCP)? Just curious! Also how do you have a commercial with 170 hours?

 

[minitour]

Mini... let me guess, are you flying the Seneca at New Castle (UCP)? Just curious! Also how do you have a commercial with 170 hours?

It's a possibility...nothing's set in stone right now...it's still possible to get it done out here if I do it as a pt 61 add on (proficiency) rather than the 10 hour part 141 add-on. Either way, I'm out of here Thursday evening at the latest (looks like Wednesday evening).

Did the CPL part 141. It's a shortened program out here. The syllabus is only 70 training hours and they sign you off...sort of So...if you did it all out here, you could be a commercial pilot at 146 hours [38pvt + 38ira + 70cse on their syllabi(sp?)].

It's pretty cool that you could be a -II at 161 and CFI at 165 if you bust your balls and they can get you through. Toss in the CMEL at 10 hours and you're done at 175...unless you add the MEI...then it's 190 (still not too bad)...the hard part is getting them to fly you.

-mini

 

[dmspilot00]

It's a possibility...nothing's set in stone right now...

I don't know what UCP's planes are like, but Marty, the FBO owner and DE, is great, I took my private checkride with him.

 

[minitour]

I don't know what UCP's planes are like, but Marty, the FBO owner and DE, is great, I took my private checkride with him.

How was his oral?

The flight I usually don't get too worried and worked up over...it's the oral.

I don't like drawing out electrical systems and I kinda get flighty (FOI thing ) after about an hour or an hour and a half of talking about trivial stuff...

-mini

 

[dmspilot00]

How was his oral?

The oral was relaxed and he really tries to make the applicant feel at ease, and he definitely has a sense of humor as well. I think the oral was right around 2 hours. For the most part he tried to tie the questions into realistic scenarios. I highly doubt he would ask you to draw electrical schematics or anything of that nature. He's not the kind that would ask "trivial" questions, although he might ask a few. He asked me how long I had to wait to fly after I went scuba diving...I had to admit I couldn't remember, but that was OK. Also, I think one of his favorite questions is to ask about ferry flight permits so know about those.

 

[minitour]

Cool, thanks...I'll definitely keep that in mind if I go that route.

-mini