complex signoff?

[Kent4]

When would you recommend getting the complex signoff? I'm finishing up my instrument rating, but I'll only have about 130 TT when I'm done. I've been told to wait until the commercial to do the complex/high perf. signoffs and first get the ME rating.

Any thoughts?

 

[K.V.]

Any multi-engine airplane you fly will be complex. Kill all three birds at once by getting your initial commercial in a multi. There’s really no need for a commercial-single anyways unless you’re planning on instructing. Even then getting a single add-on is about the easiest thing you’ll ever do. I saved myself a good chunk of cash too by doing it that way.

 

[wil]

Why not do a couple of instrument lessons in a C-172RG? Good luck- Wil

 

[bobbysamd]

Complex (high-performance) signoff

Your school will have a point in the syllabus where you take training in a high-performance/complex airplane. If you are not training in a formal course, you can get your high-performance/complex signoff any time you want, though you should follow your instructor's recommendations.

I second doing it all by getting your Commercial-Instrument in a multi. You will have already demonstrated controllable prop, flaps and retractable gear operation, so all you'll need for the Commercial single add-on is a simple single.

Good luck with your training.

 

[DrewBlows]

Kent4,
It depends on what you want to do. If you want to be a professional pilot and plan to spend a lot of time training, building time, ect. then you will want to get as much multi time as possible which probably means getting the multi commercial first. If you want to take your time during your training or are just learning to fly for fun, maybe getting checked out in a complex and/or high performance airplane is for you. It all depends on your situation. I am currently a CFI looking for a job (who's not), and I took the traditional route (private, instrument, commercial, multi). I was able to fly a complex/high performance some during my instrument, but in hindsight I wish that I had spent more of my hard earned money on multi time. When I finished my training I had 12 hours multi which wasn't even enough to get checked out in any twin in my area. Anyway, I know your original question was about complex/ high performance but I hope this helps.

 

[Kent4]

Thanks for all of your replies!

-K4

 

[Flyingtoohigh]

Getting your initial commerial in a multi is not always advantageous. Any training done in a ME for the Commercial AMEL without a prior ME does not 'count' as PIC time -- the stuff that airlines and other would-be employers like.

If you get your initial commercial in a single then you don't have to meet the cross-country and minimum time requirements in a multi (since you've already met them to get the Comm'l ASEL). You are going to pay more to get a Commercial ME first with an SE add-on later than an SE first and an ME add-on.

If you plan on being a CFI, you'll need your commercial single-engine anyways, so most people get that first.

Anytime after you finish your instrument rating will be a fine time to learn complex/hi-perf aircraft. If your school has a certain place in the syllabus for this type of training, I'd stick to the syllabus. What does your CFI recommend?

 

[K.V.]

There’s no reg that says you have to meet all your minimum time requirements in a ME airplane. All you’ll need is between 12 and 15 hours in a ME if you do it right, which includes your mandatory 10 ME PIC. Look, all I’m saying is that if your not planning on instructing, which believe it or not, isn’t the desired path of all flight students, this is a good way to save yourself some coin. And besides even if you are planning on instructing you’ll still save money by doing it this way and then adding on your SE comm. Remember it’s YOUR training and YOUR money, do your homework and find out the most efficient and economical way for you.

 

[Propnose]

The way I did it, was get my instrument, Comm-SEL, then my Multi-add-on. I chose not to get my CFI and build time doing something other than the norm. I towed banners for two summers, and built enough time to get on with a 135 co.
I think that if your sights are set on a flying career, it is equally important in the beginning to get your Comm-SEL because I don't know of a whole lot of time-building jobs where you won't be flying a SEL for hire at least initially.