How do I add an instrument MEL Commercial license to a rotorywing comm?

[benny]

Hello everyone here is a new one, I am a us army helicopter pilot with a commercial IFR rotorywing license. I want to add my commercial multi-engine inst., do I need to get my private pilot SEL license first or can I just jump to my multi-eng commercial? Please I will welcome all advice on this matter. Or what are my best options I am currently stationed in Hawaii.

 

[avbug]

As you already hold a commercial pilot certificate, there is no need to obtain private pilot privileges in an airplane...you can add on at the commercial level. However, remember that you're learning an entirely different kind of flying. Before you jump into multi engine flying, you should get some good single engine airplane experience under your belt. If you're just looking to add the rating to your certificate, it's not a big deal...but if you want to use that rating you'll need some solid fixed wing experience.

For this reason, many will obtain their fixed wing certification at the private level first, in order to begin logging their fixed wing time as PIC. Its not necessary, but it's a choice that many folks make to enable them to log more PIC during their training.

 

[ILS8L]

Check out APTAP.org

Benny,

Have you checked out APTAP? There is a ton of info there. Many FBO's just don't know what it takes. Not knowing is half the battle. Look at the regs. yourself and get the facts correct. Avbug is correct in that you are adding on to a certificate. If you have GI bill you can use it since you already have > private pilot.

Anderson Aviation there in HNL used to have a Vetrans approved school. You might look at that but to be honest I would bet money that they have lost that approval. You will find that many schools don't want to deal with it because it is different, causes more paperwork, and subjects them to another level of critical review.

Good luck.

 

[benny]

ILS8L I went to Anderson Aviation and yes they still offer the program for military rotorywing pilots. I will get the VA paperwork ready and see what happens. This forum is a great resorce and I am thankful for everyone who participates and help fellows like me who are always looking for answers. Thank you!

 

[keith]

fixed-wing add on

Benny,

Two years ago I helped a former Army helo pilot get his fixed wing private pilots license. Like most have mentioned there are many requirements that have to be met for the commercial license. They can be found in the FAR/AIM. Jeppesen's Commercial PTS (practical test standards) has a nice graph in the very front it that breaks down the sections/manuevers that you will have to demonstrate for your checkride. I don't believe you have to take the written examination. One bit of advice, if my may, once you start your fixed-wing flight training: Do not terminate your landings into a hover

By the way, I really enjoyed working with military aviators. Always on-time, prepared and professional.

-Keith

 

[benny]

Thank you Keith, I will start training this saturday. I found a school that offers a program taylored to helicopter pilots. I will continue to study the FAR/AIM and will look up the PTS to get myself educated on what I need to do. Oh by the way do Cesnas hover?

Thank you again Keith.

 

[ms6073]

Oh by the way do Cesnas hover?

Probably a number of people here who might think so after completing a cross country in C-150/152 with very strong winds aloft! Also try to keep in mind that autorotation in a fixed-wing (single or multi) can be a very bad thing!