IFR and Comm training

[goaliemn]

I was down at a pilot shop yesterday picking up some supplies. Guy behind the counter was real talkative and I told him I was starting my IFR training. he asked if I was doing my commercial at the same time. Told him no and he said he wished he would've done it at the same time.

I don't plan on flying airliners or anything like that. Is there any benefit to getting the commercial ticket? Is the training similar enough that doing it at the same time is beneficial?

Thanks

 

[TRLpilot]

if you do not plan on ever flying for a living then i wouldn't expect there is a need for you to get your commercial.

i'm not sure if insurance companies look at a commercially licensed pilot more favorably than a private pilot with an instrument rating.

if your profile is right and you only have about 150 hours, then you still need another 100 hours anyway to meet the requirements for commercial.

 

[Lead Sled]

Is there a need for you to get a commercial? Probably not. Would it be a good thing? Just my personal opinion, but I think that it probably would be. Any time you go "above and beyond" when it comes to pilot training and proficiency I would consider it a "good thing". The extra time and effort required for the commercial is not a big deal. The commercial written is a "gimme" if you did well enough (90% or better) on the Private Written Exam.

I would also suggest that you also get some glider training, some aerobatic training and also a bit of taildragger time won't hurt you either. Do you have to do it all at once? No, but as time and finances permit - schedule it in.

At some point, you'll have the flight time to qualify for an ATP. When the time comes I'd suggest that you go for it as well. (Even if it's in a single and not a twin.) The ATP is basically just another instrument checkride and the time spent studying for the written will be well spent as a good regulations review.

Go for the extra training, you'll have a heck of a lot of fun and your overall proficiency will go through the roof. And yes, you'll probably get some insurance price breaks.

Lead Sled

 

[pilotman2105]

Is there a need for you to get a commercial? Probably not. Would it be a good thing? Just my personal opinion, but I think that it probably would be. Any time you go "above and beyond" when it comes to pilot training and proficiency I would consider it a "good thing".

I agree. It's an excellent opportunity to stay active in aviation rather just becoming a joyrider. The more you study and work toward any rating the safer you will be.

It can also be very self-satisfying. Give it a shot if you have the time & money.

 

[bobbysamd]

Advanced ratings

I went for advanced ratings not because I was thinking about a career at the time but because I really enjoyed flying and wanted to be a good pilot. That would be reason enough for you to get your Commercial.

Most of the maneuvers are the same as for your Private, but to higher standards. You would also have to demonstrate chandelles, lazy 8s and steep spirals. I don't know if eights-on-pylons and/or eights-around-pylons are still part of the flight test. The oral tests your knowledge to a deeper level than for your Private. You have to demonstrate complex airplane operation.

You may never seek the career with your Commercial, but getting it will be fun and you'll become a better pilot. I would do it if I were you.

Good luck with your training.

 

[dmspilot00]

I agree with everyone that getting a commercial cert is a good thing, but since you only have 150 hours, I wouldn't worry about now until after your instrument rating. I think the thing to do would be to just go with the flow: have fun, and just wait until you get closer to 250; maybe, say, 230 to casually start some commercial training. If you don't plan on flying for a career, there's really no reason to do them simultaneously or even in immediate succession.

Also, after you get your instrument rating but before starting commercial training (while you're just waiting to reach 220-230) would be a perfect time to do the taildraggers, or gliders or whatever.

 

[Jedi_Cheese]

Depending on how much flying you do a year, use your commercial as a BFR when it starts getting closer. There isn't all that much to a commercial and you will need to do some training anyway. Plus you will be able to get cheaper insurance and possibly find some outside work (ferry flights, sightseeing with friends/family, glider towing, skydiver flights, ect).

Whats with all the glider stuff? Am I missing out on something?