Commercial Prep Time

AA34

AA34

Well-Known Member
I'm sitting at ~190 hours and have been time building as I work towards a commercial rating. I plan to do CMEL first with the single add on. Part 61.

Anyone have anything specific I can be doing to improve my skills and make this time building phase beneficial, and not just filling a logbook?

I work full time so really long XC trips don't really work but I've done $100 hamburgers, pattern work, and occasionally time building XC IFR with another pilot in the evenings. Just would like to make sure I'm sharp for the commercial rides and am using this time as best I can as it ain't cheap!
 
Go through the test standards and make sure you can do the maneuvers and study up on commercial operations in the FAR.
 
tcco94 said:
Practice those power off 180's!!! Aren't they still one of the highest failed items at most schools? That was the one maneuver I was most nervous about...
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Agreed on the power off 180s. I'd also recommend brushing up on 8s on pylons.
 
I started my commercial training with about 230 hours. It doesn't take long to do the requirements and get your manuevers to PTS. You'll be ready by the time you have 250.
 
Jordan93 said:
I started my commercial training with about 230 hours. It doesn't take long to do the requirements and get your manuevers to PTS. You'll be ready by the time you have 250.
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You must have already had your cross countries done? And solo cross countries? 20 hours to get those, hoping in a new complex airplane, and learning new maneuvers?
 
Do you have a tail wheel endorsement? Go do that if there is one nearby.
Any place close to you with a Super Decathlon or Great Lakes where you can do some spin training and basic aerobatics?
 
If planning to do CFI right after, would anyone recommend doing commercial training from the right seat?
 
Drzalbm said:
If planning to do CFI right after, would anyone recommend doing commercial training from the right seat?
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I'm sure it'll help...I didn't think the transition was as hard as people set out to make it though. It'll grow on you quickly.
 
Cool, my cfi told me it's ok to take commercial ride from right seat as well. I don't see why not??
 
Blackhawk said:
Do you have a tail wheel endorsement? Go do that if there is one nearby.
Any place close to you with a Super Decathlon or Great Lakes where you can do some spin training and basic aerobatics?
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I actually know a CFI that just got access to a Super Decathlon at my field. Good thinking!
 
That Super D will be great for you. Eights on pylons won't be too challenging after some basic aerobatics like the 1/2 Cuban. If you can, find a Pitts and do some flying in it, especially landings. Power off 180s in an Arrow or Cutlass will be boring after maneuvering in a Pitts.
 
I have a question as well, can someone please help me understand this for the Commercial times. In FAR 61.129 in section 3, iii and iv, I was wondering if these cross countries need to be with a instructor. Because below it in section 4 it clarifies that you can do it with a instructor, or solo. I was wondering if I could use a night cross country that I have already done solo, versus having to do a complete new one with an instructor. Help me out. It just really seems vague.
 
Nick Plummer said:
I have a question as well, can someone please help me understand this for the Commercial times. In FAR 61.129 in section 3, iii and iv, I was wondering if these cross countries need to be with a instructor. Because below it in section 4 it clarifies that you can do it with a instructor, or solo. I was wondering if I could use a night cross country that I have already done solo, versus having to do a complete new one with an instructor. Help me out. It just really seems vague.
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No if you needed an instructor it would say with an authorized instructor like in (v). That's how I read it at least. Keep in mind though, you can't use the same cross country flight from one certificate to another....

Example: cross country flight used to get your private of 100nm straight line distance cannot be used as the 2 hour 100nm straight line cross country for commercial....if that makes sense.
 
tcco94 said:
Practice those power off 180's!!! Aren't they still one of the highest failed items at most schools? That was the one maneuver I was most nervous about...
Click to expand...
All that time I spent practicing power off 180s and I never did one on my check ride....Did a flap less landing on an 8500ft runway instead, talk about boring.
 
Make sure you have your towered night landings and meet the other pt 61 requirements. Can't speak for the CMEL, but the single add one should be 5-10 hours depending on if you're training in a new a/c or something you are used to flying.
 
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