Commerical RW to Private FW Downgrade

[flymo]

Hey folks, had a gentleman request flight training to add-on a private airplane rating to his commercial rotorwing certificate. I am getting stumped on the downgrade part of the whole thing. In the the private pilot PTS, there is obviously the additional rating task table for a private pilot rating held, but nothing for the requirements if the applicant holds a commercial rating. Maybe I am looking to far into this but is it assumed that he holds a private rotorwing if he has his commercial, and should I use the applicable required tasks in the private PTS? FAR 61.63 says a written need not be taken, I just need to figure out how to tailor his flight training. I talked to the FSDO already, but the gentleman I talked to seemed unsure with his answer, so I thought I would get everyone's input here. Thanks!

 

[Ian_J]

Your client will not be getting a downgrade really - he will simply be adding ASEL private pilot privileges to his existing commercial certificate. Once he is all done he will still have a commercial certificate and next to ASEL it will say "Private Privileges Only" or something to that effect.

As for training look in the FAR for PPL - ASEL. Where it reads "in an airplane," those are the tasks he must do.

For a syllabus, contact user "Blackhawk" or maybe he'll stop by soon.

In the meantime, this is meant for Military Comm-H holders transitioning to Comm ASEL, but it will help ge you on the right track and show you where to look in the FARs: http://www.jetcareers.com/military-helo-to-civilian-fixed.html

(And alternatively, he can elect to train for Commercial ASEL privileges and bypass private if he chooses.)

 

[flymo]

(And alternatively, he can elect to train for Commercial ASEL privileges and bypass private if he chooses.)

Thanks Ian, that would make things easier, but he doesn't want the commerical ASEL, he just wants a private.

 

[MikeD]

Thanks Ian, that would make things easier, but he doesn't want the commerical ASEL, he just wants a private.

As mentioned, he should be able to take training to a private pilot level and exam as such. His cert will just say Comm-Rotorcraft, Helicopter, Private- Airplane Single Engine Land; as IanJ mentioned.

 

[Blackhawk]

syllabus at samdawsoncfi.com. Click on the private add-on link. It is in word format specific to my area but you can modify it.

 

[flymo]

syllabus at samdawsoncfi.com. Click on the private add-on link. It is in word format specific to my area but you can modify it.

Thanks Blackhawk! Thats a great resource. One last question; Am I correct on this statement: On the checkride, he will cover at a minimum, the areas listed in the PTS for ASEL add on, on the RW currently held column.

 

[Blackhawk]

Thanks Blackhawk! Thats a great resource. One last question; Am I correct on this statement: On the checkride, he will cover at a minimum, the areas listed in the PTS for ASEL add on, on the RW currently held column.

Yes. It is a pretty "fun" checkride as they go. Only ground portion (if I remember correctly as PTS is not in front of me), is systems, limitations and performance. The flight itself does not include any cross country. Make sure you contact the DE ahead of time so you are on the same sheet of music. The DEs here are familiar with the checkride and are good about breaking out the PTS before hand even though they have both been doing these for years. There are some out there who think they know it all and do not have to refer to any publication. There was even a FSDO near DC that insisted for a pilot with a CMEL applying for a CSEL add-on the pilot needed to get a private SEL first, then do all the flight hour requirements for the CSEL.

 

[Ian_J]

Yes. It is a pretty "fun" checkride as they go. Only ground portion (if I remember correctly as PTS is not in front of me), is systems, limitations and performance. The flight itself does not include any cross country. Make sure you contact the DE ahead of time so you are on the same sheet of music. The DEs here are familiar with the checkride and are good about breaking out the PTS before hand even though they have both been doing these for years. There are some out there who think they know it all and do not have to refer to any publication. There was even a FSDO near DC that insisted for a pilot with a CMEL applying for a CSEL add-on the pilot needed to get a private SEL first, then do all the flight hour requirements for the CSEL.

Back when I did my add-on, the DE was not familiar at all. I broke out the PTS to explain the requirements to him after which he said, "aww... let's just do the whole oral and checkride and see how ya do." He was cool about it though and I did fine.

 

[Blackhawk]

Back when I did my add-on, the DE was not familiar at all. I broke out the PTS to explain the requirements to him after which he said, "aww... let's just do the whole oral and checkride and see how ya do." He was cool about it though and I did fine.

Exactly what I am talking about. How hard is it to read a PTS... especially when you are suppose to be using it?