How many hours for complex endorsement and commercial checkride?

[Autothrust Blue]

I've seen a PPL take 300 hours. They were definitely meant to fly, and were a great pilot no less. Especially older, cautious students that have no problem spending the money - who are we to judge? They are our customers. And the best ones are usually when I'm telling them they are ready, but they want to learn more.

I couldn't disagree more. A guy that takes 300 hours to finish their PPL has no business flying an airplane. If they were great pilots they wouldn't have taken 300 hours to finish something that should be done between 60-80 maximum. I could see maybe a little more if they got messed with changing instructors but if it was solid training....

"Why" is instructive.

If it's because they've started and stopped their training, life (or the industry, for that matter) interfered, and so on, that's one matter; if they just enjoy plodding around in an airplane and are in no hurry, that's fine too.

If it's because they're poop-birds (srsly, I wish I could say • on here sometimes...sorry @Derg), that's also another matter.

 

[Chief Captain]

Maybe I've been doing it wrong the whole time. 5-10hrs for a complex endorsement? 1-2 hours. 3 hours tops. The average commercial student is coming off something like a 172- which has flaps. If it takes you more than 1 or 2 flights to figure how to move the gear and prop, something's wrong.

 

[PGT]

Maybe I've been doing it wrong the whole time. 5-10hrs for a complex endorsement? 1-2 hours. 3 hours tops. The average commercial student is coming off something like a 172- which has flaps. If it takes you more than 1 or 2 flights to figure how to move the gear and prop, something's wrong.

Don't forget insurance at the FBO/club - I wouldn't be surprised if that's why it was 5-10 hours instead of 2.