Soloing a private/commercial pilot in a multi

[Alchemy]

Can this be done? Our cheif CFI argues that it cannot. He justifies this by saying that only student pilots can act as PIC of an aircraft for which they are not rated, and private/commercial pilots can't become student pilots again.

However, there is an endorsement in ac61-65D which seems to allow for this:

[ QUOTE ]
35. To act as PIC of an aircraft in solo operations when the pilot who does not hold an appropriate
category/class rating: § 61.31(d)(3)
I certify that (First name, MI, Last name) has received the training as required by § 61.31(d)(3) to serve as a PIC in a (category and class of aircraft). I have determined that he/she is prepared to serve as PIC in that
(make and model of aircraft).
S/S [date] J.J. Jones 987654321CFI Exp. 12-31-00

[/ QUOTE ]

I argue that this endorsement is there for a reason, and that 14 CFR 61.31(d)(3) does indeed allow solo operations in aircraft for which a pilot is not rated. I need to get a definitive answer on this before I go into my MEI practical.

 

[Tired]

Yes, you are correct, and that is the right endorsment.

 

[pscraig]

Think of it this way...when a SEL rated student goes up on a checkride for their first multi rating, they are acting as PIC of an aircraft category for which they are not yet rated. I would argue you can solo someone in a multi using the endorsement you quoted from 61.65(d). Why you would need to do that is another question however, since the solo requirements apply only to the single engine rating, see 61.129(b)(4)

 

[Alchemy]

We have a guy that wants to go from his single engine private to multi-commercial.

Having this endorsement would save him the cost of an instructor on the 300 NM cross country and the 5 hours of night VFR w/ 10 TO&Lndg (61.129(b)(4)(i-ii)).

Weather or not insurance would allow this is another story. It also kind of sucks from the CFI's standpoint, why give them the endorsement if they don't need to have it to get their rating? The only good reason would be to save money for the student, but you're robbing yourself or revenue.

 

[Tired]

I wouldn't do it, even if the the insurance would let you. Too much risk and liability. Is he planning on never getting SE comm.? If not, then why not just take the ride first in a single?

 

[kellwolf]

There are a lot of guys that skip the SE commercial. If you have a good line on a multi job (or you're at one of the academies) it's not really necessary unless you're going to fly single engine freight, CFI or banner tow. I thought about skipping it, but I found out that I can save about $5K by getting that and doing a multi add-on at MAPD (if I get in). As far as is it legal for a rated pilot to become a student pilot again, hell yes. Just because you are rated as a private or a commercial does not mean you know how to fly a multi, seaplane, or glider. You would HAVE to become a student pilot again. Not sure if I would want to sign someone off for a long x/c in a plane they aren't totally comfortable in. Then again, it has to be done for the PPL. I'm thinking there are insurance reasons involved in this.....

 

[Icelandair]

Yes that is the correct endorsement that you would use to solo a private pilot ASEL in a AMEL. Those FAQ's used the example of a person who has their helicopter private pilot certificate and wanted to add an airplane category. This person is NOT a student pilot, you don't give them student endorsements. So you use the above one. One thing i heard mentioned was that the above one does not expire on its own in 90 days, so make sure you put an expiration date on it. Now I dont' know many CFI's who would be willing to sign off a student to solo in a multi...