Commercial Pilot Course - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do my Commercial Single Engine and Commercial Multi Engine at the same time?

Yes. That is the best way to do it. Here’s how it works. On your FAA practical test with the examiner, you will first demonstrate all of the commercial maneuvers using a fixed gear single engine aircraft. Then you will land and then go up in the multi-engine aircraft to do all of the engine out procedures and demonstrate your ability with the complex aircraft, gear and prop operation. When you are done you will have an Airplane Single Engine Land and Airplane Multi-Engine Land Commercial Certificate.

Can I get my Commercial Certificate before I get my IFR rating?

Bad idea! Here’s why. If you are VFR only when you take your Commercial practical test, you will not be doing any of the instrument approaches. Therefore you will have a VFR Only limitation to your Commercial pilot privileges. When you finally get your Instrument rating, you will have to demonstrate instrument procedures in both the single engine and multi-engine aircraft to have that limitation removed.

How many hours of training are required?

There is no specific hour requirement to speak of. You simply just must have enough training to be able to perform the maneuvers adequately in order to pass the practical test. There is however a requirement for 10 hours of training in a retractable aircraft with a controllable pitch propeller. If you are getting your multi-engine rating concurrently with the Commercial, you will get the 10 hours anyway.

Do I have to have my Multi-Engine Private Pilot before getting the Multi Commercial?

No. Very few people get the multi added to a Private Pilot Certificate. Unless you have NO plans to ever get the Commercial, there is no reason to do it that way.