Instrument/Commercial

[daxroy]

I have a private certificate with 130 hrs TT. Next I'd like to get a commercial certificate with an instrument rating. I'm wondering if I can work on both of these together? Is there a way of study or method that combines both. Also, what is the practical exam like for the commercial certificate...how is it different from the practical exam for the private certificate?

[sideslip]

Dax: Best thing is to talk with a CFI. They should be able to tell you whether or not you can combine some hours. They also can show you the PTS for the commercial certificate. I know that there are additional manuvers ( lazy 8's and turns on a point are two I remember being told about) and the altitude and heading standards are tighter than for the PPL. Also, a copy of the FARs (part 61) will give you the general requirements for both ratings. Good Luck.

[Citabria7ECA]

Just for your information, I am currently working on my commercial/instrument right now. The only hours that I can think of off the top of my head is the time in a complex (retractable landing gear, flaps, constant speed prop). Basically, if you are flying a complex either doing manuevers or approaches, it goes toward the 10 hours(I think, don't have my copy of the FAR's with me) of complex time you need. Also, remember that for your commercial ticket, your x-country with passengers is limited, thus the term limited commercial license. It is wise to get either instrument then commercial, or both at the same time. Good luck on your exams and practicals.

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Happy Landings!

[HighFLyer]

The instrument and commercial ratings are quite different, and are pretty hard to incorporate together. If you have the cash, you could do your instrument trainging in a complex aircraft. Then you would learn how the airplane flies, and have your required complex time.

The commercial checkride is basically a glorified private, with stricter standards, more questions, and more manuevers. Lazy 8's, 8's on pylons, chandelles, and constant speed steep turns are all required. As a commercial pilot, you must be more proficient at everything, be able to answer questions about any part of your airplane, and you must take part of the checkride in a complex aircraft.

I'm not sure if you know this, but a commercial also requres 250 hours total time, and fifty of that can be in simulators. I would really suggest getting your instrument, then commercial. That way, your instrument hours will add up toward your 250 TT. Hope this helps!

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