Split Commercial Checkride?

[SoCalPilotGuy]

Just wanted to get some feedback and see if anyone has done a split Commercial Single Engine checkride. I am thinking of doing most of the training in a C-172 and then flying a C-182RG for the Complex requirement. Anybody do it this way? What was the checkride like? Any information or thoughts would be appreciated.

[KC Jake]

For my CFI checkride, I did all the maneuvers in a Warrior and the landings in an Arrow. I would have done it the same way for my CSEL but I already had my CMEL so I didn't need a complex airplane for the landings. Anyway, for my CFI (which is a lot like the CSEL except from the right seat) we started out in the Arrow doing the landings. Then, we parked it, got in the Warrior, and went and did the maneuvers. It wasn't that big of a deal. Just make sure you have enough complex time that when you go to take the checkride, the examiner isn't going to second guess your knowledge of complex aircraft. In that case, they might start playing "Stump the Chump".

[Beech driver]

When I got my commercial I split it between a Beech Sport and an A-36. I did the cross country and landing part in the Bonanza and the rest in the Sport. I did not think it was that big of a deal. However, when I got my CFI, I stuck solely with the Bonanza. Mainly because I wanted to spend as little time with the examiner as possible. Meaning I had less time to screw up with him in the left seat. It also allowed me to know only one airplane in and out instead of remembering everything about more than one.

[MusketeerMan]

Did both the commercial and CFI in 2 airplanes...no big deal. It saved me a ton of cash doing most of it in my plane...

[Goodspeed]

I had a similar question. Next week I'm supposed to do my CMEL and CSEL in the same day. All of my recent time has been in the multi. If I pass the CMEL check ride first, do I have to do the se check ride in a complex aircraft or can it be in a 172, which I'm familiar with.

[Nihon_Ni]

Originally Posted by Goodspeed

I had a similar question. Next week I'm supposed to do my CMEL and CSEL in the same day. All of my recent time has been in the multi. If I pass the CMEL check ride first, do I have to do the se check ride in a complex aircraft or can it be in a 172, which I'm familiar with.

From the Commercial PTS:

Aircraft and Equipment Required for the Practical Test

The commercial pilot—airplane applicant is required by 14 CFR section 61.45, to provide an airworthy, certificated airplane for use during the practical test. This section further requires that the aircraft must:
1. be of U.S., foreign or military registry of the same category, class, and type, if applicable, for the certificate and/or rating for which the applicant is applying;
2. have fully functioning dual controls, except as provided for in 14 CFR section 61.45(c) and (e);
3. be capable of performing all AREAS OF OPERATION appropriate to the rating sought and have no operating limitations which prohibit its use in any of the AREAS OF OPERATION required for the practical test; and
4. be a complex airplane furnished by the applicant, unless the applicant currently holds a commercial pilot certificate with a single-engine or multiengine class rating as appropriate, for the performance of takeoffs, landings, and appropriate emergency procedures. A complex landplane is one having retractable landing gear, flaps, and controllable propeller or turbinepowered. A complex seaplane is one having flaps and controllable propeller.

Notice also that it doesn't require the same class, just a "complex airplane." If you are working on your CSEL as your initial CPL, you could use a twin for the complex work. If you are not a ME private pilot, then the DPE will have to agree to be the PIC in order to allow you to use it. The DPE might not be willing to act as the PIC, but the regulations allow it.

I did my CPL check ride in two airplanes. I owned an AA-1B at the time, so I rented a PA-28R for the check ride. One T&G and one full stop in the Arrow, and the rest of the test in my Yankee.

Rob

[aloft]

Note that if you take the Commercial AMEL ride first, you have to have done all your commercial cross countries in the twin.

I did my Com ASEL and AMEL on successive days, and my problem was that I lost access to the 182RG I did my training in. I then found out it was possible to use a twin for part of the Com ASEL ride, so I started my ME training and when I was ready for the AMEL ride, brushed up a little on the SE stuff. For the checkride, I did all the ASEL maneuvers in a straight-leg C-182 and used a Seneca for the "landings, takeoffs and appropriate emergency procedures" that required a complex aircraft. Finished up the AMEL add-on the next day. My DPE had no problem with doing it that way.

Doing the SEL and MEL rides back-to-back wasn't terribly difficult, though there is a risk of negative knowledge transfer. Getting and remaining checkride-sharp in both airplanes at the same time definitely requires you to bring your "A" game, though.

[ctab5060X]

Originally Posted by Nihon_Ni

Notice also that it doesn't require the same class, just a "complex airplane." If you are working on your CSEL as your initial CPL, you could use a twin for the complex work. If you are not a ME private pilot, then the DPE will have to agree to be the PIC in order to allow you to use it. The DPE might not be willing to act as the PIC, but the regulations allow it.

Exactly...when I got my CPL, I initially used a 152 then swapped to an Aztec to satisfy the "complex airplane" portion. Only difference with me and the above is I went ahead and did my multi ride while in the twin (2 birds with one stone). Made for a long day, but worth it in the end.

Originally Posted by aloft

Doing the SEL and MEL rides back-to-back wasn't terribly difficult, though there is a risk of negative knowledge transfer. Getting and remaining checkride-sharp in both airplanes at the same time definitely requires you to bring your "A" game, though.

Oh, heck yeah. It was hard as it could be to keep things straight sometimes. Fortunately, I had enough time in type in the Aztec that things were starting to become second nature.

[redcell38]

So if I read this correctly, Since I did my CMEL 1st I am getting ready to do my CSEL next I can just do it in a 172..
I was told I had to do it in a RG however this states I don't. Am I correct?

[Nihon_Ni]

Originally Posted by redcell38

So if I read this correctly, Since I did my CMEL 1st I am getting ready to do my CSEL next I can just do it in a 172..
I was told I had to do it in a RG however this states I don't. Am I correct?

Go back to the PTS and read what it says about aircraft and equipment required for the practical test. Ask whoever told you that you "had to do it in a RG" to cite a reference.