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Commercial Multi-Engine or getting an instrument rating first?

Asked by: 4279 views ,
Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor

Hi all. I've a commercial SEL (without instruments) and I would like to get a CMEL and instrument add-on. What do you guys recommend? Getting my instrument rating (I'm instrument rated on rotorcraft) first then work on my MEL or can I start on my MEL training first, then do an instrument add-on? The reason why I'm asking is because I understand for MEL PTS there is an instrument component and I'm not sure if an instrument rating is required. Appreciate all advise. Thank you in advanced.

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2 Answers



  1. John D Collins on Aug 23, 2015

    You need additional training in an airplane. It can be a single or multi-engine, but generally getting the training in a single is cheaper. I would first get the instrument rating airplane using a single engine aircraft, then get a multi-engine add on rating.

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  2. Dave M on Aug 23, 2015

    Unless you think you might need that extra Multi PIC time in the future, it’s probably better to do it in the single. As john says, it’s usualy cheaper and will probably be easier (one or more less things to worry about)

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