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4 Answers

“Solo” multi engine time needed for rating

Asked by: 2959 views , ,
Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations, Flight Instructor, General Aviation, Private Pilot

If a certificated commercial pilot with ASEL wants to do the multi engine add-on, how does the 10 hours “solo” requirement get logged?  No insurance company will allow this solo time, so the caveat “PIC performing PIC duties with instructor present” is used in leu of solo.  This is problematic: who is actually PIC?  What endorsement must the CFI/MEI make before this time is logged?  Does the CFI sign each flight still?  How about filling out the 8710 form on this?

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4 Answers



  1. awair on Dec 07, 2020

    I believe you are referring to 61.129?

    (b)(4) Ten hours of solo…

    This is for initial issue of a Commercial Certificate with airplane multiengine rating.

    In the case of existing Commercial ASEL, refer instead to 61.63© which is for Additional Class Rating.

    Solo time is not required for an Add-on at the same level.

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  2. awair on Dec 07, 2020

    Apologies for the auto-correct 61.63(c).

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  3. Nada_Surf on Dec 07, 2020

    What about in the case of a PPL going to Commercial but only getting multi on his commercial certificate? No SEL commercial privileges. The 10 hours “solo” is required, and would need to be logged using the loophole of “pic” while a CFI/MEI rides along for insurance purposes. How would the CFI log this time? How would the student log the time? What endorsements would be necessary to keep the FAA happy?

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  4. awair on Dec 09, 2020

    It’s not a loophole, it is explicitly stated in the regulation:

    “ (4) 10 hours of solo flight time in a multiengine airplane or 10 hours of flight time performing the duties of pilot in command in a multiengine airplane with an authorized instructor (either of which may be credited towards the flight time requirement in paragraph (b)(2) of this section), on the areas of operation listed in §61.127(b)(2) of this part that includes at least—”

    It’s not a usual route, to go Private ASEL to Commercial AMEL, because of the additional cost of ME time, but it is permissible and catered for.

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