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5 Answers

Do I have to take Commercial check ride before starting CFI training?

Asked by: 9693 views Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor

Do I have to take Commercial check ride before starting CFI training? Or can I get the ASEL Commercial endorsement as part of my CFI checkride? The only reason for getting Commercial is to go after my CFI rating....

I passed ATP (multi-engine)several years ago but never had single engine except for Private. I came from military where I flew multi-engine jets.

I'd like to save $400 on the examiner fee!

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5 Answers



  1. Ron Klutts on Jun 23, 2012

    You can train for anything at anytime. But the DPE may want to be paid for both certificates, the commercial and CFI. Maybe you can get a discount by doing both. Check the requirement as I think you may have to have the commercial already to be eligible to take the CFI checkride.

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  2. Wes Beard on Jun 23, 2012

    You are required to have your commercial certificate before applying for a CFI certificate.  You won’t be able to do what you want by combining the checkrides.  However, you can train for your CFI at the same time as training for your commercial certificate.  However, in your case, it is not going to save you any money.
     
    The best bet is to have your CFI make you teach him the maneuvers you need for the commercial and you can at least cover two stones that way.
     
    The initial CFI practical test is grueling and I do not recommend taking the oral and the flight test on the same day.  The orals here in Arizona last anywhere from 6-8 hours.  If you were an instructor pilot in the military, go to the FSDO and get your MEI and CFII out of the way.  When you take the CFI-A test it will be much shorter.
     
    The other thing to consider is that the examiner is only allowed to perform two practical tests a day.

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  3. David Eberhardt on Jun 24, 2012

    thank you for the input. I’m still gagging on the fee ($400) … so if the examiner works 2 rides in a day, say an 8 hour work day – that works out to $100 per hour.
    can’t waite to find out wht the CFI check ride will cost me!
     

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  4. Matthew Waugh on Jun 29, 2012

    The CFI ride is free, the first one, the repeat, and the repeat, and the repeat until the FAA gets tired of seeing your face. Then they give you a certificate…….

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  5. David Eberhardt on Jun 29, 2012

    Matthew Waugh;

    Thanks for the info. LOL – from what I hear, I shall plan doing more than one flight with the FAA for the CFI!
    Taking the Commercial check ride Sunday (July 1st) … yep, reached into the vault for the money!

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