fast03cobra Posted August 29, 2007 Report Share Posted August 29, 2007 I have a question regarding FARs. I am currently a Commercial ASEL pilot. I am looking to add helicopter private to my certificate and then Commercial. According to FAR 61.63((5) I need not take a written knowledge test "provided the applicant holds an airplane, rotorcraft, etc.. rating at that pilot certificate level." My question is do I need to take another written test since I am at a Commercial (airplane) level, not private?? I have been told that there is a "add on" test that is just the rotorcraft questions for the private pilot, but I have not been able to verify that anywhere. I realize that I could go and add the Commercial Add-on; however my training is being paid for by my employer, however I can not SOLO in the companies helicopters. So I need to "farm out" my private so I can start logging PIC in company helos, and then do my commercial rotorcraft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jehh Posted August 31, 2007 Report Share Posted August 31, 2007 There is not an add-on written test for the private, instrument, or commercial...There is an add-on written test for the CFI, CFII, and ATP... If you get your private first, you'll still need to do 10 hours of solo time post-private to get your commercial, and from your post, it sounds like you won't be able to do that in the company helicopter. So budget for doing that in a rented helicopter as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joker Posted August 31, 2007 Report Share Posted August 31, 2007 (edited) A more direct answer to your question is found in John Lynch's FAQs. Not official but usually right. Here's the text. I hope that helps. Joker QUESTION: § 61.63((5) states ". . . (5) Need not take an additional knowledge test, provided the applicant holds an airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, or airship rating at that pilot certificate level . . ." if the person holds a pilot certificate for power to power ". . . at that pilot certificate level . . ." If an individual holds a commercial pilot certificate and wants to add an additional aircraft rating at the private pilot certification level, is a knowledge test required? If not, how does that answer the question about ". . . at that pilot certificate level . . ." in § 61.63((5)? ANSWER: Ref. § 61.63((5); If the person holds an airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, or airship rating and is applying for an additional aircraft rating (i.e., airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, or airship rating) at a lower pilot certification level, then the person needn't take an additional knowledge test. I agree the wording of § 61.63((5) should have probably been written like ". . . at that pilot certificate level or at a lower pilot certification level. . ." But I know in the past (see Q&A 99), when AFS‑840 has been asked this question, the answer has been that an applicant who holds an aircraft rating in a powered aircraft (meaning, airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, or airship rating) at a higher pilot certification level is not required to take another knowledge test for addition of an aircraft rating at the same pilot certification level or at a lower pilot certification level. {Q&A-527} Edited for bloody emoticons! Edited August 31, 2007 by joker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fast03cobra Posted September 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2007 Thank you for the replies. I have confirmed that I don't need another written exam, and I'm on the right path.. Again thank you for the replies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helihead Posted October 15, 2007 Report Share Posted October 15, 2007 o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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