Transition training requirements for 337

[edasmus]

HI,

There is nothing extraordinary about flying a naturally aspirated SkyMaster. If you are COMPLETELY comfortable in the SR20, then flying a naturally aspirated SkyMaster should prove fun and enjoyable. You will simply have two levers in your hands as oppossed to one and don't forget the landing gear. Insurance, as Ernie mentioned, will be pricey especially at your experience level but you either pay it or not. The choice is up to you.

When I started flying the Skymaster, the only multi time I had was what I got training for the rating in a Piper Seminol. So that number was 10. My total time was about 1500 with maybe 500 in high performance/complex. The Skymaster, in my opinion, is the perfect airplane to transition to mult-engine flying. It may very well be the perfect light twin in terms of aerodynamics. One has to start somewhere, the Skymaster is a great place to do it. I have over 600 hours in my SkyMaster now since beginning multi flying in 2003 and have no desire to fly anything else.

A MEI with Skymaster time would certainly be a plus but should not be a requirement. More important would be a competent one that you like. If the MEI does not have Skymaster experience, please, please, please make sure both of you know the systems backward and forward of the exact model you are flying. Model years differ alot. Pay extra attention to the fuel system and landing gear. Most of the sad record of Skymasters comes from lack of understanding of the fuel systems by unprepared pilots. Though the record for Skymasters compares similarly to other comparable twins, it should be better. The fuel systems have caught many pilots by surprise. Operate that and the rest of airplane as designed, and nothing but enjoyment will follow.

Good Luck!

Ed

[Skymaster337B]

And the correct answer is: Yes, a MEI must have 5 hours PIC time in a Skymaster in order to instruct in it. Reference is FAR 61.195.f.

"Training received in a multiengine airplane, a helicopter, or a powered-lift. A flight instructor may not give training required for the issuance of a certificate or rating in a multiengine airplane, a helicopter, or a powered-lift unless that flight instructor has at least 5 flight hours of pilot-in-command time in the specific make and model of multiengine airplane, helicopter, or powered-lift, as appropriate."

[B2C2]

Excellent. So I guess Im looking for an MEI with at least 5 hours of 337 time in the vicinity of Livermore CA. Any suggestions?

[hharney]

The insurance company will be the determining factor if the multi rated CFI(I) can instruct in the Skymaster. The tricky part is "Who is the PIC?" If you own the plane, you insure it and the CFI meets the OPW for type then the CFI can instruct in your airplane. The premium for the insurance will be extremely high if you are named on the policy.

Doing this in the 337 makes things a little harder because most CFI's don't have 337 time. If you were to find a 337 to rent and the CFI meets the insurance requirement then OK. It just gets really sticky trying to do this in the actual Skymaster.

Here is what I would do to get this rating out of the way in the cleanest fashion. Go get your multi rating in a normal twin engine aircraft. Compared to Skymasters these aircraft are offered at most any flight school. You will probably be flying a Seminole or a Duchess but there is no sticky stuff to worry about. In the long run you will be much better off having a standard multi certification rather than a limited CLT only. I can say this because I did just what you are planning. I got my multi in a Skymaster and had a limitation for 12 or 15 years. Did it limit me? Yes, I had some opportunities that presented themselves but I was not able to partake because of the limitation. Also all the hours that I logged with the limitation in place technically don't count as standard multi time. But if you have the standard multi and then fly the CLT it counts as standard multi. Go figure. Anyway, stuff changes in our lives and opportunities land in our laps, why limit yourself.

Just my $0.50

Just go get the rating and be done with it. Then you can comfortably find your Skymaster and be ready to go.

[B2C2]

I think this makes sense. I would like to maximize my time in type, but it does seem like this will be easier to pull together. Thanks for the advice.