(Ross Oliver) wrote in message ...
Now that I have the instrument rating under my belt, it
seems to be only a little extra work to get a commercial rating.
So I've been studying for the written. However, it strikes
me that the commerical exam has pretty much the same material as
the private pilot exam. Am I missing something? Are there particular
areas or topics that are specific to the commercial exam?


Ross Oliver

Having just completed the Commercial last Fall, here are my
experiences:

Written focuses deeper on weather, weight and balance, aircraft
performance, aerodynamics and regulations on commercial operations and
piloting(there is a difference between the two, so be well versed).
Beware the FAA has started mixing up the answer stems randomly, so
while you may remember the answer to a question is choice 'A' in the
prep book/software you use, the actual test may have that same answer
as 'C',

Practical test involves proving competancy in a high perf complex
aircraft, as well as more advance maneuvers (8's on pylons, lazy
eights, chandelles). You can find all this in the PTS, widely
available on various web sites including the FAA's own.

Out of the Private, IFR and Commercial, it was the easiest of the
three, but that's not to say it's 'easy'. The maneuvers are
challenging, but very FUN! The written was, well, a written. Proper
preparation for that will guarantee a 90+ score.