Expert: David A. NewMyer - 10/14/2010

Question
Hello Mr. NewMyer:
    I am currently working on my commercial pilot's license.  I am instrument rated.  I have build up my hours and learned all the commercial manuvers and now it's time for me to learn to fly the complex plane.  My flight instructor mentioned that in the near future, the FAA might remove the complex requirement to get the commercial licence.  Have you heard anything about this?  If this is true, do you think the FAA will remove this requirement within this year?  Thank you.  

David.  

Answer
Hi,

This was the subject of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for changes to FAR Part 61 from the FAA during the past year.  The removal of the complex airplane requirement from the commercial certificate (and replacing the 10 hour complex requirement with 10 hours of Advanced Instrument training) was just one of the ideas proposed..... but there has not been a final rule (or a revised NPRM) issued.

Due to the fact that the FAA is so overwhelmed with Aviation Rulemaking Committees, NPRMs and the like at the moment, I am not sure when they will issue this rule or new NPRM.  I also do not know what it will contain.

My suggestion is to go to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association website regularly to see if there are any updates on this issue:  www.aopa.org

Thank you for your question.

Dave NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siuc.edu