Expert: David Bidwell - 1/13/2005

Question
I am a private pilot, have 135 hours in single engine aircraft, 15.5 in a instrument flight sim, 25 cross country, 35 simulated instrument, and 4.5 in actual IMC(with instructor of coarse.) private is my only rating, i have not completed instrument yet. its been 2 years since my last flight(and the birth of my son), and I am getting ready to go back to training in a big way. I guess what i want to know is what is my best course of action, I still need 100 hours to have the commercial, so what can i accomplish with my hours within this time? I considered obtaining the multi rating, does it make sense to do that before i get the commercial? I just want to structure every thing as best as possible, so that i can get the best bang for my dollar. what are your suggestions?

Answer
Hi Jason,
I strongly suggest that you get your instrument rating first.  This will fine tune you and offer a much better understanding of the system.  It should also help with the commercial ticket.  Multi? Do it last.  You can knock that off in a weekend.  Also, keep in mind that the commercial isn't worth much without the instrument rating.
Good Luck,
Dave