ScottyDo

Yea I think after mulling it over it will be way cheaper so I will just get it knocked out. It will be nice doing this checkride from the right seat which is what I'm more used to now anyway lol.

RhinoBallAuto

I currently have tons of mil ME IP hours, albeit w/ CL thrust restriction. Right now I can do the military instructor competency (say, through Sheppard), but I think it would only get "Instrument Airplane" (since I have no SEI hours, and the CL restriction on my MEI time).

My next orders may get me into SE IP; if so, I plan on doing the full monty for SEI.

To my question, would there be any value in doing MEI add-on as part of ATP practical? Goal being to have best resume for eventual app to majors.

rickair7777

The MEI would not be an add-on since you don't have any instructor certs, it would be an initial CFI (yes you can do the MEI as your initial). Chose your school carefully and make sure you understand the "lay of the land" as far as checkrides go. Initial CFI rides have about a 50% pass rate...not worth getting a pink slip in your FAA record just to check another box on airlineapps if you're not even going to use the rating.

RhinoBallAuto

Thanks rick. Makes good sense.
If i did the mil competency to get the instrument airplane (or after I had enough time and did the SEI), would it be an add-on in that case? My understanding was, this is the reason doing the competency is so key, so you can avoid the initial check ride pain.

rickair7777

I don't think they make a distinction as to where your first CFI cert came from, so as long as you already have a CFI cert it would not be an initial ride.

Flyboyxc91

The multi add on I heard was one of the "less bust risk" checkrides of the list.. Yes it depends somewhat on plane and DPE but considering your ratings and proficiency (no busts through them) you should be very comfortable I would think.

Heed

Rhino-

Do the Sheppard Air and get your CFII, especially if you have down time in your difden tour. It is a relatively small investment, especially from the financial side.

Rick is right, it's an add on after that. The next easiest is MEI add-on and you can get your centerline restriction removed on the checkride. Depending on your GA experience and overall proficiency, the MEI training could be as low as 5 hours plus the checkride. Adding SE Intructor is a little more time intensive, especially if you picked up your Commercial rating through mil equivalent.

PM me if you have questions. I'm a Naval Aviator as well and did my SE CFI straight up in 2005. I recently added CFII through mil equiv (paperwork drill), knocked out my ME, ATP and then MEI. Flight instructing part time for fun on my difden tour and enjoy it.

Cheers, Heed

Heed

ScottyDo-

He heard right. It's a fairly painless build and practical. The maneuvers aren't complex, so you just need to know the theory (plenty of gouge out there), be able to fly the plane and do it while "instructing" those maneuvers from the right seat.

This may be OBE for you now, but I would not let the fear of busting the MEI add-on be the deciding factor. That being said, it's still a checkride. So don't go into it unprepared because you heard it was easy.

Cheers,
Heed

Stormblesses

If I was you I would get it as well. The more you have the better in my opinion. Good luck!