Going Commercial

The phone call from one of our instructors posed a dilemma.  "Are you going to get a commercial rating this year?"  I hadn't thought to make a decision on that question this early in the year, but as it turns out, now is the time.

To be clear, a commercial rating simply allows me to be compensated for flying passengers.  I can already fly passengers under my private pilot ticket, but am only allowed to split compensation on a 50% or less basis with the passenger.  The type of certification I must have to fly passengers for hire at Harris Hill is governed by the certification of our operation (Part 91 of the code of federal regulations) by the FAA.  If I have a commercial glider rating, I can fly passengers under Part 91 for Harris Hill, so this rating allows me to take paying passengers up at Harris Hill.

Getting a commercial glider rating involves passing a written FAA test and a practical flight exam with a designated FAA examiner.  It's not considered one of the more difficult ratings to get, but I'm always nervous about taking tests.

It's also (like other ratings) expensive to get.  The written test costs about $100 dollars and the checkride is about $400.  If you fail it, you get to keep paying until you pass.

So, it wasn't without considerable trepidation that I answered, "Yes.  Yes I will try for my commercial rating this year."  And with that, the decision was made and I've committed myself to intense study of the FAA regulations (ahem, ones that I should already know, by the way) and scrutiny of my flying by someone whose opinion carries a lot of weight.

If you've read my blog, you'll know that while I am certainly a competent pilot, I'm not in the same league as some of the hotshots in our club who seem to have been born with a stick in their hands and their feet on the rudder pedals.  Probably never will be.

So, any test of my abilities is a test I approach with a great deal of preparation.  Right now, I'm attending our Winter ground school, which is reminding me how much I have forgotten and studying Bob Wander's "Commercial Glider Checkride - Made Easy!" book.  I've used the Bob Wander series since my early glider days at the recommendation of one of our instructors and they've been terrific for getting me ready for the oral exam, transition to single seat glider, learning to thermal and now the commercial test.

The benefits of getting a commercial rating are many.  First, I will be a better pilot.  The Practical Test Standards (PTS) published by the FAA prescribe the maneuvers and procedures you must know to pass a flight check and earn a commercial rating.  These standards are more stringent than the private pilot standards and thus you must be a better pilot to earn the rating.  If I pass, I'll be a better pilot.

Second, when I carry paying Harris Hill passengers, I won't pay for the flight.  All the money (and expense) goes to Harris Hill.  Which means I get to fly for free.

Third, passenger rides are limited to about 25 minutes.  That means lots of takeoffs and landings, which makes you a better pilot.  When flying on your own, you try to avoid doing 8 or 9 landings a day in the glider due to the expense of the tow fees.

Fourth, I like to share the glider experience with people.  People are alternately afraid or excited when they go for a ride and I think I'm pretty good at helping those who are afraid enjoy the ride and it will be fun to share the thrill with those who are excited.

Fifth, it's always good to have a goal for each season.  Last year I wanted to fly cross country but didn't achieve that goal.  This is one that I can reasonably expect to achieve this year.

As soon as the weather breaks and flying resumes in April, I'll start the flight training portion of my preparations.  I think I should probably get the written test out of the way by the end of April if not sooner.  That way, I've got plenty of time to practice up and get proficient for the flight exam.