Want to obtain an SEP after finishing flight training. Is it neccessary?
 

Hello,

I have recently finished flight training with the infamous L3 and I am hoping to obtain the ability to fly SEP. Been out of the flying world for a couple months and want to get back in but MEP joy flying is just way too much £££. I hold a MEP (land) rating aswell as a CPL and MEIR. My problem is that everywhere i look online regarding obtaining a SEP comes up with SEP revalidations. I hit all those boxes just fine but im doubtful I can just sign some papers and get going. On the CAAs Single-engine-piston-rating-for-aeroplanes website I hit all the revalidation criteria on the point of it saying that a flight with an examiner is not required (12 hours flight and 3 intructor hours in last 2 years). As I have never held an SEP on my liscence I could do with a hand getting to the bottom of this. How would I obtain an SEP class rating if I havent before? I cant seem to find any SEP initial examinations online so help would be gratly appreciated.

I believe it's just training as required and a test. Ask at any flying school.

What rudestuff says is correct. How much training you will have to do depends largely on how much single time you have, how much of it is solo and what that solo consists of. However, the final decision will rest with the HOT at your chosen DTO/ATO, since there is no laid down procedure. He/she may also have to justify how much or how little training was done, if asked by the CAA.
There are no SEP initial exams, only PPL. They are not online until October, but you won't be able to access them outside of an ATO/DTO. If you have ATPL writtens you don't need them anyway.

I've been asked countless times by pilots such as yourself to carry out the process, but hardly anyone's actually come to do it because of the cost.

PM if you wish.

Yet more overpriced and pointless training.

A DTO can do it, often at lower cost....

......and it's not pointless, it's just satisfying the single engine elements that were missed out during the integrated course.

From the CAA website. (underlining or bold blocking is mine)

Theoretical examination crediting

If you hold a type rating for an aircraft type with the privileges for either single-pilot or multi-pilot operations, then you will be fully credited for the theoretical knowledge requirements when you apply to add the privilege for the other form of operation (single- or multi-pilot operations) on the same aircraft type.

Single-engine aircraft

Verbal exam conducted during the skill test to determine whether or not a satisfactory level of knowledge has been achieved


Experience requirements, flight instruction and theoretical knowledge training

To qualify for a single-engine (single pilot) aeroplane class rating, you must complete an appropriate training course at an approved training organisation (ATO) or registered training facility (RTF) (RTF meaning a DTO. The CAA haven't updated the page yet).

Skill test

At the end of your training course, you will need to pass a skill test with a suitably qualified examiner, in the relevant aircraft class or type, to demonstrate that you can competently carry out the procedures and manoeuvres that you have been taught, while acting as pilot in command (PIC).

You must pass the skill test within 6 months of starting your training course. You must also apply for the issue of the rating within 6 months of the completion date of your skill test.

You must have had some flight instruction on the same aircraft type or class, or group of balloons, that you will be taking your skill test

You have recently completed your integrated course you say. I wouldn't expect you to need more than the normal conversion time spent changing onto a different aircraft type, to include PFLs and stalls of course. 90 minutes to two hours plus test is par for the course. You already have a a fair number of hours covering the necessary elements of SEPL flying achieved during the early part of your course before going on to multi-engine.

It’s just training as required at an ATO/DTO and an LST. We do a lot of them for people in the same position who have done an integrated course and not ended up with an SEP. All your SE training will count.

A simple LST should suffice.

What any individual thinks should suffice and what's actually required are often far apart.

I could quote many similar examples..........

Training as required to be able to operate the aircraft and systems to the appropriate tolerances safely.

Then Test with an examiner.

it’s a trap that lots of integrated students fall fowl of, usually the progress test would be done with an appropriately qualified examiner and the SEP box as well as the final MEP box ticked on the licence application.