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A jet aircraft seems for sure very complex as such. But, referring Wikipedia, a "complex aircraft" (as legally defined) has:

  • A retractable landing gear
  • Flaps
  • and A controllable pitch propeller

And there is no propeller in a jet.

What are the reasons of defining "complex aircraft" so that it does not cover jets? Are these reasons other than historical?

UnrecognizedFallingObject
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h22
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1 Answers1

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All jets require a type rating. Therefore you don't need the complex endorsement directly (other than needing it likely for your commercial checkride, which requires a complex aircraft). The historical training progression is: simple prop, complex single engine prop (requiring the complex endorsement), high performance (200 hp+, though this one is sometimes not gotten), light multi-engine props, and then finally moving into heavier turboprops and then jets which require type ratings.

Note, my answer is FAA specific, and other agencies might have different rules/interpretations for this issue.

Peter Kämpf
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slookabill
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    A small point, but you can get a type rating without getting your commercial license, so you don't necessarily need to have your complex endorsement in order to fly a jet. – Lnafziger Dec 06 '15 at 05:47