Multi-Engine Rating
A multi-engine rating is just that: a certificate that allows pilots to operate an aircraft with more than one engine. It is an add-on to an already existing commercial, private, or ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) license or certificate.
Program Overview
For all candidates, even those that already hold a pilot certificate, the multi engine aircraft is the first exposure to performing their duties in a complex aircraft. Complex aircraft implies the aircraft has retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller. These systems can present new procedural challenges and understanding of new systems to a candidate, in addition to new concepts such as multi engine aerodynamics, rules governing certification of multi engine aircraft, and unique engine failure scenarios, including shutting an engine down in flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Pilot Privileges of a Multi Engine Rating?
A Multi-Engine Rating is a pilot rating that qualifies you to fly as pilot-in-command (PIC) of any aircraft with more than one engine. It is a necessary pilot certification add-on for any aspiring pilot to advance to the airlines, or to increase their overall marketability in the aviation workforce.
Why Should I Get My Multi Engine Rating?
There are several reasons why a pilot might want to earn a multi-engine rating:
- Pilot career advancement — required to fly for most commercial airline jobs
- You’re qualified to fly bigger, faster aircraft with a greater range
- Enjoy the inherent safety of having a second engine in the event of an engine failure
How long will it take?
The time duration of obtaining a multi-engine rating depends on student schedule and proficiency. Flying often, studying frequently and efficiently, and being prepared for each flight lesson will ensure that the multi-engine rating is achieved at a lower cost and within a minimal timeframe. The average amount of time to obtain the rating is about two weeks.
Syllabus
10 Hours of Flight Time
The flight portion consists of normal and emergency multi-engine aircraft operations and maneuvers. You will cover all areas of your exam as well as achieve proficiency in piloting an aircraft with two engines.
5 Hours on The Ground
The ground information covers specifics including aircraft systems, principles of flight (normal and multi-engine), aerodynamics, and weight & balance. Multi-engine rating does not require a written exam which makes the ground lessons shorter and more concise for your Checkride exam.
5 Hours of Online Videos
Like all classes, there is some homework to reinforce your learning and help teach you fundamental concepts that are critical to becoming a successful pilot. We partner with Sporty’s to integrate the online training for our students.
Requirements
Eligibility
If you’ve already obtained a private pilot certificate, the multi-engine rating becomes what is known as an “add-on” rating. Since the candidate has already accomplished many of the tasks required for a pilot certificate and fulfilled the aeronautical experience requirements, earning the rating becomes a matter of learning the differences, understanding a new airplane, and proving proficiency to a pilot examiner. In an accelerated program, this can be completed in as few as a couple of weeks.
Required for a multi-engine rating:
- Earn the required endorsements from an authorized instructor
- Take and pass a Checkride with a pilot examiner to act as PIC of a multi-engine aircraft
Training
While there are no specific hour requirements for adding a multi-engine rating to a certificate, typically most pilots will require about 10 hours of flight training to reach the proficiency required to pass the practical test. The FAA requires training in the following specific areas:
- Preflight preparation
- Preflight procedures
- Airport operations
- Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds
- Performance maneuvers
- Navigation
- Slow flight and stalls
- Emergency operations
- Multi-engine operations
- High-altitude operations
- Post-flight procedures
Reference 14 CFR §61.65 for the entire list of eligibility requirements.
Cost of Training
Instruction
15.0 Hours of Instruction @ 80.00/HR
$1,200
Airplane
10.0 hours Aircraft Rental @ $245/HR
$2,450
Estimated Total
FAA Minimum Hours Required: 40
$3,650
Note: Cost estimates are based on FAA minimum training requirements. Individual experiences may vary. Actual training times may exceed these estimates. Costs are based on January 2022 effective rates.
Start with an Introductory Flight
Get your first experience of taking off, flying, and landing an airplane with a certified flight instructor by your side. Later, meet the team and current students to ask all the questions you have about becoming a pilot.
Start with a Zoom Consultation
Our Zoom consultations are the most convenient way of answering all your questions about starting your flight training to becoming a pilot. Zoom consultations are free of charge, but we require advance scheduling.