Ever thought about flying multi-engine aircraft? You'll enjoy climb rates and useful loads that far surpass what single-engine aircraft can offer, and you'll also get the peace of mind that a second engine offers. Earning your multi-engine add-on rating is easier and less expensive than most pilots think.
If you hold a private or commercial pilot's certificate, we can help you add a multi-engine rating to that certificate. Proficient pilots who already hold a complex-aircraft endorsement should be able to complete the training in about 10 hours of dual flight time, plus ground instruction. No written test is required, but you will have to pass an FAA oral and flight check.
To learn more about multi-engine training, check out our helpful FAQ (below.)
Why add a multi-engine rating?
If you've got your heart set on an airline job, you'll need to earn a multi-engine rating. All airlines and charter operations require their applicants to have at least 100 hours of multi-engine time.
Even if you don't want to fly for a living, the multi-engine rating allows you to act as pilot-in-command of multi-engine aircraft. They typically fly faster, climb quicker, and carry a great deal more weight than their single-engine counterparts. Also, the training is FUN. It's a great way to sharpen your existing piloting skills, and add some new ones in the process.
Is it safe?
In many situations, multiengine flying is safer than single-engine flying. If one of your engines fails, and you handle the aircraft properly, you'll be able to keep the airplane in the air long enough to reach a nearby airport. Many pilots, for example, refuse to fly single-engine aircraft over mountainous terrain at night, since the likelihood of a successful forced landing in the event of an engine failure is small. A multi-engine airplane, in that same situation, would offer a greater degree of safety.
However, the safety record associated with multiengine flying proves that pilot proficiency is absolutely critical to the successful outcome of an emergency situation. Poorly-trained pilots, or those who don't practice their multiengine piloting skills regularly, are more likely to have serious accidents in multiengine aircraft. For this reason, multiengine training is demanding, and the insurance requirements related to solo rental of multiengine aircraft are more stringent than for single-engine aircraft.
How difficult is it?
The multi-engine oral and flight check are not inordinately difficult, provided that you complete your training diligently. The training itself is quite fun.
How long will it take?
Assuming you already hold your private or commercial certificate, with an endorsement for complex aircraft, and are proficient at flying complex aircraft, training for the multi-engine add-on can be accomplished in around 10 hours of dual flight time.
How much flight experience do I need?
To rent our Beech Duchess solo (which you'll need to do for the practical test), you'll need at least 100 hours of total time and 10 hours of multi-engine time.
How much will it cost?
We offer a package deal that includes 10 hours of aircraft rental, 10 hours' worth of fuel, 10 hours' flight instruction, and 5 hours ground instruction. Click here for more information on our package deals.
Do I have to attend ground school?
Our package deal includes five hours of ground instruction. You will, however, have to complete additional home study so that you're fully prepared for the FAA practical test.
What does the practical test for the multi-engine add-on rating involve?
No written test is required for a multi-engine add-on rating. Your FAA oral exam will last about 2 hours, and will cover topics listed on the FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS.) Your flight test will take about 2 hours, and will cover the maneuvers and procedures listed
in the PTS.
What can I do with a multi-engine rating?
If you'd like to fly professionally, all airlines, commuters, and charter operations require new applicants to have logged at least 100 hours of multi-engine time. Even if you don't want to fly for a living, the multi-engine rating makes you eligible to act as pilot-in-command of multiengine aircraft, assuming you meet the insurer's minimum experience requirements.
