Requirements for Obtaining A Multi Engine Add-on To Existing Certificate:

  1. Hold at least a private pilot certificate
  2. Be able to read, speak, write, and converse fluently in English
  3. Hold at least a current third-class FAA medical certificate
  4. Undertake required training as described in Flight Lessons 1 - 22 and Ground Lessons 1 - 5 found listed below. Many of the Flight Lessons will require more than one flight to make you comfortable and proficient
  5. Receive a signed recommendation (8710), from a MEI, that you are competent as an multi. engine pilot and ready for the checkride
  6. Successfully complete a practical test given by an FAA-designated pilot examiner.

Flight Lessons:

  1. Preflight Procedures
  2. Taxi & Ground Operations
  3. Normal & Crosswind Takeoff & Climb
  4. Normal & Crosswind Approach to Landing
  5. Short Field Takeoff & Climb
  6. Short Field Approach & Landing
  7. Steep Turns
  8. Slow Flight
  9. Stalls(Power On/Off) & Spin Awareness
  10. Emergency Descent
  11. Engine Failure on Takeoff below Vmc
  12. Engine Failure after Lift-off
  13. Approach & Landing w/ an Engine Inoperative
  14. Go Arounds
  15. Systems & Equipment Malfunctions
  16. Engine Inoperative Maneuvering
  17. Engine Shutdown & Restart Procedures
  18. Vmc Demonstration
  19. MEI Drag Demo
  20. Engine Failure while IFR
  21. Engine Out Instrument Approach
  22. Checkride Check & Review

Ground Lessons:

  1. Performance & Limitations
  2. Multi-Engine Systems
  3. Engine-Out Operations
  4. Emergency Operations & Flow Checks
  5. Emergency Equipment & Survival Gear

Flight Time Requirements:

  • If you are adding on a Multi Engine Rating to a Private or Commercial certificate, you will have already met the time requirements. The maneuvers for the private and commercial certificate are the same, but the standards are more demanding for the commercial.
  • If you are obtaining an initial Multi Engine Commercial Certificate (i.e. you hold a Private Pilot Single Engine Land Certificate only and you want to obtain a Commercial Multi-Engine Certificate) you will need to meet the aeronautical knowledge plus minimum eligibility requirements for the certificate you are seeking (PIC in MEL). Keep in mind that a Multi engine aircraft is considered a complex aircraft, thus meeting that requirement toward the Commercial Rating.

Note:

  • The most cost effective method is to wait until you have gotten your commercial pilot's certificate and instrument rating. Once the single engine commercial or private is done, you can do a multi-engine add-on quickly because you don't have to meet all the specified training requirements for a given certificate. The add-on can be as few as 8 hours depending on your skill as a pilot. Also, if you have not recieved an instrument rating you will have a VFR only limitation, so it makes sense to get the instrument first.
  • If you decide to get the commercial multi-engine certificate (not the add-on), be prepared for several commercial cross-country flights and your long cross country flight like any commercial single-engine certificate applicant.