How to obtain a commercial multi-engine add-on
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.
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
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 single-engine), aerodynamics, and weight & balance. Multi-engine rating does not require a written exam which makes the ground lessons 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 Private Pilot students.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is multi engine add-on?
How many hours for multi engine add on?
Is the multi-engine checkride hard?
What are the requirements for a multi engine endorsement?
Getting a multi-engine rating is a great way to level up your piloting skills and start flying more powerful, complex aircraft. It’s a quicker process compared to other certifications, but it introduces new challenges. Here’s what you can expect:
What You’ll Learn:
Engine Management: You’ll learn how to operate multiple engines, monitor performance, and handle the added complexity of managing more than one power source.
Single-Engine Operations: One of the biggest focuses is handling engine failures. You’ll practice flying with only one engine and learn techniques to keep the plane under control when things don’t go as planned.
Aerodynamics and Performance: Multi-engine planes fly differently from single-engine aircraft. You’ll study how the extra engine impacts weight, balance, climb rates, and overall performance.
Emergency Procedures: Emergencies in a multi-engine aircraft require quick thinking and precise actions. You’ll practice handling situations like engine failures on takeoff and other in-flight emergencies.
Requirements and Training:
Flight Time: The FAA doesn’t require a specific number of hours for this rating, but most pilots complete the training in about 5 to 15 hours, depending on their experience.
Checkride: The final step is the checkride, where you’ll demonstrate everything you’ve learned — from flying the plane to handling emergencies and understanding the theory behind multi-engine operations.
Time and Cost:
Since the training is shorter, the multi-engine add-on is usually more affordable than other ratings. Our multi-engine add-on rating is estimated to cost $7,365. This depends on factors like aircraft rental and instructor fees. As for the timeline, you can complete it in 6 days if you train intensively, but many pilots spread it out over a couple of weeks.
Why Get It?
Earning your multi-engine rating makes you a more versatile pilot and opens the door to flying bigger, faster planes. It’s also a key step if you’re aiming for a career in corporate aviation, charter flying, or the airlines. Plus, flying a multi-engine aircraft is an exciting experience — the added power and performance make it a whole new kind of flying.
The multi engine add on course is straight forward. You will learn to do single engine approaches, steep turns, VMC demo, stalls, and multi engine out procedures.
This course usually is completed in about 15-20 hours. Call for questions.