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 50 hours of multi-engine time (some as much as 100 hrs). 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, multi-engine 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 multi-engine 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 multi-engine piloting skills regularly, are more likely to have serious accidents in multi-engine aircraft. For this reason, multi-engine training is demanding, and the insurance requirements related to solo rental of multi-engine 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?
Most schools require that you meet certain flight time minimums (insurance requirements) before you rent their aircraft. The average time most schools want is 5-10 hrs of multi-engine time and at least 100 hours of total time. There are no time requirements set by the FAA to get your multi-engine rating.
How much will it cost?
The average cost to get your multi-engine rating is around $3,000, but that totally depends on where you get your training from and how much time you can commit.
Do I have to attend ground school?
Negitive, you don't have to attend a formal ground school, but your flight instructor will provide ground training along with your flight training before you take your checkride.
What does the practical test for the multi-engine add-on rating involve?
There is no written test like you had to take for your private or instrument rating, but there is a FAA checkride. 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?
You can fly a twin engine aircraft anytime you want (provided you meet the flight time insurance minimums flight schools setup, if you are renting) and log flight time as Pilot-in-Command. Getting your multi-engine rating allows you to start building time and if your goal is to fly professionally, your multi-engine rating is a must because most airlines require a minimum of 50 hrs. of multi-engine time (some as much as 100 hrs.).
FOR TRAINING PURPOSES ONLY
