Prerequisites

• Valid, Unexpired United States Passport (New Requirement)
• Current FAA Medical Certificate
• Private or Commercial Single-Engine Certificate
• Instrument Proficiency

A Multi-Engine Rating can be added to either a Private Pilot License or a Commercial Pilot License. Even though a twin engine aircraft is much more challenging to operate, it will add a dimension of utility for the pilot who is experienced in this type of aircraft. If you like to plan long, extended trips or carry more weight, then two engines will give you that utility.

A multi-engine rating is almost a necessity if you are working towards a career in flying. Because of their faster cruising speeds and better hauling capabilities, twin-engine aircraft are widely used for passenger or cargo carrying operations. Furthermore, a pilot must have a relatively high amount of "multi-time" before he/she will be considered for a flight position with a major airline.

F.A.R. Part 61 does not set forth a specific number of instruction hours necessary to receive this rating. However, the applicant will have to pass a practical test, which consists of an oral exam and flight evaluation.

Typically, training for this rating can be accomplished in approximately 10 hours. However, most aircraft insurance companies require that you obtain a significant amount of "multi-time" before operating the aircraft as the pilot-in-command. Consequently, certain restrictions apply to renting our multi-engine aircraft.

To earn a multi-engine rating, you must take instructions from an appropriately certified instructor. There is no hourly requirement or a written examination, but an FAA checkride, after which you'll be licensed to fly airplanes with two or more engines. You may hold either a private or commercial certificate.

 

 

FAR Part 61 Requirements

According to FAR §61.63, a person who applies for an additional class rating to be added on a pilot certificate:
(1)	Must have an endorsement in his or her logbook or training record from an authorized instructor and that endorsement must attest that the applicant has been found competent in the aeronautical knowledge areas appropriate to the pilot certificate for the aircraft class rating sought;
(2)	Must have an endorsement in his or her logbook or training record from an authorized instructor, and that endorsement must attest that the applicant has been found proficient in the areas of operation appropriate to the pilot certificate for the aircraft class rating sought;
(3)	Must pass the required practical test that is appropriate to the pilot certificate for the aircraft class rating sought;
(4)	Need not meet the specified training time requirements prescribed by this part that apply to the pilot certificate for the aircraft class rating sought unless the person holds a lighter-than-air category rating with a balloon class rating and is seeking an airship class rating; and
(5)	Need not take an additional knowledge test, provided the applicant holds an airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, or airship rating at that pilot certificate level.
Therefore, earning an additional class rating to an existing category on your pilot certificate is basically "train to proficiency" under FAR Part 61.

 

FAR Part 141 Requirements

General
According to FAR Part 141, Appendix I, a person must hold the level of pilot certificate for the additional aircraft category and class rating for which the course applies prior to enrolling in the flight portion of an additional aircraft category or additional aircraft class rating course.

Ground Training
An approved course for an additional aircraft category rating or additional aircraft class rating must include the ground training time requirements and ground training on the aeronautical knowledge areas that are specific to that aircraft category and class rating and pilot certificate level for which the course applies as required in Appendix A, B, D, or E of this part, as appropriate.

Flight Training
An approved course for an additional aircraft category rating or additional aircraft class rating must include the flight training time requirements and flight training on the areas of operation that are specific to that aircraft category and class rating and pilot certificate level for which the course applies as required in Appendix A, B, D, or E of this part, as appropriate.