The multi-engine land rating is an add-on to an existing single-engine Private, Commercial, or ATP certificate. Both VFR and IFR operations are emphasized. There are no minimum time requirements for the rating and no written exam — only an instructor endorsement, an oral exam, and the practical checkride.
Pilots with a multi-engine rating enjoy the incredible improvement in performance and capability of multi-engine aircraft. While a multi-engine rating can be added to a Private certificate, in most cases it makes more sense to wait until you hold a Commercial certificate and Instrument Rating — it saves a substantial amount of money in the long run.
THE AIRPLANE. OCFC's 1969 Twin Cessna 310P is an ideal entry-level twin: docile handling, excellent performance, simple systems, and upgraded Colemill IO-550E engines with plenty of power to fly on one. A Garmin G500 primary flight display, GTN750 touch-screen navigator, and Century III autopilot make it a Technically Advanced Aircraft. 2 × 260 HP, 193 KIAS cruise, 676 nm range, 1,540 fpm climb, 19,900 ft ceiling.
What you'll learn
- Multi-engine aerodynamics and systems
- Engine-out procedures and single-engine performance
- VMC demonstrations and drag demos
- Multi-engine instrument approaches
- Oral exam and checkride preparation
Where this takes you
- Fly larger, faster, more capable aircraft
- The rating airlines and charter operators expect
- Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) pathway
Requirements
An existing single-engine Private, Commercial, or ATP certificate. M1 (Part 61 add-on): 18 hrs flight + 8 hrs ground + 8 hrs briefings — $8,930. M3 (Part 141, Commercial): 25 hrs flight + ground and briefings — $11,875. Redbird simulator time is free.