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Piper Seminole pickup at the Piper Factory

Multi-Engine Rating

What is a Multi-Engine Rating?

A multi-engine rating is an FAA add-on that lets a pilot fly aircraft with more than one engine (AMEL). Airlines and corporate flight departments require it to show a pilot can handle asymmetric thrust with one engine inoperative.

A Multi-Engine Rating is an FAA certification add-on that qualifies a pilot to operate an aircraft with more than one engine. While a Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate typically limits aviators to single-engine aircraft (ASEL), this rating authorizes them to fly faster, more complex aircraft (AMEL) with increased payload and range capabilities.

For professional pilots, this rating is a mandatory career milestone. Airlines and corporate flight departments require applicants to hold a Multi-Engine Rating to demonstrate they can manage the aerodynamics of asymmetric thrust—flying with one engine inoperative.

Get Your Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On Rating in 3-4 Days

Thrust's commercial multi-engine add-on program takes 3 to 4 days, and dozens of students complete it every month. Days one and two are flight training, with the checkride on day three or four.

Dozens of students complete our 3 to 4-day multi-engine program every single month. If you need to get your multi add-on as quickly and efficiently as possible, this is the program for you.

Before your program begins you’ll attend our online prep course that will teach you multi-engine systems, procedures, maneuvers, and performance. Day one and two of your program are made up of rigorous flight training with your checkride on day three or four depending on weather, scheduling, and DPE availability.

Piper Seminole twin used for multi-engine rating training at Thrust Flight

Accelerated Multi-Engine Training

Accelerated Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On Program Includes:

  • Pre-program online ground course to prepare you for training and your checkride.
  • Up to 7 hrs. of multi-engine flight time.
  • A one-on-one mock oral with your instructor.
  • Pre/post-flight debrief time with your instructor.

Accelerated Multi-Engine Features:

The accelerated multi-engine program includes the checkride, scheduled with North Texas DPEs on the final day when possible. Training takes place at North Texas Regional Airport (KGYI), which has a 9,000 ft runway and uncongested airspace.

  • Checkride is included in the program. We work with multiple DPEs in the North Texas area to do our best to schedule a checkride on the final day of your program. We are generally very successful, but this does depend on student readiness for the checkride at the end of their training, DPE availability, and weather.
  • Train at North Texas Regional Airport (KGYI) – Built on the former Perrin Air Force Base site, this 9,000 ft runway lets you get in the air and start training immediately in controlled, uncongested airspace.

What You’ll Need to Begin

To begin the multi-engine program, you need a commercial single-engine certificate, instrument currency, a third-class or higher FAA medical, and a weight under 300 lbs. You also need ID documents and multi-engine rental insurance.

  • Commercial Pilot Single Engine Certificate
  • Must be instrument current
  • Must be under 300 lbs
  • 3rd class (or higher) FAA medical certificate
  • Passport OR birth certificate
  • Driver’s license
  • TSA approval if not a US citizen
  • Multi-Engine Rental Insurance
  • Affordable housing is available.

A simulator is available for additional training on procedures, systems, and maneuvers at your convenience.

Piper Seminole G1000 Cockpit

Multi-Engine Rating Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Multi-Engine Rating Worth It?

For career-track pilots, the Multi-Engine Rating is essential. Almost all airline transport and corporate jets have two or more engines. You cannot be hired by a regional or major airline without this rating and a specific amount of multi-engine flight experience (often 25–50 hours minimum).

For hobbyists, the rating opens up a new class of high-performance aircraft. Twin-engine planes like the Beechcraft Baron or Diamond DA62 offer greater speed, safety redundancies, and payload capacity for family trips compared to standard single-engine trainers.

How long does it take to get a multi-engine rating?

If you are training full time you could easily get it done in less than a week, assuming you already have a single-engine commercial certificate. We offer two different multi-engine programs.

Is there a written test for a multi-engine rating?

If you already have a commercial rating there is no written test since it is simply adding a class rating to your current commercial pilot certificate. If, however, you don’t yet have a commercial rating, there is a written exam and it will take longer to complete the rating. Most pilots choose to earn their single-engine commercial first and then do their multi-engine training.

Is the multi-engine rating difficult?

The multi-engine rating is often considered one of the most challenging ratings due to the speed at which decisions must be made. The transition requires mastering new aerodynamics (yaw/roll coupling) and complex emergency procedures that must be executed from memory in seconds.

Does the rating expire?

No, the Multi-Engine Rating does not expire. However, to act as pilot-in-command, you must maintain currency. If you are a Commercial Pilot carrying passengers, you must have performed three takeoffs and landings in a multi-engine aircraft within the preceding 90 days.

Why complete your multi-engine rating with Thrust?

  • Personalized training and attention to students
  • Collaborative and enjoyable atmosphere
  • Passionate and skilled instructors dedicated to helping students
  • Accelerated Multi-Engine training to get your career and jump start sooner

How to get a multi-engine rating?

A multi-engine rating is required if you want to work for an airline. And most professional pilot positions will have you flying a multi-engine plane. This rating allows you the be a pilot-in-command of any aircraft with more than one engine. The quality of your education for a multi-engine rating is critical since this rating is one of the most challenging.

  1. Eligibility
    To obtain your multi-engine rating you are required to have already earned a private pilot certificate. For our 3-4 day program, we also require students to have a commercial certificate and to be instrument current before you arrive.
  2. Education
    For a multi-engine rating, there isn’t an FAA written exam. Instead, you’ll need to complete a multi-engine training course. Here at Thrust, we offer accelerated multi-engine training that focuses on the student’s need to make sure they’re receiving the proper education to complete their multi-engine rating.
  3. Checkride
    Once you’re properly trained in handling a multi-engine aircraft, you’ll put your new knowledge to the test for a checkride.

5-Day Multi-Engine Rating

The 5-day multi-engine program trains pilots in both visual and instrument meteorological conditions. The FAA sets no minimum instruction hours for the rating, but an instructor must endorse your safety and proficiency before the checkride.

Pilots with a multi-engine rating enjoy the incredible improvement in the performance and capabilities of multi-engine aircraft. Our multi-engine programs focus on flight in both visual (VFR) and instrument (IFR) meteorological conditions.

While technically, there is no minimum number of instruction hours required for this rating, it does require an instructor endorsement of safety and proficiency before the final checkride.

5 Day Multi-Engine Flight Training Program Includes:

  • Pre-program online ground course to prepare you for training and your checkride.
  • 10 hrs. of flight instruction in one of Thrust’s Piper Seminoles
  • 9 hrs. personalized ground instruction
  • 3 hrs. of simulator time

Prerequisites:

MEI program prerequisites are 9 hours of PIC time, completed online ground training, a minimum age of 18, English fluency, BasicMed or a third-class medical, instrument currency and a weight under 300 lbs.

  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be able to read, write, and converse fluently in English
  • Hold BasicMed or a 3rd class (or higher) FAA medical certificate
  • Must be instrument current
  • Must be under 300 lbs.

The multi-engine rating is an additional aircraft class rating. A person who applies for an additional class rating on a pilot certificate:

An additional class rating such as multi-engine requires an authorized instructor's logbook endorsement and a passed practical test. The FAA sets no minimum training time and requires no additional knowledge test.

  • Must have a logbook or training record endorsement from an authorized instructor attesting that the person was found competent in the appropriate aeronautical knowledge areas and proficient in the appropriate areas of operation.
  • Must pass the practical test.

There are no specified minimum training time requirements, and there is no additional knowledge test that must be taken.

Planning on Flying Twin Engines? Time for Some Multi-Engine Training.

Ready to start multi-engine pilot training? Give us a call or fill out our contact form and we’ll help you decide which program is right for you.

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4 Day Multi-Engine Instructor

4 Day MEI Training Program Includes:

The 4-day MEI training program includes an online ground course, 6 hours of flight instruction in a Piper Seminole and 7.5 hours of personalized ground instruction. The DPE fee is not included.

  • Pre-program online ground course to prepare you for training and your checkride.
  • 6 hrs. of flight instruction in one of Thrust’s Piper Seminoles (Must come with 9 hours PIC time)
  • 7.5 hrs. personalized ground instruction
  • DPE fee is not included in this program

Prerequisites:

  • Must have 9 hours of PIC time
  • Must complete online ground training before first day
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Be able to read, write, and converse fluently in English
  • Hold BasicMed or a 3rd class (or higher) FAA medical certificate
  • Must be instrument current
  • Must be under 300 lbs

The MEI rating is an additional rating on your flight instructor certificate. A person who applies for an additional rating:

An MEI rating added to a flight instructor certificate requires an authorized instructor's endorsement of knowledge and proficiency plus a passed practical test. There is no minimum training time and no additional knowledge test.

  • Must have a logbook or training record endorsement from an authorized instructor attesting that the person was found competent in the appropriate aeronautical knowledge areas and proficient in the appropriate areas of operation.
  • Must pass the practical test.

There are no specified minimum training time requirements, and there is no additional knowledge test that must be taken

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