If you're a pilot looking to expand your horizons and take on new challenges in the skies, earning a Multi-Engine Rating could be your next great adventure. A Multi-Engine Rating is not just an additional line on your license, it's a valuable credential demonstrating your ability to safely operate an aircraft with more than one engine, opening up new opportunities in your aviation career.

But what does it take to earn this rating, and what are the benefits? In this guide we’ll take you through the process of obtaining your Multi-Engine Rating, providing a detailed flight plan for your training.

What is a Multi-Engine Rating?

A Multi-Engine Rating is an essential add-on for pilots looking to expand their flying capabilities. This is typically obtained in conjunction with a commercial single-engine, with a commercial multi-engine as an add-on. This allows pilots to fly for hire on non-scheduled routes in multi-engine airplanes. There are a variety of jobs available for pilots with a commercial certificate with a multi-engine rating, such as banner towing, skydiving operations, and aerial surveys. There is also an option to acquire a Multi-engine rating for a private pilot license.

The Multi-Engine Rating License is crucial in preparing pilots for the demands of operating multi-engine aircraft safely and efficiently.

Eligibility Requirements for a Multi-Engine Rating

Before soaring through the skies with multiple engines, one must ensure they meet the minimum requirements:

• Age: Aspiring multi-engine pilots must be at least 17 years old.
• Language Proficiency: It's imperative to be proficient in English, the universal language of aviation communications.
• Flight Hours: Most people take 10- 15 flight hours, but there is no minimum time requirement if done as an add-on to a private or commercial license.

Let's look at each of these criteria:

To earn a multi-engine rating, you must be at least 17 years old. This aligns with age requirements for other types of pilot licenses (and many other licenses, for that matter).

The second requirement is proficiency in English. No matter where in the world you may be flying, clear and effective communication is absolutely essential to avoiding potential disaster. That's why the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requires that all pilots pass an English language proficiency test as part of their pilot training.

And finally, most people take between 10- 15 flight hours to complete their training. However, if you are pursuing the multi-engine rating as an add-on to your private or commercial license, there is no minimum time requirement.

How to Apply for a Multi-Engine Rating

Apply via the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website. It's a streamlined portal for processing various airman applications, including Multi-Engine Ratings.

To obtain the certification, there is one exam that must be completed:

• Practical Exam: Known as the FAA Practical Exam or "checkride," which includes an oral and in-flight assessment scrutinizing your piloting competence in a multi-engine aircraft.

Here are some of the resources you'll need to prepare for your exam:

• The Pilot's Manual: Multi-Engine Flying - Valuable resource for multi-engine rating applicants and a crucial guide for new and experienced pilots.
• ASA Oral Exam Guide: Multi-Engine - Contains the questions most frequently asked by FAA examiners during the multi-engine checkride, and the appropriate responses.

Multi-Engine Rating License Details, Renewal, and Restrictions

To keep your Multi-Engine Rating valid, you'll need a flight review every 24 calendar months. However, the flight review does not have to be in a multi-engine airplane.

To fly solo or carry passengers, you need at least 3 landings in the last 90 days for a multi-engine rating. This is separate from single-engine currency.

To fly in instrument meteorological conditions, you'll need to maintain instrument currency by performing six instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting and tracking courses through the use of navigational electronic systems within the preceding six calendar months. Just like the flight review, instrument proficiency is independent of category and class. It is possible to have multi-engine aircraft without instrument rating.

Carrying a Multi-Engine Rating will allow you to fly various aircraft with more than one engine. Welcome to the world of advanced aviation! With your Multi-Engine Rating in hand, you can expand your piloting skills and take on new challenges.

Most people who are professionally oriented would earn their Multi-Engine Rating after their Private Pilot and Instrument Rating. This rating is often required for many commercial pilot jobs, such as charter flights, cargo operations, and corporate flying. It can also be a stepping stone towards earning an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) License.

Whatever path you take, you're sure to enjoy the increased capabilities and opportunities that a Multi-Engine Rating provides.