Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On Training
Already have your Commercial Single-Engine certificate? Add multi-engine privileges — no FAA written exam required. Train until you're proficient, typically 10–15 hours of dual flight.
No upfront payment — pay as you fly per hour
Training Cost Estimate
Accelerated Flight School
$3,000 – $4,000
SoCal Average
$5,000 – $8,000
Most pilots complete the multi-engine add-on in 10–15 hours of dual instruction. There is no FAA-mandated minimum flight time for the add-on (unlike the initial commercial certificate) — you train until you are proficient and your instructor endorses you for the checkride.
No upfront payment — pay only for the hours you fly at our dual rate.
FAA Multi-Engine Add-On Requirements (Part 61)
Prerequisite
You must already hold a Commercial Pilot Single-Engine Certificate. The multi-engine add-on simply adds multi-engine privileges to your existing commercial certificate.
No Written Exam Required
Unlike the initial Commercial Pilot certificate, the multi-engine add-on does not require an FAA written knowledge test. You go straight to ground training and flight training with your instructor.
Training Requirements
Ground Training (with a MEI)
Multi-engine aerodynamics: increased performance, lift distribution, and handling differences vs. single-engine.
Engine-out aerodynamics: asymmetric thrust, Vmc (minimum control speed), and the critical engine concept.
Multi-engine systems: dual fuel systems, propeller controls, feathering, and engine synchronization.
Emergency procedures: engine failure at various phases of flight, single-engine approaches and go-arounds.
Multi-engine performance: climb rates, accelerate-stop distance, and single-engine service ceiling.
Flight Training (Dual — No Minimum Hours)
Normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings in the multi-engine aircraft.
Vmc demonstrations: establishing and recovering from minimum controllable airspeed with one engine inoperative.
Engine-out emergency procedures: identifying the failed engine, feathering the propeller, maintaining directional control.
Single-engine instrument approaches and go-arounds.
Engine-out landings: full-stop landings with simulated single-engine configuration.
Typical duration: 10–15 hours of dual flight time until checkride-ready.
Practical Test (Checkride)
The multi-engine add-on checkride is focused entirely on multi-engine operations. The examiner evaluates:
Vmc demonstrations and recovery.
Engine-out identification, feathering, and single-engine procedures.
Single-engine approaches and go-arounds.
Normal and emergency multi-engine checklists.
Multi-engine systems and aerodynamics (oral exam).
Paid directly to the examiner. No written exam fee for add-on ratings.
Why Add a Multi-Engine Rating?
Career Benefits
- Required for most charter and regional airline positions.
- Significantly increases the types of aircraft you can legally fly.
- Demonstrates a higher level of pilot proficiency to employers.
- Opens Part 135 commercial operations flying twin-engine aircraft.
PIC Time Building
On the airline path, reaching 1,500 hours of total flight time is the major milestone. After earning your Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On, you should aim to build at least 15 hours of Pilot in Command (PIC) time in the multi-engine aircraft. This multi-engine PIC time is valuable when applying to regional airlines and charter operators.
15 Hours Multi-Engine PIC
Target goal for airline path students after earning the add-on rating.
Checkride Scheduling Advantage
Multi-engine examiners in Southern California are specialized and limited. We proactively schedule your multi-engine checkride as you approach proficiency — so your practical test is lined up before training ends, not after a long wait. We will ensure you get a Commercial Multi-Engine DPE fast.
Accelerated Flight School
1–3 weeks
from training completion to checkride
SoCal Average (other schools)
2–5 months
waiting for an available examiner slot