Multi-Engine Class Rating
There are multiple ways to get a multi-engine rating. The multi-engine rating can be an add-on to a
current pilot certificate at either the private or commercial level. The multi-engine rating can
also be an initial pilot certificate
If you are looking to get a commercial pilot certificate with multi-engine privileges, it is cheaper
to do the commercial pilot certificate in a single engine aircraft and do a multi-engine add-on due
to high costs of renting and the required aeronautical experience.
14 C.F.R Part 61.63 (c) lists the requirements for an “Additional Class Rating”
§61.63 (c) Additional Class Rating
Any person who applies for an additional class rating to be added on to a pilot certificate:
- 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;
- 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 rating sought.
- Must pass the required practical test that is appropriate to the pilot certificate for the
aircraft rating sought.
- 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 hold a lighter-than-air
category rating with a balloon class rating and is seeking an airship class rating.
- Need not take an additional knowledge test provided the applicant holds an airplane, rotorcraft,
powered-lift, or airship rating at that pilot certificate level.
ASEL vs. AMEL
The main difference between a single-engine class rating, and a multi-engine class rating, is the
addition of multi-engine emergency procedures and other multi-engine operations.
Such additional items may be a “Vmc Demonstration”, “Emergency Descent”, and various single engine out
maneuvers. OEI (One Engine Inoperative) maneuvers might be a “Single Engle Landing”.
Private Pilot vs. Commercial Pilot
The main difference between a multi-engine class rating add-on to a private pilot certificate and an
add-on to a commercial pilot certificate, is completion of the check ride at commercial-pilot level
practical test standards and possible demonstration of commercial-pilot flight maneuvers.
§61.109 (b) lists aeronautical experience for an airplane category multi-engine class rating at
the private pilot certificate level (initial private pilot certification, not add-on).
§61.129 (b) lists aeronautical experience for an airplane category multi-engine class rating at
the commercial pilot certificate level (initial commercial pilot certification, not add-on).
| 
