Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On Training
If you currently hold a Commercial Single-Engine certificate, you are eligible to add multi-engine privileges to your credentials without the need for an additional FAA written exam. You will train until you reach proficiency, which generally involves 10–15 hours of dual flight instruction .
Confirm payment terms — confirm payment terms per hour
Learn multi-engine flying in the Seminole
The Piper PA-44 Seminole serves as a standard multi-engine trainer. Because it features counter-rotating propellers, it lacks a conventional critical engine, which allows for more symmetrical engine-out handling and a smoother transition to twin-engine operations. Please note that asymmetric thrust, Vmc limitations, and reduced performance during an engine-out event still necessitate rigorous training and strict adherence to the aircraft POH .
Aircraft: $360/hr cash/check or $373/hr credit card. Add $35/hr instruction: $395/hr cash/check or $408/hr credit card. Ten to fifteen dual hours cost $3,950–$5,925 cash/check, or $4,080–$6,120 by credit card. Ground instruction, examiner fees and checkride aircraft time are additional.
View aircraft and equipmentTraining Cost Estimate
American Aviation
$3,950 – $5,925
For most pilots, the multi-engine add-on process is finished within 10–15 hours of dual instruction. It is important to note that the FAA does not specify a minimum flight hour requirement for this add-on—contrary to the initial commercial certificate—meaning you continue your training until you demonstrate proficiency and receive a formal endorsement from your instructor for the checkride .
Confirm payment terms — 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 process for obtaining your initial Commercial Pilot certificate, the multi-engine add-on does not require an FAA written knowledge test. You proceed directly into your ground and flight training curriculum alongside 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
For those pursuing an airline career, the 1,500-hour total flight time milestone is essential. Once you have successfully earned your Commercial Multi-Engine Add-On, you should plan to accumulate at least that total . 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.
Independent Checkride Planning
Multi-engine examiners are specialized, so we coordinate examiner planning early as you approach proficiency.
Checkride Timing Target
DPE-dependent
after training completion and readiness
Scheduling Conditions
Independent DPEs
weather and eligibility also apply
American Aviation coordinates examiner planning early, with a target of scheduling your checkride within Timing varies following the completion of your training and your demonstration of readiness, provided that independent DPE availability, weather conditions, and eligibility requirements permit. Please be aware that this timeframe is a goal rather than a guarantee, as the school does not maintain control over DPE calendars or specific checkride outcomes .