Multi-Engine Practical Exam (Checkride)

ADVANCE FLYING ACADEMY

Multi-Engine Practical Exam (Checkride)

The Multi-Engine Practical Exam (Checkride) is the final step to earning your multi-engine rating. It evaluates your knowledge, skill, and decision-making specific to operating multi-engine aircraft. The checkride consists of two parts: an oral examination and a flight test. It is conducted by a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) and follows the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or Practical Test Standards (PTS) for multi-engine airplanes.

1. Oral Examination

The oral portion tests your theoretical knowledge of multi-engine operations. Topics often include:

Aircraft Systems

Engines and Propellers:
- Type of engines (normally aspirated, turbocharged, etc.).
- Propeller operation (constant speed, feathering, and unfeathering).
Fuel System:
- Cross-feed operations and managing fuel imbalances.
Landing Gear:
- Retraction and extension mechanisms.
Electrical System:
- Circuit breakers, alternators, and batteries.

Aerodynamics

Single-Engine Aerodynamics:
- Understanding of Vmc (minimum control speed).
- Factors affecting Vmc (weight, density altitude, bank angle).
- Critical engine determination and associated effects (P-factor, torque, accelerated slipstream, spiraling slipstream).
Performance:
- Climb and cruise performance charts (normal and single-engine).
- Factors affecting performance (density altitude, CG location, weight).

Emergency Procedures

Engine failure: recognition, troubleshooting, and securing.
Engine fire: proper response and checklist usage.
Electrical or hydraulic failures.

Regulations

FAR Part 61 and 91 specific to multi-engine operations.
Alternate airport requirements for IFR operations.

Weight and Balance

Compute weight and balance specific to your aircraft.
Effects of CG location on performance and control.

2. Flight Test

The flight portion evaluates your practical skills in operating a multi-engine aircraft, with a focus on normal and emergency operations. Here’s what to expect:

Preflight Inspection

Perform a thorough preflight, identifying critical components (e.g., propellers, fuel cross-feed, etc.).

Takeoffs

Normal Takeoff:
- Use proper technique and callouts.
Engine Failure on Takeoff:
- Simulated failure after liftoff; demonstrate decision-making, directional control, and securing the engine.

Flight Maneuvers

Vmc Demonstration:
- Reduce airspeed until loss of directional control, recover while maintaining safety.
Slow Flight:
- Demonstrate control at minimum speeds with proper coordination.
Stalls:
- Perform power-on and power-off stalls, recover appropriately.

Single-Engine Operations

Simulated engine failure in-flight:
- Identify and verify the failed engine.
- Feather the propeller, secure the engine, and maintain directional control.
Single-Engine Approach and Landing:
- Use Vyse and proper configuration to land safely with one engine inoperative.

Approaches and Landings

Normal Approach and Landing:
- Demonstrate stabilized approaches.
Short-Field and Soft-Field Landings:
- Manage configurations for performance landings.
Go-Around:
- Properly execute a go-around with both engines and simulate single-engine scenarios.

Emergency Procedures

Engine fire, electrical failures, or other simulated system malfunctions.

Preparation Tips

Study the Aircraft POH:
- Memorize V-speeds, systems, and emergency procedures.
Practice Emergency Scenarios:
- Train with your CFI to handle engine-out procedures and other emergencies.
Use FAA Resources:
- Review the Airplane Flying Handbook (Chapter 12 on Multi-Engine Aircraft).
- Review FAA Advisory Circulars related to multi-engine flying.
Practice Oral Exam Questions:
- Conduct mock oral exams to build confidence.

Passing the multi-engine checkride demonstrates your ability to handle the unique challenges of multi-engine flying safely and competently. Be prepared, stay calm, and rely on your training!

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