Multi engine commercial pilot license

The Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot License (MECPL) is an advanced certification for pilots who wish to operate multi-engine aircraft for commercial purposes. This license allows you to be compensated for your flying services while operating twin-engine aircraft. Achieving this rating builds on the foundation of a commercial pilot certificate and a multi-engine rating, combining both practical and theoretical knowledge.

Prerequisites for a Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot License (MECPL):

Before pursuing the MECPL, you need to meet several key requirements:

Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL):
You must hold a commercial pilot certificate before pursuing the multi-engine endorsement. This means you need to have completed the private pilot and commercial pilot training (including a written knowledge test and a flight test).
Multi-Engine Rating:
You must have a multi-engine rating. This rating is typically obtained after completing multi-engine flight training, which includes ground school and flight hours. Without this, you cannot pursue the multi-engine commercial certificate.
Medical Certificate:
A second-class medical certificate is required for commercial pilots. It ensures that you meet the physical and mental health standards necessary to safely operate commercial flights.
Flight Hours:
- Minimum Flight Hours: Generally, you must have at least 250 total flight hours as a pilot, which includes the hours accumulated during the commercial pilot training. These hours must include:
  - 100 hours of pilot-in-command (PIC) time
  - 50 hours of cross-country time
  - 10 hours of instrument training
  - 5 hours of night flying, including 10 takeoffs and landings at night
- In addition to the hours above, you must also complete specific multi-engine flight hours.
Age:
You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a commercial pilot license.

Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot Training Components:

The multi-engine commercial pilot training builds on the skills learned during multi-engine private or commercial training and focuses on more advanced maneuvers, procedures, and decision-making skills for operating twin-engine aircraft.

Ground Training:
- Multi-Engine Aerodynamics: You will continue studying the behavior of multi-engine aircraft, particularly focusing on asymmetric thrust and engine-out operations.
- Commercial Flight Maneuvers: You’ll practice advanced maneuvers such as stalls, steep turns, go-arounds, and engine-out procedures in both normal and emergency conditions.
- Aircraft Systems: An in-depth review of the systems of a multi-engine aircraft, including engines, fuel systems, and avionics.
- Flight Planning: You will refine your skills in flight planning, including calculating takeoff and landing distances in single-engine and multi-engine scenarios and understanding aircraft performance charts.
Flight Training:
- Single-Engine Inoperative Operations: Training emphasizes controlling and flying the aircraft with one engine inoperative (engine-out situations), which is critical for multi-engine operations.
- Engine Failures: You will practice engine failure scenarios at various phases of flight (takeoff, climb, and cruise) and learn how to execute a forced landing or engine-out approach.
- Advanced Maneuvers: You will be taught advanced flight maneuvers specific to multi-engine aircraft, including go-arounds, unusual attitudes, and emergency descents.
- Cross-Country Flights: Completing cross-country flights in multi-engine aircraft to meet the commercial requirements, including flight planning, navigation, and in-flight decision making.
- Night Flying: You will practice night flight operations to meet commercial pilot requirements, including operating a multi-engine aircraft safely in low visibility and unfamiliar terrain.
Instrument and IFR Training (if applicable):
If you're seeking an Instrument Rating along with your commercial and multi-engine endorsements, you will also need to complete the necessary instrument flight training, which includes:
- Flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) in multi-engine aircraft.
- Handling inoperative equipment while flying under instruments.
- Emergency Instrument Approaches.

Check Ride for the Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot License:

After completing the necessary flight hours and ground training, you will need to pass a check ride with an FAA examiner. During this flight test, you will need to demonstrate:

Competence in multi-engine flight: Perform all standard maneuvers such as steep turns, stalls, and go-arounds in a multi-engine aircraft.
Engine-Out Procedures: Handle and recover from engine failures at different flight stages and demonstrate your ability to operate the aircraft safely with one engine inoperative.
Emergency Landings: Show how to perform forced landings and simulate emergency scenarios.
Flight Planning: Present your flight planning, including weight and balance calculations, fuel management, and performance charts.
Oral Exam: In addition to the flight test, you will be required to answer questions related to multi-engine operations, aerodynamics, and emergency procedures.

Cost of Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot Training:

The cost of obtaining a multi-engine commercial pilot license can vary significantly based on the flight school, geographic location, and the aircraft used. However, on average, you can expect:

Total Cost: The cost for multi-engine commercial training is generally between $10,000 and $20,000. This includes flight hours, instructor fees, and other costs like aircraft rental.
Flight Hour Cost: Multi-engine aircraft rental fees can be much higher than single-engine aircraft, generally ranging from $250 to $500 per hour, depending on the aircraft.

Benefits of a Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot License:

Expanded Career Opportunities: The MECPL allows you to operate twin-engine aircraft, which are common in commercial aviation, charter operations, air taxi services, and cargo flights.
Higher Earning Potential: Operating multi-engine aircraft often commands a higher salary, as multi-engine pilots are qualified to fly more complex aircraft.
Increased Flight Safety: A multi-engine rating and commercial license allow you to handle more challenging flight scenarios, particularly in emergency situations like engine failure.
Business Aviation: With this rating, you can also fly corporate jets or other business aircraft that require a multi-engine rating.

Next Steps:

Ensure Eligibility: Make sure you meet all the prerequisites for a commercial pilot certificate, including flight hours, medical certification, and a multi-engine rating.
Choose a Flight School: Look for a part 61 or part 141 flight school that offers multi-engine commercial pilot training. Consider factors such as aircraft availability, instructor experience, and training schedule.
Begin Training: Start your ground training and flight training to meet the requirements for the MECPL.
Schedule the Check Ride: Once you've met the flight hour requirements, schedule your check ride with an FAA examiner to demonstrate your skills.