Multi-Engine Rating
Scenario
You and I are going on a day VFR cross-country flight to one of the destinations selected or agreed upon. It will be just us for now. However, we also will be carrying a cooler full of food and beverages that weighs 100 lbs. We also have items in the back seat (flight kits, etc.) that weigh 20 lbs.
We are flying to the destination to attend a sporting event with friends. I am going along as a passenger and am not a certificated pilot, although I have taken a few lessons and have a basic understanding of flying.
Practical Test Prep Details
No cross-country flight planning is required for the standalone addition of a multi-engine rating to an existing PPL, CPL, or ATP pilot certificate. If this is being combined with a pilot certificate, then refer to the testing details of the appropriate pilot certificate as well as this page for practical test preparation.
I have six options for us to use for oral discussion purposes. Bear in mind that if this is a stand alone rating addition, we will only use these for performance discussions primarily. Select any one for the practical test or if you’d like to use something else, just call and discuss that with me. Prepare a Weight and Balance with my weight at 210.
KDVT→KELP
KDVT→KMYF
KAMW→KMKC
KAMW→KFCM
KAMW→KBJC
Additional Testing Details
Make sure you bring your username and password for IACRA. This will be needed to have you sign your application once I have verified your identity in the program.
Have your FTN with you.
Don’t forget your government ID with photo, medical (3rd class minimum or Basic Med), Pilot certificate, and SODA if you have one issued. For Basic Med applicants, bring your online certification form.
Logbooks—Be sure to total all pages using only ink. Pencil will not be accepted. The FAA considers your logbook as a legal record. Putting tabs or markings in your logbook so the examiner can easily identify and validate the requirements of §61.65 will definitely speed things up. Marking or annotating all endorsements will also facilitate the process.
Insure you have all aircraft maintenance logs or records with you. Bring the MEL/CDL if the aircraft has one approved by the FAA. This will be used during the oral portion in a scenario or may be used in real time if an unairworthy condition exists at the time of the practical flight portion.
Make sure you have real time weather to brief the examiner with for the practical test. Electronic or printed briefing packets work best for efficient test discussion. Pre-calculate all performance data available in the aircraft POH. Base all calculations at the time of testing using the pre-calculated weight from the weight and balance. Use my weight of 210 lbs. in your weight and balance calculations.
Bring any course completion certificates if you attended a 14 CFR Part 141 school.
Many questions come up and unfortunately I can’t answer all of them here, but I’ll try to help out by describing a couple items that are frequently asked.
The general conduct of the practical test will be to meet and go over all the admin aspects such as insuring you have all required personal and aircraft documents, AKTRs (if applicable. They may not apply here), etc. This normally takes some time, so being extremely familiar with the aircraft records and having your logbook annotated will greatly increase the efficiency of the practical test.
Remember, you are the PIC during the flight. I’m just along to enjoy the ride. If an actual emergency occurs, I’ll certainly help, but I want to see you handle it. Try to always be the PIC.
What examiners are looking for is your ability to make decisions and act on them. Don’t worry about whether or not your decision is what I would do or what you think I want you to do. I just want you to make decisions.
Summary
I’m sure you will still have questions so please do not hesitate to contact me at any time for clarification! My goal is to ensure you are as prepared as you can be so you will feel at ease during the practical test.