Multi Engine Rating USA Made Simple: Costs, and Flight Time

Flying a twin-engine aircraft isn’t just about having more horsepower—it’s about having more options, more range, and more respect in the cockpit. If you’re serious about advancing your aviation skills, earning your multi engine rating USA is one of the smartest upgrades you can make.

This add-on certification unlocks the ability to fly complex, high-performance aircraft with two engines. It’s often a required step for commercial and airline pilots, but it’s also a safety and confidence booster for private pilots who want to fly farther, faster, and with redundancy.

Whether you’re pursuing a professional pilot career or just leveling up your training, the USA offers some of the fastest, most affordable paths to getting multi engine certified—with FAA-recognized programs, world-class instructors, and accelerated courses that get you checkride-ready in as little as a week.

What Is a Multi Engine Rating?

A multi engine rating is an FAA add-on that qualifies a pilot to operate aircraft with more than one engine. It doesn’t replace your existing license—it enhances it. Once earned, this rating is attached to your Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and allows you to legally and safely fly multi engine aircraft under VFR or IFR conditions.

Multi engine aircraft bring a whole new layer of complexity: asymmetric thrust, engine-out procedures, and performance planning are just the beginning. That’s why the FAA requires pilots to undergo specialized training focused on:

Aircraft systems and aerodynamics
Single-engine operations and emergency procedures
Advanced decision-making in high-speed environments

You’ll typically train in aircraft like the Piper Seminole, Diamond DA42, or Beechcraft Baron—twin-engine planes commonly used by FAA-certified flight schools like the Florida Flyers Flight Academy for rating prep.

Eligibility Requirements for Multi Engine Rating USA

To start multi engine rating training USA, you don’t need to pass a written test—but you do need to meet FAA prerequisites.

Here’s what’s required:

Hold a valid pilot license (PPL or CPL): The multi engine rating is an add-on, not a standalone license. You must already be a licensed pilot under FAA rules.

Be at least 17 years old: If you’re adding this to a Private License, age 17 is the minimum. For CPL holders, the minimum remains 18 (already required for CPL).

Hold a valid FAA medical certificate: A Class 3 medical is enough if you’re a private pilot. Class 2 is required for commercial flying.

Meet English language proficiency standards: You must be able to speak, read, write, and understand English fluently—per FAA and ICAO standards.

Complete training under Part 61 or Part 141: Either training structure is accepted, though Part 141 schools may offer accelerated programs with structured scheduling.

Pass a checkride with an FAA examiner: There’s no knowledge test, but you’ll undergo a practical exam that includes an oral evaluation and a flight test in a twin-engine aircraft.

If you’re coming from abroad, you’ll also need TSA approval and a valid visa. Many schools help with these processes if they’re SEVP-certified.

What’s Included in Multi Engine Rating USA Training?

Multi engine rating training in the USA is short, focused, and highly practical. Since it’s an add-on—not a full license—you won’t be repeating general flight skills. Instead, the training zeroes in on what makes twin-engine aircraft different—and more demanding.

Here’s what your course will typically include:

Dual Flight Instruction: You’ll log between 8 to 15 hours of flight time with a certified multi engine instructor (MEI). The focus will be on:

Engine-out procedures and single-engine handling
Asymmetric thrust and yaw control
VMC demos (minimum control speed)
Emergency approaches and landings
System failures and quick-response decision-making

Ground Training: Most schools offer 5 to 10 hours of ground instruction covering the theoretical aspects:

Multi engine aerodynamics and systems
Weight and balance considerations
Fuel, electrical, and hydraulic system redundancies
Performance calculations
FAA checkride oral prep

Oral Exam Preparation: Before the checkride, your instructor will prep you for the Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) oral exam. Expect questions about single-engine performance, failure scenarios, and aircraft-specific systems.

The Checkride: Your training ends with a practical exam that includes both the oral and flight portion. You’ll demonstrate maneuvers, respond to simulated emergencies, and show safe, competent handling of a multi engine aircraft.

How Much Does a Multi Engine Rating USA Cost?

The cost of earning a multi engine rating USA varies based on aircraft type, flight hours required, school fees, and location. On average, you’ll spend between $4,000 and $7,000 to complete the training and checkride.

Here’s a breakdown:

Expense Component	Estimated Range
Dual Flight Instruction	$2,500 – $4,500
Ground School	$500 – $1,000
Checkride Examiner Fee	$500 – $800
Aircraft Rental (Extra)	$500 – $1,000

What Affects the Price?

Aircraft type: Newer twins like the Diamond DA42 cost more than older Piper Seminoles.
School model: Part 141 schools may charge more for structured, accelerated programs.
Location: Schools in high-traffic areas like California or New York may be pricier.
Checkride readiness: Needing extra flight hours can quickly raise the total cost.

Ways to Save:

Combine multi engine with your Commercial Pilot License to reduce redundancy
Choose schools that offer accelerated multi engine courses
Ask for package deals that include checkride fees and materials

How Long Does Multi Engine Rating USA Training Take?

Multi engine training in the USA is known for being efficient—and often surprisingly fast. Most pilots complete the course in less than a week, especially when enrolled in an accelerated program. For students training full-time, it’s common to finish within 3 to 7 days. Part-time students might stretch the timeline to two or three weeks depending on their availability and weather conditions.

Training typically begins with one or two days of ground instruction. You’ll study aircraft systems, performance limitations, and single-engine operations before ever stepping into the cockpit. Then comes the flying—several days of focused dual instruction with a certified multi engine instructor. You’ll learn how to handle asymmetric thrust, engine failures, and emergency landings, all under real-world conditions in a twin-engine aircraft.

The checkride is the final step. Once your instructor signs off, you’ll face an oral exam and flight test with an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. The entire process is streamlined—no written exam is required—so the timeline largely depends on how quickly you absorb the training.

If you’re already a current single-engine pilot with strong skills, you’ll find the pace manageable. And with the right school, everything is structured to move quickly without cutting corners.

Best Schools Offering Multi Engine Rating USA

The quality of your multi engine rating USA experience depends heavily on where you train. While most FAA-approved flight schools offer multi engine programs, only a handful stand out for their aircraft, instructors, scheduling, and real-world readiness.

Here are five of the top schools offering multi engine rating programs in the United States:

Florida Flyers Flight Academy

Based in St. Augustine, Florida Flyers offers one of the most efficient and internationally accessible multi engine rating programs in the USA. With over 300+ VFR days per year, students train without weather delays—an advantage few schools can match.

Training is conducted on the reliable P-Mentor and Piper PA-44 Seminole, and the school runs accelerated multi engine courses that move students from ground school to checkride in under a week. The instructors are experienced multi engine pilots who fly twins regularly—not occasionally. This ensures you’re not just passing the checkride, but learning to handle complex aircraft with confidence.

What sets Florida Flyers apart even more is its strong support for international students. The school is SEVP-certified, assists with M-1 visa processes, and offers affordable on-site housing. For both U.S. and international students looking for speed, flexibility, and results, this school delivers one of the best all-around training experiences in the country.

University of North Dakota (UND Aerospace)

Located in Grand Forks, UND Aerospace is consistently ranked among the top collegiate aviation programs in the world. Their fleet includes multi engine aircraft like the Piper Seminole, and their training emphasizes both academic rigor and flight excellence. UND’s structured degree programs are ideal for students pursuing a full-time aviation career, particularly those aiming for commercial or airline roles.

Purdue University School of Aviation and Transportation Technology

Purdue’s aviation program offers a full university-based path to commercial and airline careers. Their multi engine training is part of a larger Bachelor of Science curriculum in Professional Flight. Students fly the Piper Seminole under a well-structured syllabus, and the academic environment appeals to those who want to combine flying with a degree. While not the fastest path, it’s highly respected by airline recruiters.

Each of these schools offers a different experience—whether you want speed, academic depth, scenic flying, or career-level instruction. But for pilots who want fast, focused training with top-tier international support, Florida Flyers Flight Academy is the name to know.

Is Multi Engine Rating USA Worth It?

If you’re wondering whether a multi engine rating USA is truly worth the investment—both in time and money—the answer is yes, especially if you’re serious about a career in aviation. This rating doesn’t just expand your flying privileges; it expands your entire flight path.

For private pilots, it’s an upgrade that increases range, power, and safety—especially when flying over mountainous terrain or water. For commercial pilots, it’s practically a requirement. Most airline and charter operations won’t even consider a candidate without multi engine experience, and in many cases, they expect it before you apply.

More than just a license box to check, the multi engine rating is a signal that you can handle complexity, redundancy, and real-world emergencies. It’s the bridge between intermediate flying and high-performance aircraft operations.

Here’s why it’s worth the upgrade:

Career readiness: Airlines, charter companies, and corporate operators often require multi engine time as a hiring standard.

Safety advantage: Twin-engine aircraft provide redundancy—if one engine fails, you still have power to land safely.

Access to more aircraft: Many high-performance and long-range aircraft are multi engine, opening doors to more opportunities.

Lower insurance premiums: Insurers view multi engine-rated pilots as lower risk, which can reduce your coverage costs.

Essential for ATP: A multi engine rating is a key step if you plan to earn your Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate.

As the global demand for pilots continues to rise—especially in commercial aviation—having a multi engine rating not only improves your skills, it positions you for the opportunities that matter.

FAQ: Multi Engine Rating USA

Question	Answer
How many hours are required for a multi engine rating USA?	The FAA sets no minimum. Most students need 8 to 15 hours of dual instruction before the checkride, based on individual proficiency.
Do I need a written exam for the multi engine rating USA?	No. You only need to pass an FAA practical test, which includes an oral exam and flight check—no separate written test is required.
Can I add this rating to my Private Pilot License?	Yes. The multi engine rating can be added to either a PPL or CPL, but privileges depend on which license it’s attached to.
Does simulator time count toward multi engine flight hours?	No. Simulators are useful for practice, but they don’t count toward the FAA-required training for your multi engine checkride.
Can international students earn this multi engine rating USA?	Yes. With TSA clearance and a valid M-1 or F-1 visa, international students can train at SEVP-approved schools like Florida Flyers.
Is this rating required for airline or charter pilot jobs?	Absolutely. Most commercial operators require multi engine time, and it’s a critical step before earning your ATP certificate.

Contact the Florida Flyers Flight Academy Team today at (904) 209-3510 to learn more about how to do the foreign pilot license conversion in 4 steps.