A pilot having the correct license and authority to fly a multi engine aircraft whether it is for commercial or private purpose. Every country’s authority of aviation has set certain requirements to become a multi engine pilot. All pilots need to have multi engine rating which is an additional certification pilots obtain on a private, commercial or airline transport pilot that allows them to fly aircraft with more than one engine.
Roles & Responsibilities of a Multi Engine Pilot
1. Pre and post-flight inspections
It is the responsibility of a pilot to do the pre and post-flight inspections of fuel, equipment and navigational systems.
2. Professionalism
Being a pilot is about having the sense of professionalism in the task of operating the aircraft safely.
3. Weather
Before each flight, the pilot must monitor weather conditions of departure and destination aerodrome as well as enroute weather conditions.
4. Co-operation
Working in coordination with co-pilot, flight crew and cabin crew is an important responsibility of a multi engine pilot.
How to become a Multi Engine Pilot?
To know the process of becoming a multi engine pilot, one has to go through various steps like medicals, DGCA exams, ELP and flying training on single engine as well as multi engine. The details about this process is given below:
1. Medicals
The first step before starting your career as a pilot should be clearing both the medicals, Class 2 and Class 1. This is because if there is any serious medical issue, you’ll get to know beforehand and end up saving a lot of money.
2. Exams
In total there are five subjects that we need to clear. Four of them are of DGCA, Air Navigation, Meteorology, Air Regulations, Technical General and Specifics, and one exam is RTR(A) which is held by WPC department of Ministry of Communications.
3. Flying Training
In order to obtain CPL, you have to do 200 hours of flying training which includes 185 hours on a single engine aircraft and 15 hours on multi engine aircraft. If you already have CPL then also you can do MER(Multi Engine Rating) by flying 15 hours and getting it endorsed on your CPL.
4. ELP
In this generation, it is very important to be fluent in English because the whole world communicates in English. That’s why it is a requirement to have an English Language Proficiency Certificate at the time of applying CPL.
Additional Skills Needed To Succeed as a Multi Engine Pilot
1. Command Presence
Your CPL indicates that you can be the Pilot-in-Command of your flight which should reflect in your behaviour also. Being the PIC of a flight is about leadership and technical skill at the same time.
2. People Skill
The most frequent question that every pilot thinks is that “Do I want to spend the whole flight in an airplane cockpit with this person?”. And the answer is yes for the people who know how to socialize and act around new people, how to leave an impression that they would remember.
3. Curiousness
Being a pilot doesn’t only require you to know how to just fly a plane. Successful pilots are those who know how and what their aircraft is doing. And you must have that curiousness to know how things are working inside your aircraft.
4. Visualizing
When you’re flying a plane near any aerodrome and there’s traffic nearby, pilots need to visualize this traffic around the aerodrome and should be able to identify their location with respect to the traffic. Similarly, there are many concepts in Instrument flying which require you to interpret and act on certain situations.
5. Communicate Clearly
Communicating with ATC and your fellow pilots can be easy as well as tricky in tough situations. In any emergency situation, a pilot must communicate his\her intentions to ATC, his position in minimal amount of time.
How Garg Aviation can help you Become a Multi Engine Pilot?
Talking about flying clubs in India, there are very few which can help you to get your CPL done in some months. On the other hand, Garg Aviation helps you do your Pilot Training in the least amount of time. With eight single engine aircrafts and one multi engine, they can get your CPL done in no more than 4-5 months, given that weather supports you. They can get your Multi Engine Rating done in less than two weeks with MEIR (Multi Engine Instrument Rating).
Garg aviation has four C152, three C172, a Beechcraft BE-36 and multi engine C310. And a brand new Technam P2006T is soon going to add in this fleet.
There is no runway restriction as they are the only FTO operating there. In Less than 5 Miles, there’s an Air Force station, Chakeri whose Nav Aids helps you in Flying Training.
Conclusion
Becoming a multi-engine pilot requires a significant amount of dedication, time, and effort. One must first obtain a private pilot’s license and then pursue advanced training and education to earn a multi-engine rating. This typically involves completing a specialized training program that includes ground school courses, simulator training, and flight training in a multi-engine aircraft. Additionally, it is crucial to maintain proficiency through ongoing training and practice to ensure safe and successful flight operations. By following these steps and investing in a thorough training regimen, aspiring pilots can gain the skills and knowledge needed to become multi-engine pilots and advance their aviation careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the eligibility requirements, training programs, career options, and age requirements for becoming a multi-engine pilot.
1. What are the eligibility requirements to become a multi-engine pilot?
To become a multi-engine pilot, you must first hold a valid private pilot’s license and meet the requirements for an instrument rating. You must also complete a multi-engine training program, pass a written exam and flight test, and meet the flight experience requirements.
2. Can I complete the multi-engine rating as part of a flight training program?
Yes, many flight training programs offer multi-engine training as part of their curriculum. However, it is important to ensure that the program is accredited and meets the requirements of the FAA or other relevant aviation authority.
3. Is there a maximum age limit for becoming a multi-engine pilot?
No, there is no maximum age limit for obtaining a multi-engine pilot’s license. However, certain medical conditions may affect eligibility, and some airlines may have age restrictions for hiring pilots.
4. What are some of the career options available for multi-engine pilots?
Multi-engine pilots can pursue a variety of career options, including commercial airline pilot, corporate pilot, cargo pilot, aerial surveyor, or flight instructor.
5. What is the minimum age requirement for obtaining a multi-engine pilot’s license?
The minimum age requirement for obtaining a multi-engine pilot’s license is 18 years old.