What is the Multi Engine Land – MEL(A)?
The Multi Engine Land rating extends the privileges of a Private Pilot License (PPL) or Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and allows you to pilot aircraft with more than one engine. One of the main takeaways of the training is to understand the differences between a single engine land and a multi-engine land.
What are the Multi Engine Land – MEL(A) course entry requirements?
- To be at least 18 years old
You need to be at least 18 years old. - To have at least a third class medical certificate
You need to be physically fit for flying and capable of holding a third class medical certificate. - To have at least a Private Pilot License
You need to have at least FAA Private Pilot License – PPL(A). - To be proficient in the English language
You need to be able to read, write, understand and speak English in a fluent way.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation English Language Standard (AELS).
An individual who holds an FAA certificate or an applicant for an FAA certificate or rating, per the eligibility requirement of the respective certificate, should continuously demonstrate the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.
What can I do with my Multi Engine Land – MEL(A) rating?
- Once you complete your Multi Engine Land training, you will get your MEL(A) qualification added on your FAA Private Pilot License – PPL(A) or FAA Commercial Pilot License – CPL(A).
- The Multi Engine Land rating extends the privileges of PPL(A) or CPL(A) to flying airplanes with more than one engine.
How can I get my Private Pilot License – MEL(A)?
Step 1: Start the Ground and Flight training
Theoretical preparation takes 5 hours with an instructor, during which you will become familiar with the multi engine land airplane, systems and aerodynamics. You will also learn the procedures and maneuvers that apply in multi-engine airplane during normal and engine-out operations under VFR and IFR.
The ground training is approximated to be about 5 hours. There is no minimum required time by the FAA.
- The Multi Engine Rating, Human Factors, and Normal Operations
- Aircraft Systems, Weight and Balance, & Performance
- Multi Engine/Engine-Out Aerodynamics & Maneuvers
- Engine-Out Operations
- Instrument Flight and Decision Making
The flight training takes 10 hours minimum of dual flight instruction including instruction in engine failures and asymmetric configuration.
The training is divided into 5 stages.
Stage 1: Departure
- Pre-flight including – documentation, weather brief, mass and balance calculation
- Pre-start – external and internal checks
- Starting engines – normal & malfunctions
- Taxiing
- Pre-departure check – including engine run-ups
- Take-off – normal and crosswind with Flight Manual flap settings
- Climbing (best angle/best rate) – turns onto headings, level off
- ATC liaison-compliance, radio procedures, airmanship
Stage 2: Airwork
- Steep turns (360º left and right – 45º AOB)
- Full clean stall and standard recovery
- Approach to the stall with 10º-30º AOB approach configuration/power
- Handling using autopilot/flight director
- ATC liaison-compliance, radio procedures, airmanship
Stage 3: Arrivals and Landing Procedures
- Aerodrome arrival procedures
- Normal and flapless landing
- Go-around from minimum height
- ATC liaison-compliance, radio procedures, airmanship
Stage 4: Abnormal and Emergency Procedures
- ATC liaison-compliance, radio procedures, airmanship
Stage 5: Simulated Asymmetric Flight
- Simulated engine failure during take-off (at a safe height)
- Asymmetric approach and go-around
- Asymmetric approach and full-stop landing
- ATC liaison-compliance, radio procedures, airmanship
Step 2: Pass the theoretical and practical examination
To prove your practical skills, you will need to pass practical flight test (check ride) with an approved FAA examiner.
How much does Multi Engine Land – MEL(A) course cost?
The course price starts from 3510 USD.
No taxes are applied for pilot training in Florida.
The FAA CPL-ME(A) 141 program fee covers the following items and services:
- Flight Instructor time for ground school & practical training
- Airplane usage, including fuel. We don’t apply any fuel surcharge!
- Bonus – account for RocketRoute flight planning services – valued $300/year
*All training fees are bound to the actual exchange rates of the local currency of the Flying Academy base where the training or a part of the training is provided. Learn more about complete training fees.
How long does it take to complete the Multi Engine Land – MEL(A)?
The training for Multi Engine Land can be obtained within 2-3 weeks, depending on the trainees time availability for both theoretical and practical training.