Commercial Multi-Engine

04 · CMEL · AMEL

Add multi-engine privileges to your commercial certificate and unlock career opportunities in corporate, cargo, and airline operations. Two engines, asymmetric thrust, and the standards the industry actually hires against.

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7–10 daysAccelerated track
10–15 hrTypical training
0Written required
300+Sunny days/yr
04What it is

Twoengines.Asymmetricthrust.

The Commercial Multi-Engine adds an AMEL class rating to your existing commercial certificate. You learn engine-out procedures, Vmc demonstrations, and asymmetric thrust management in the Piper Seneca II — the rating that meets hiring minimums for corporate, cargo, and regional airline operators.

PrivilegesWhat you can do

  • Foundation for adding MEI to instruct in multi-engine aircraft
  • Act as PIC of multi-engine aircraft for compensation or hire
  • Meet typical hiring minimums for corporate and 135 operators
  • Qualify for charter, cargo, and regional airline operations
  • Build multi-engine PIC time toward ATP minimums

LimitationsAnd what you can't

  • Without an Instrument Rating the multi-engine carries an FAA restriction — not valid for carrying passengers for hire at night or on cross-country flights over 50 NM
  • Most employers require additional multi-engine PIC time beyond the checkride
  • Operating turbine or pressurized aircraft requires further endorsements
  • Requires an existing Commercial Pilot Certificate (single-engine)
  • Recent experience requirements apply for multi-engine currency
  • 2nd-class medical certificate must remain current
Prerequisites
  • Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • Instrument Rating strongly recommended (lifts the FAA night/XC>50NM restriction and is required by most multi-engine employers)
  • 2nd-class FAA medical certificate
  • No FAA hour minimum — typically 10–15 hours of dual instruction in type
Why Desert Wings

The case for training here.

Proven student success

Our students consistently pass their checkrides and achieve their aviation goals with confidence.

Gold Seal instruction

Learn from FAA-certified Gold Seal instructors with proven teaching methods and personalized attention.

Year-round flying

Train in Mesa, Arizona with ideal flying conditions and over 300 days of sunshine per year.

Flexible scheduling

Train at your own pace with scheduling options that fit your lifestyle and learning goals.

FAQ

Questions we hear a lot.

Is there a minimum flight-time requirement for the multi-engine add-on?

The FAA does not specify a hard hour minimum for the multi-engine class rating — you train to proficiency. Most students reach checkride standard in 10–15 hours of dual instruction in the Seneca II.

Do I need to take another FAA written test?

No. There is no separate written knowledge exam for the multi-engine add-on. You only complete an oral and practical exam (checkride) with an FAA examiner. We include ground school for the oral portion.

How long does the program take?

Our accelerated program typically runs 7–10 days. Exact duration depends on proficiency, weather, and DPE scheduling. Most students finish inside two weeks.

What aircraft will I train in?

A Piper Seneca II (PA-34-200T) — a capable twin-engine aircraft that provides excellent training for engine-out procedures, Vmc demonstrations, and asymmetric thrust management.

Get started

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