361 Multi-engine and MEI Checkride Mock Oral with Jason Blair
Aviation News Talk podcast
Deep Dive
Why do most pilots pursue multi-engine ratings?
Most pilots add a multi-engine rating to their existing commercial certificates, often to meet job requirements or progress to airline careers.
What's the most efficient training path for aspiring multi-engine pilots?
The recommended path is: private single-engine, instrument rating, commercial single-engine, then multi-engine add-on. This sequence minimizes training time and checkrides.
Why are multi-engine checkrides sometimes difficult to schedule?
Not all examiners are qualified to conduct multi-engine checkrides on every aircraft type. Additionally, older training aircraft are prone to mechanical issues, leading to frequent delays and rescheduling.
Why is the multi-engine accident rate higher during instruction, despite involving more experienced pilots?
The current instructor core often lacks extensive multi-engine experience, coupled with the complexities of simulating emergencies and handling underpowered aircraft, creating a high-risk training environment.
Why is the VMC demonstration considered both critical and risky?
It simulates a crucial engine failure scenario, requiring precise control management to avoid loss of directional control. However, improper execution can easily lead to dangerous situations.
How should a pilot recover from a VMC condition?
Recovery involves reducing the angle of attack while simultaneously decreasing throttle on the operating engine, minimizing the adverse yaw and preventing rollover.
What performance considerations are crucial for multi-engine operations?
Key factors include accelerate-stop distance, single-engine service ceiling, and performance limitations at high-density altitudes, particularly relevant for underpowered twins.
What's the difference between V1 and VMC?
V1 is a decision speed in larger multi-engine aircraft, determining whether to continue or abort takeoff after engine failure. VMC is the minimum controllable airspeed in a single-engine configuration, below which directional control might be lost.
How does banking affect VMC?
Banking into the operating engine, typically 2-5 degrees, can lower VMC by up to 3 knots per degree of bank, improving safety margins during single-engine flight.
What immediate actions should a pilot take following an engine failure in a multi-engine aircraft?
Pilots should prioritize maintaining control and airspeed (blue line or better), adjust mixture, props, and throttles, retract gear and flaps (unless at low altitude), identify and verify the failed engine, and then decide whether to attempt a restart or feather the propeller.
Why is proper system knowledge crucial for multi-engine instructors (MEIs)?
MEIs must thoroughly understand the aircraft systems, especially gear and fuel systems, to teach effectively and safely manage simulated emergencies. Practicing emergency procedures, like gear extension during maintenance, is highly recommended.
What additional experience is required for an MEI to provide training in a specific multi-engine aircraft?
MEIs need five hours of make and model experience in the specific aircraft they intend to use for training towards a rating or certificate.
- Most pilots pursue multi-engine ratings as add-ons to their commercial certificates.
- Efficient training path: private single-engine, instrument rating, commercial single-engine, then multi-engine add-on.
- Multi-engine training is often shorter, focused on proficiency.
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