Multi/Single IR

[jamesleaman]

Is there any significant benefit from doing a Multi-Engine IR, rather than a Single Engine IR?

If one was to complete the IR course before the MEP, would you still class it as a valid 'multi-engine instrument rating'?

Ryanair state on there application process here:

https://pilot.cae.com/programs/ryanair.aspx?prog=6

That you require a valid multi engine instrument rating. Therefore, if someone was to train at FlyEFT, achieve a Single Engine IR and then come to the EU to complete an IR conversion, they would not be eligible to apply?

Anyone able to clarify this for me.

Regards

[RTN11]

This confuses a lot of people.

In order for an IR to be valid on multi engine aircraft, it needs to be completed in a multi engine aircraft.

Single engine IR privileges are included in a multi engine IR, but not the other way round.

You could do a single engine IR and then upgrade it later to a multi engine IR, but there is absolutely no benefit, it costs pretty much the same.

So you need to get a single pilot aircraft multi engine instrument rating (SPA-ME-IR) in order to apply for airline jobs.

When you then get an airline job, you do a type rating which is effectively a whole new instrument rating, although this time it's multi pilot multi engine, so you end up with MPA-ME-IR.

These are two separate ratings, both would include single engine privileges, but clearly you can only fly single or multi pilot depending on what you keep current. If you want to be able to operate both single and multi pilot IFR, you need to keep both ratings current.

[jamesleaman]

Wonderful, Thanks RTN11.

[Odai]

RTN11, do you know if a current MEP rating is required to maintain the currency of an (SPA) ME-IR? Or is it enough to simply pass the IR revalidation in a multi-engine aircraft every year without actually having an MEP rating or any other experience in MEP aircraft?

[Rithalic]

as they say, learn how to fish:

Cap 804:

https://www.caa.co.uk/application.aspx?catid=33&pagetype=65&appid=11&mode=detail&id=5000

[RTN11]

Every other year you can renew in the sim, so you could renew the IR without the MEP.

If it expired you would have to do it in the aircraft.

Not sure if it was just company policy, but my airline required valid MEP and IR at the start of the type rating (they could expire during the course). You definitely need a current IR to start a type rating, just not sure if it was just our company asking for a valid MEP too.

[Odai]

Thanks RTN11. Can you confirm it's the ME-IR as well as the SE-IR that can be renewed without a current MEP rating? I've had a search through CAP 804, but can't find any specific reference to an MEP in the context of renewing/revalidating/obtaining an ME-IR.

[Nikonair]

As far as I understand it you can revalidate your ME-IR, on a plane (so the second year), without having a Current MEP rating. But I would suggest revalidating them both in one exam flight as it doesn't cost that much more to do so.

[Rithalic]

Cap 804, Section 4, Part G, Subpart 1, Page 3,
FCL.625.A. IR(A) - Revalidation.

[RTN11]

You revalidate the ME-IR, and this contains within it SE-IR privileges.

[skyfarmer]

Oh is this still true? or has Europe screwed this ?

Just got back to flying Single engine and my MEP Singe pilot IR is renewed every year