FAA multi rating - keeping it current

[DiamondC]

I have an FAA PPL and I would like to add a multi-engine rating. What is required to keep the multi rating current?

I've looked in FARs and although I can find the requirements for initial issue (61.63), I can't find details on what is needed to maintain the rating.

Any help is appreciated!

[MarkerInbound]

The same as required to keep your current rating current. See 61.57(a) and remember that's only to carry passengers.

[Pace]

DiamondC

As a pilot with over 4000 hrs multi engine time in twins I do not think you are asking the right question?

You should only acquire ratings you need not just to add another notch to your belt.

If you intend to use a twin and have need for a twin and fly a reasonable amount of hours so you are always current and safe then yes.

if you are asking whats the minimum you need to do to keep the rating going then maybe you should not be doing it?

Twins especially light twins have safety advantages in the right hands but will also bite in the wrong hands or in the hands of someone who rarely flies them and who is not current and on top of the game flying twins

so its not the case of keeping the rating current but keeping the pilot current

Pace

[Tinstaafl]

Legally, a flight review every two years in any aircraft and, if you wish to carry pax, 3 take offs & landings in the same category/class. Whether that is sufficient or not, see Pace, above.

[DiamondC]

Thanks Tinstaafl, Pace, and MarkerInbound.


Pace, yes I am aware of the difference between meeting the legal minimums and being proficient to fly. (This is true even in a single: being "fit to fly" needs to take into consideration recency of flying experience, weather vs experience, personal situation such as stress at work, ...)


However, before adding a new rating it is helpful to understand the requirements to maintain it. As an example, for the single engine piston rating in the UK there are specific numbers of hours required every two years - otherwise the rating will lapse - and these need to be met even during periods where the pilot might be taking time out from flying regularly. There are people who get through their PPL and then are unable to maintain it because the costs (time and money) of doing so have not been considered in advance.


Thanks again all!

[Pace]

DiamondC

I cannot see the comparison to a single. A twin has obvious advantages but with them come a unique set of accident statistics when flown by pilots who are inexperienced and not current flying twins.
They do bite badly in the wrong hands and all I am cautioning against is adding a rating you don't really need and flying it once in a blue moon when funds allow.
If you have a real need for a twin and are going to fly a decent amount of hours in it and want the extra benefits a twin flown in the right hands offers then go for it, otherwise save your money and use it on a better single

Pace

[9 lives]

I second the sentiment which Pace has expressed. It's fine to be a single engine pilot, who has earned the multi endorsement. But, you're only a multi pilot if you keep current.

In my opinion, there are many more, and more serious, hazards to be found with low skill pilots with multi endorsements flying multi engined planes, than ever to be found with decent skill pilots flying singles.

There were a number of times I was flight testing a twin, knowing that at the outset, I was low recency on it. I chose ideal weather conditions, flew alone, and said to myself, and the boss: "If I lose an engine shortly after takeoff, I'm just going to close the other throttle, and land straight ahead. I'm just flying a single engined plane which happens to have two engines today." He agreed, and all went well.

It's great to gain many skills, and good to refresh, but it's best to keep your "regular" flying more in the center of your current skills.

[Tinstaafl]

As far as certification performance & handling requirements go, in many circumstances you really are just flying a single with its engine split into two. No requirement for any single engine performance below certain speed &/or WAT conditions, or even an ability to control the aicraft (below a certain speed).

[Pace]

The real benefits of a twin are usually multiple system backups (available in complex singles) deice/anti ice and the second engine.

I can remember well donkeys years ago shutting down an engine on a seneca flying across the channel and restarting to land.

Not a clever thing to do

A twin will fly happily on one engine level but its a failure on takeoff which takes a lot of lateral thinking as to your best option and choosing the correct option.

The second engine gives you more options with more options more choices and with more choices the option to choose the wrong option.

I did quite a bit of experimentation at instead of going for blue line and a climb instead to go into level flight which most twins are happy to do and to step climb within a speed bracket.
Most airfields don't have high terrain and if they do chances are you won't out climb on one anyway so why not fly a level circuit at 400 or 500 feet AGL?

It is another option to consider in minimal performance twins which kill pilots trying to fly blue line.

Again sometimes its better to pull both back and treat the aircraft like a single but unless you are experienced and current the second engine is more of a danger than a benefit

pace

[DiamondC]

I already have an EASA (European) multi rating and instrument rating. Flying is a career path for me, so to stay current while I'm waiting to apply for jobs I'd prefer to add multi-hours to my logbook by flying in the US where it is less expensive than the UK.