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The multi-engine rating is included in Rookie — Level I ($92,901 standard), together with the Commercial Pilot License. Alpha does not sell it as a separate program.
The multi-engine rating in brief
Multi-Engine Rating (MEL) in Miami
The multi-engine land rating (AMEL) adds twin-engine airplanes to your pilot certificate. The FAA sets no minimum hours: you need training from an authorized instructor, a logbook endorsement and a practical test (14 CFR 61.63). At The Alpha Aviation Group, the multi-engine rating is part of Rookie — Level I.
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No hour minimum 14 CFR 61.63 requires training, an endorsement and a checkride. -
No extra written test If you already hold an airplane rating at that certificate level. -
50 h for the ATP Multi-engine time needed for the airline transport pilot certificate (61.159).
How you add a multi-engine rating
A class rating is added to an existing pilot certificate. Under 14 CFR 61.63(c) you need to:
- Hold a pilot certificate with an airplane category rating.
- Receive training from an authorized instructor on the multi-engine areas of operation, including engine-out procedures.
- Get a logbook endorsement that you are prepared for the practical test.
- Pass the practical test in a multi-engine airplane.
No additional knowledge test is required if you already hold an airplane rating at that pilot certificate level.
Multi-engine rules at a glance
| Item | FAA rule | What it says |
|---|---|---|
| Adding the class rating | 14 CFR 61.63(c) | Training, endorsement and practical test; no minimum hours |
| Knowledge test | 14 CFR 61.63(c) | Not required with an airplane rating at the same certificate level |
| ATP certificate | 14 CFR 61.159(a) | 1,500 h total, including 50 h in the class of airplane for the rating |
| Airline crews | 14 CFR 121.436 | Both pilots need an ATP certificate |
Because U.S. airlines fly multi-engine aircraft, multi-engine time is part of the path to the ATP.
How the multi-engine rating fits the Airline Career Pathway
In Rookie, the multi-engine land rating comes with the commercial stage, so you finish with single-engine and multi-engine privileges.
Instructor ratings
Rookie continues with the CFI and CFII. The multi-engine instructor rating (MEI) is part of Level IV, for pilots who already hold the FAA CFI and CFII ($41,556 standard).
Experienced pilots
Pilots who already hold commercial or instructor certificates enter at a later level. Admissions confirms the level and price — see the cost guide.
Multi-engine rating: frequently asked questions
How many hours does the multi-engine rating require?
The FAA sets no minimum flight hours for adding a multi-engine class rating. You need training from an authorized instructor, a logbook endorsement and a practical test in a multi-engine airplane (14 CFR 61.63(c)).
Is there a written test for the multi-engine rating?
No additional knowledge test is required if you already hold an airplane rating at the same pilot certificate level (14 CFR 61.63(c)). The practical test is still required.
Why does multi-engine time matter for airlines?
U.S. airlines fly multi-engine aircraft and require an ATP certificate for both pilots (14 CFR 121.436). The ATP requires 1,500 hours of total time, including 50 hours in the class of airplane for the rating (14 CFR 61.159).
Is the multi-engine rating included in Rookie?
Yes. Rookie — Level I ($92,901 standard) includes the multi-engine land rating together with the commercial pilot stage. The examiner fee ($800–$1,200 per license) is paid separately.
Does Alpha offer the multi-engine instructor rating (MEI)?
Yes, in Level IV — for pilots who already hold the FAA CFI and CFII. Level IV is $41,556 standard and also includes a standardization course and the ATP-CTP. Rookie — Level I ends at the CFII.
Other programs in the Airline Career Pathway
- Rookie — Level I: FAA training from zero — the full Level I path, from no license to CFII
- Private Pilot License (PPL) — 40-hour FAA minimum, the first certificate
- Instrument Rating (IR) — flying in clouds under IFR
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL) — 250-hour FAA minimum, flying for pay
- Flight Instructor (CFI and CFII) — teaching to build flight time
Related guides
- All programs and how the pathway works
- FAA pilot training cost in Miami by level
- FAA Part 61 training in Miami for Latin American students
- Aviation English course
Questions about your case? Contact admissions in English or Spanish.