Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
Add MEI to your instructor certificates and teach multi-engine students. Build valuable multi-engine PIC time while getting paid—an excellent path to airline careers.
- Build multi-engine time
- Get paid instructing
- High-value experience
- Airline career boost
What Can You Do as an MEI?
Multi-Engine Instructor privileges give you the best hour-building opportunity
Teach Multi-Engine Students
Train pilots for their Multi-Engine Rating. Multi-engine add-on students need instructors, and MEIs are in high demand.
Build Multi-Engine PIC Time
Every hour you teach is multi-engine PIC time. This is the fastest way to build the multi-engine hours airlines want to see.
Higher Earning Potential
Multi-engine instruction typically pays more than single-engine instruction. More valuable training means better compensation.
Airline Application Gold
Airlines value multi-engine PIC time highly. MEI experience makes your application stand out from single-engine-only instructors.
Critical Training Skills
Teaching engine-out procedures develops judgment and decision-making skills that serve you throughout your career.
Complete Instructor Package
With CFI, CFII, and MEI, you can teach any single or multi-engine student. Maximum flexibility and opportunities.
Requirements & Prerequisites
Adding MEI to complete your instructor certificates
Existing Certificates
- Hold a CFI certificate
- Hold a Multi-Engine Rating
Flight Experience
- Multi-engine flight experience
- No specific hour minimum beyond CFI and ME rating
Knowledge Requirements
- No additional written test required
- Multi-engine knowledge demonstrated in oral
Practical Test
- Demonstrate multi-engine teaching ability
- Single-engine procedures teaching
MEI is often combined with Commercial Multi-Engine training. If you're pursuing an airline career, plan for both.
What's Included in Your Training
Learn to teach multi-engine safely and effectively
Ground School
Multi-engine teaching methodology
- Teaching Vmc and engine-out theory
- Multi-engine lesson planning
- Common student errors in multi
- Risk management in multi-engine
- Teaching emergency procedures
- Checkride preparation techniques
Flight Training
Multi-engine instruction techniques
- Teaching from the right seat
- Engine failure demonstration techniques
- Teaching Vmc awareness
- Single-engine approach instruction
- Emergency scenario training
- Checkride maneuvers review
Checkride Prep
Prepare for your MEI practical
- Oral exam preparation
- Teaching demonstrations
- Safety scenario discussions
- Mock checkrides
- Final stage check
Key Milestones
Right Seat Proficiency
Day 1-3Master multi from instructor seat
Engine-Out Teaching
5-10 hoursLearn to teach Vmc and failures
Full Scenarios
12-18 hoursComplete lesson delivery
Checkride
15-20 hoursPass your MEI practical test
Transparent Pricing
Investment in multi-engine teaching privileges
Flight Training
$6,900Ground Training
$650Fees
$1,000MEI training uses multi-engine aircraft which have higher rental rates. The investment pays off in valuable multi-engine PIC time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about MEI
How long does it take to add MEI?
Most CFIs add MEI in 2-4 weeks. Training focuses on teaching multi-engine from the right seat and demonstrating engine-out procedures safely. If you're current in multi-engine aircraft, training goes quickly.
Do I need another written test for MEI?
No! Unlike CFII, MEI doesn't require an additional FAA written test. Your multi-engine knowledge is evaluated during the oral portion of your practical test.
How much multi-engine time can I build as an MEI?
Active MEIs can build 200-400+ multi-engine hours per year. Every hour you teach is multi-engine PIC time. This is the fastest way to accumulate the multi-engine experience airlines value.
Should I get MEI before or after CFII?
Either order works. Some instructors prioritize MEI for the multi-engine time building. Others get CFII first for the larger instrument student pool. Best approach depends on your school's student demand and your career goals.
Is MEI instruction safe?
Multi-engine instruction requires careful attention to safety, particularly when teaching engine-out procedures. Proper training emphasizes safety margins, altitude awareness, and when to discontinue demonstrations. Our program focuses heavily on safety.
How much do MEIs typically earn?
MEI instruction often pays $5-10/hour more than single-engine instruction due to the higher-value training and aircraft. Combined with the faster hour building, MEIs often have higher annual earnings than single-engine-only instructors.
Can I teach Multi-Engine Instrument students?
To teach Multi-Engine Instrument, you need both MEI and CFII. With CFI, CFII, and MEI, you can teach any student for any rating in single or multi-engine aircraft.
How does MEI help with airline applications?
Airlines specifically ask about multi-engine PIC time. MEI experience shows you can handle the complexity of multi-engine aircraft and make sound decisions in challenging situations. It's a significant differentiator on applications.
130+ Five-Star Reviews Tell the Story
See Why Pilots Choose Us Over Other Schools
"As parents of a son graduating high-school, we didn't know the first thing about Flight School. We couldn't be happier with our son's experience in the Fast Track Program at US Flight Co. The process was seamless, the instructors were excellent, and he was able to complete his training in a year without sacrificing quality. At 19 years old, he is now a CFII at US Flight Co. A proud moment for our family. Highly recommend!"
"Pursuing a passion for flying is a significant investment of time and money. I did a lot of research before choosing US Flight Co. and I'm really satisfied with my decision. I was pleased to find great facilities, well maintained aircraft, kind and professional staff, and flexible and efficient scheduling. I started with no experience and was able to pass my private pilot check ride with no problem. The instructors are patient and professional and built my knowledge, skills, and confidence in a way that kept it light and fun the whole time."
"After having talked with several different flight schools and also several discovery flights, I chose US Flight Co because they were able to answer my questions and address my concerns with a unique approach rather than cookie cutter answers. They actually listened to me and adapted their training to fit my schedule. Whether you are going all the way to the airlines or just looking into a new hobby, US flight Co and the CFIs are genuinely interested in working with you as an individual."
"I started my aviation journey with US Flight Co last October and have been really pleased with the company as a whole, the administrative team, the instructors (S/O to Josh!!) and the pace of the program. About 8 months in, I'm preparing for my commercial check ride and hope to complete my CFI rating by next month."
"I am currently in the process of obtaining my private pilot's license at US Flight Co, and I couldn't be more impressed. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, making each lesson both informative and enjoyable. The training facilities are top-notch, and the aircraft are well-maintained and modern. I've felt a real sense of progress with every flight, and the team has created a welcoming atmosphere that fosters learning and confidence."
"Us Flight Co is a top flight school in Des Moines. I have been pursuing my private pilots license while finishing my senior year of high school. Because of navigating high school classes I was matched one on one with an instructor. This has been a great match and I appreciate the one on one learning I am receiving. US Flight CO's fleet of aircraft is diverse and expanding. As a student you have plenty of hours for flying and ground instruction. There is also flexibility to work with your school classes or employment hours."
"US Flight Co has been amazing with my aviation journey so far! Started flying at the end of 2024, currently working towards my instrument rating. They have been super flexible and easy to work with, considering I'm in the fast track program with a full time job. Instructors are safe, knowledgeable and fun to fly with. I look forward to continuing my aviation journey with them!"
"I Joined US flight Co about 10 hours into my PPL and have been with them since. My experience has been nothing but positive and they have far exceeded my expectations. They have great Instructors, reliable aircraft, great availability, and most importantly it's all at a very reasonable price. The instructor cadre are very clearly experts in their field and are passionate about ensuring their students are safe pilots and well prepared for their checkride. Aircraft rentals at US flight Co are well priced and well maintained. TLDR: Great people, fantastic instructors all at a reasonable price!"
"I have gone through other schools where I couldn't keep an instructor or the school didn't have their stuff together. US Flight Co has been the complete opposite - professional, organized, and committed to student success."
"Absolutely amazing crew of people. Great instructors who are all willing to help, even if they are not your primary instructor. Very relaxed environment and very personable people to train with. If you are looking for quality instruction look no further."
"Went on a discovery Flight here. Super nice facilities and Jaden my instructor was AMAZING! Would highly recommend. You can tell the instructors care and love their jobs! I wouldn't go anywhere else!"
"Having tried both flight schools based in Des Moines, I can honestly say this is the better of the two"
"I'm working to overcome a fear of flying! Jared has been more than helpful and patient with me. I highly recommend US Flight Co for anyone looking to overcome their fears or learn to fly!"
"I took part in the airline fast track program. It has been an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. I have worked with several CFIs and they are all top notch."
"Flight co has been super flexible with my schedule and has a great team of instructors who are very capable and knowledgeable. I had a great experience obtaining my private pilots license with them!"
Free MEI Planning Session
Tell us your certificates, hours, and goals. A multi-engine instructor will reach out within one business day to map your fastest path to the MEI.
How We Can Help
- Get your questions answered by a real pilot
- Schedule a tour of our facility at KDSM
- Map out your training timeline and costs
- Talk through financing options
Connect With Admissions
We'll reach out within one business day
Ready for Multi-Engine Instruction? Add MEI
Schedule training to teach multi-engine students
Complete your instructor certificate package with MEI. Start building valuable multi-engine PIC time while getting paid to share your knowledge.
- Ground school preparation
- Flight training in Beechcraft Travel Air
- Checkride preparation
- DPE scheduling assistance
Already have your Multi-Engine Rating? You're ready to start MEI training.