Multi-Engine Commercial
Combine your Commercial Pilot Certificate with Multi-Engine privileges. Essential for charter, cargo, and corporate flying careers. The ticket to flying multi-engine aircraft professionally.
- Fly twins professionally
- Charter & cargo operations
- Required for airline path
- Complex endorsement included
What Can You Do With Multi-Engine Commercial?
The combination that unlocks professional multi-engine flying careers
Get Paid to Fly Twins
Exercise commercial privileges in multi-engine aircraft. Fly charter, cargo, corporate, and other commercial operations.
Charter Operations
Work for Part 135 charter operators flying multi-engine aircraft. Move passengers and cargo professionally.
Cargo Flying
Many cargo operations use light twins. This is a popular way to build multi-engine time and move toward airlines.
Corporate Aviation
Fly for corporations as SIC or Captain in their multi-engine fleet. Excellent career with great schedules.
Airline Foundation
Regional airlines require Commercial Multi-Engine with Instrument. This combination is essential for the airline path.
Teach Multi-Engine
With MEI certification (next step), teach others to fly multi-engine. Great way to build multi time.
Requirements & Prerequisites
Adding Multi-Engine to your Commercial Certificate
Existing Certificates
- Hold a Commercial Pilot Certificate (single or multi)
- Instrument Rating recommended
If Adding Multi-Engine Commercial
- Commercial privileges in single-engine
- Multi-engine training and checkride
If Getting Commercial Multi Directly
- Meet all Commercial Pilot requirements
- Training in multi-engine aircraft
- Complete Commercial maneuvers in multi-engine aircraft
Medical Requirements
- Second-Class Medical for commercial privileges
Most efficient path: Get Commercial Single-Engine first, then add Multi-Engine. This minimizes expensive multi-engine time.
What's Included in Your Training
The same streamlined 3-day program, flown to commercial ACS standards
Ground School
Commercial multi-engine knowledge
- Multi-engine aerodynamics review
- Commercial operations regulations
- Part 135 operations overview
- Weight and balance for commercial ops
- Performance planning
- Emergency procedures
Flight Training
Commercial maneuvers in multi-engine aircraft
- Commercial maneuvers in multi-engine
- Engine failure procedures
- Single-engine operations
- Precision approaches (if IFR)
- Emergency descents
- Commercial-standard landings
Checkride Prep
Preparation for your checkride
- Oral exam preparation
- Commercial ACS standards
- Multi-engine procedures review
- Mock checkrides
- Final stage check
Key Milestones
First Multi Flight
Day 1Twin handling and commercial maneuvers
Engine-Out Work
Day 2Master Vmc and engine failure procedures to commercial standards
Complex Endorsement
Day 2-3Gear and prop systems signed off
Checkride
Day 3Fly your checkride at the end of day 3; the DPE is already scheduled
Two Ways to Earn It
Same training, same Travel Air, same standards. Pick the pace that fits your life.
3-Day Accelerated
Up to 8 hours of dual training, 4 hours of ground school, and your complex endorsement, flown to commercial ACS standards. You finish with your checkride at the end of day 3; we'll have the DPE scheduled for you. Need extra time? Additional hours are billed at our hourly rates. Checkride fees and taxes not included.
Best for: pilots who can clear the calendar and want the rating done.
Self-Paced
The same training spread across the schedule that works for you, billed hourly as you go.
Best for: training around work, or taking the twin at your own tempo.
Transparent Pricing
3-Day Accelerated Multi-Engine Training for one fixed price
3-Day Accelerated Program
$3,495Prefer self-paced? Pay as you go at $395/hour for the Travel Air plus $65/hour for your instructor.
Cost does not include checkride (DPE) fees or taxes. Offered as an add-on to your existing Commercial certificate. Prefer self-paced? Train at $395/hour for the Travel Air plus $65/hour for your instructor. Need extra time beyond the accelerated program? Additional hours are billed at those same hourly rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Multi-Engine Commercial
Should I get Commercial Single-Engine first or go straight to Multi?
Most students get Commercial Single-Engine first, then add Multi-Engine. This is more cost-effective since single-engine aircraft are cheaper to operate. The commercial maneuvers (chandelles, lazy eights, etc.) are easier to learn in singles too.
Do I need an Instrument Rating for Multi-Engine Commercial?
It's not required, but highly recommended. Without an Instrument Rating, your commercial certificate will have limitations. For airline careers, you'll need both Multi-Engine Commercial and Instrument Rating anyway.
What jobs can I get with Multi-Engine Commercial?
Cargo flying (FedEx feeders, cargo charter), passenger charter, banner towing with twins, corporate SIC positions, and flight instruction (with MEI). This is also a requirement for regional airline first officer positions.
How is the checkride different from Private Multi-Engine add-on?
The Commercial Multi-Engine checkride includes commercial maneuvers (chandelles, lazy eights, steep turns to commercial standards) plus all the multi-engine emergency procedures. Standards are tighter than for private.
Can I add Multi-Engine Instrument at the same time?
You can train for both, but they're separate checkrides (or can be combined). If you have Instrument Single-Engine, adding Instrument Multi-Engine is a separate rating. We often combine training for efficiency.
What's the career progression after Multi-Engine Commercial?
Typical path: build multi-engine time through cargo, instruction (MEI), or charter → regional airline First Officer → major airline. You'll need 1,500 hours total (1,000 in some cases) for ATP and airline jobs.
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Free Multi-Engine Commercial 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 checkride.
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 to Fly Twins Professionally? Let's Plan
Schedule a consultation to plan your training
Let's review your current certificates, discuss your career goals, and create an efficient plan to get your Multi-Engine Commercial privileges.
- Review current certificates & ratings
- Discuss career goals
- Plan training sequence
- Estimate timeline & costs
Already have Multi-Engine Private? Training is shorter. Bring your logbook for an accurate assessment.