How to Prepare for Multi-Engine Training: Tips to Save Time, Money, and Stress
So you’ve earned your commercial or private certificate and now you're eyeing the next step: multi-engine training. Whether you’re pursuing your MEI or adding multi-engine privileges, it’s an exciting milestone. But multi-engine flying brings a new layer of complexity — and cost. The good news? With a little prep work, you can knock it out quickly, confidently, and efficiently.
Here’s how to make the most of your multi-engine training — before you even step in the plane.
📘 Start With the FAA Resources
Before you touch the controls, read the materials the FAA already provides (they’re free and packed with good info):
Airplane Flying Handbook (Chapter 13: Transition to Multiengine Airplanes)
Covers everything from systems to performance to engine-out operations — a must-read foundation for multi-engine flying.“Flying Light Twins Safely”
Breaks down common safety traps in twin flying and offers real-world tips for managing asymmetric thrust and emergency decision-making.“Why Multi-Engine Airplanes Crash”
An in-depth look at accident case studies and the most frequent causes of multi-engine crashes — especially during engine failure scenarios.“Always Leave Yourself an Out”
A mindset-shaping article that reinforces smart risk management and strategic decision-making — crucial in high-stress, engine-out situations.
Reading these ahead of time will not only sharpen your understanding but also reduce the amount of time (and money) spent covering the basics on the ground
🧠 Memorize “The Drill”
Ask any experienced multi-engine pilot what the most critical maneuver is, and they’ll likely say: engine failure on takeoff. You’ll spend a lot of time in training simulating this, so come in with the drill already memorized.
Most instructors teach some version of:
Pitch Blue Line - Mixture - Props - Throttle - Flaps - Gear - Fuel pumps* - Identify – Verify – Fix or Feather
You’ll be required to do this from memory under pressure. Knowing this ahead of time will accelerate your training and build confidence.
📕 Study the POH
Each multi-engine airplane flies a little differently. Performance charts, V-speeds, fuel systems, and emergency procedures are all aircraft-specific. If you know what airplane you’ll be training in — like a Beechcraft Duchess or Piper Seminole — get the Pilot’s Operating Handbook (POH) and start studying it like a final exam.
Focus on:
Emergency procedures
Engine-out performance data (especially single-engine service ceiling)
Limitations (Vmc, Vxse, Vyse, etc.)
Propeller and fuel system operation
Knowing this cold saves ground time — and flight time.
✅ What Else Can You Do?
Here are a few more ways to be laser-focused and efficient in your multi-engine training:
Chair fly engine-out procedures: Practice the drill while sitting in a chair. Visualize the actions, reach for the controls, and say each step out loud.
Ask your instructor for a study packet early: Many instructors have handouts, memory items, or flow checklists. Ask for those in advance.
Brush up on single-engine aerodynamics: Understand why Vmc exists, how it's determined, and how it changes. This is the core of your checkride oral.
Watch YouTube training videos: Find multi-engine failure demos, Vmc explanations, and system breakdowns for your specific airplane model.
Take notes during every lesson: Efficiency comes from repetition and reflection. Bring a notebook and track your progress and weak points.
🛫 Final Thoughts
Multi-engine training is fast-paced and high-stakes — but with proper prep, it doesn’t have to be expensive or stressful. The more you front-load your knowledge, the smoother your checkride path will be.
Want to get started with your multi-engine training in San Diego? Contact Baz Aviation and let’s build your twin-engine confidence together.
Let me know if you want this formatted for a Squarespace blog post or turned into a downloadable PDF prep guide too.