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.