How much does the MEP cost?

The Multi-Engine Piston Rating typically costs €3,500–€6,000 for flight training, excluding theory exam fees. Costs vary significantly by country and training organisation.

How long does the MEP take?

The Multi-Engine Piston Rating typically takes 2–4 weeks to complete, depending on your existing experience and how intensively you train.

What licence do I need for the MEP?

You need a PPL(A) or CPL(A) to begin Multi-Engine Piston Rating training.

All add-on ratings

MEP

Multi-Engine Piston Rating

The Multi-Engine Piston (MEP) rating authorises pilots to act as PIC on aircraft with more than one piston engine. It is a prerequisite for most CPL and ATPL flight training and is the standard stepping stone from a single-engine PPL to commercial flying. The MEP is primarily a practical rating — the theory exam is straightforward, but the flying skills (particularly asymmetric handling after engine failure) must be demonstrated to a high standard.

Duration

2–4 weeks

Typical cost

€3,500–€6,000

Requires

PPL(A) or CPL(A)

Exam topics

7 key areas

Prerequisites

PPL(A) or CPL(A)
Valid Class 1 or Class 2 Medical
Instrument proficiency recommended

What you'll learn

Multi-engine aerodynamics and Vmca principles

Engine failure recognition and handling

Asymmetric flight and single-engine approaches

Performance planning with OEI (One Engine Inoperative)

Multi-engine aircraft systems (fuel cross-feed, propeller feathering)

Short-field and soft-field operations in twins

Theory exam topics

These are the areas covered in the written theory exam for the MEP.

Multi-engine aerodynamics — Vmca, Vyse, Vxse
Critical engine and P-factor
Engine failure on takeoff and in flight
OEI performance — climb gradient, service ceiling
Propeller systems — feathering, unfeathering, autofeather
Fuel systems — cross-feed, balance, management
Systems differences from single-engine aircraft

Authority differences

EASA issues the MEP(Land) class rating via a Skill Test. FAA issues the Multi-Engine Land (MEL) rating. The rating is aircraft-class specific — a MEP does not cover multi-engine turbine aircraft.