The multiengine rating

February 16, 2024 by Eric Bradley

Not every pilot needs a multiengine rating, but if you are pursuing a career with an airline, it is essential. While multiengine aircraft generally cost more to purchase, rent, and operate than single-engine planes, they offer significant advantages in terms of safety and performance.

Aviation authorities require a specific endorsement for operating multiengine aircraft not because they are inherently harder to fly, but because pilots must know how to handle situations where one engine fails. In such cases, the aircraft experiences "asymmetric thrust," meaning the engines are not providing equal thrust, which can lead to a loss of control if not managed correctly.

Pilots must be able to manage this imbalance until the issue is resolved. Asymmetric thrust occurs when one engine produces more power than the other, causing the aircraft to yaw toward the less powerful engine. To counteract this, pilots apply additional control inputs, such as roll or yaw, in the opposite direction to restore balance. Only once equilibrium is achieved should the malfunctioning engine be addressed.

Handling asymmetric thrust situations can be stressful, which is why pilots need specialized training to maintain control and ensure safety. Multiengine aircraft are safer precisely because they can continue flying even with one engine inoperative, but without proper training, pilots may not fully leverage this safety advantage. This is why multiengine endorsements and additional training are critical for safe operation.