Multi Training

GaryP1007

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Feb 21, 2018
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GaryP1007
This question is for those that have their Multi rating.

How much multi training do you think someone should have prior to taking passengers? I know there are a lot of "get your multi in 5 days" programs out there, but I'm interested in quality of capability not speed of acquiring a rating.

Don't overthink it, I'm aware of what insurance requires etc. just asking from a responsible pilot perspective.


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The insurance company will set some minimums.

But it is also a personal thing, like setting personal minimums. Are YOU comfortable with flying a multi and dealing with potential emergencies.
 
IMHO, if you can fly to the ACS standards you should be good. I'd recommend at least a solo or 5 to do things in less of a structured manner and get comfortable flying more naturally.
 
for me it's less about 'being comfortable flying a twin' and more about 'am I comfortable in this new-to-me plane I'm flying'. I'm confident passengers don't wanna hear "hhmm, now where are those dang fuel pump switches located?"
 
I passed on the quick turn programs that get you a certificate but maybe not proficiency.

Found an old salt MEI and 16 hours later (3-4 months due to an extensive 100 hr inspection interruption) I had my paper in hand and knew I could fly a Duchess single engine down to cat 1 mins if needed. I felt quite comfortable in the plane.

However…I probably will never fly a Duchess again and just needed the certificate so an employer could pay me to fly his turbine twins.

I had approx 300 hrs SIC in a Citation II before upgrading to PIC. I felt quite comfortable taking that first trip with 6 pax. Flew em from TX to Santa Ana, CA with a fuel stop on AZ.
 
For VFR VMC conditions, right away.

For IFR IMC, I’d wait a bit longer.

I’d practice engine out procedures as well, turning off an engine, feathering and restarting, on your own time solo.
 
Are you implying that you don’t feel flying to ACS standards is adequate?
BINGO!

If you can pass the checkride to the ACS standards then you are re
for me it's less about 'being comfortable flying a twin' and more about 'am I comfortable in this new-to-me plane I'm flying'. I'm confident passengers don't wanna hear "hhmm, now where are those dang fuel pump switches located?"

Buddy of mine (young guy) had some old ladies refuse to fly with him because she said this kid was reading flashcards and a book on how to fly the damn plane. He was reading the checklists. :D :D
 
There's a wide variety of pilots. A pilot with only 15 hours of multi, but 6500 hours of relatively good quality total time isn't the same as a 250 hour pilot that's only flown 172s and a Dutchess.
 
If you are flying your family - and depending upon the actual twin - I would say 25+ hours in the actual make and model before you feel somewhat comfortable before I would feel comfortable taking family up.
 
After getting my multi ,I purchased a twin. Didn’t fly it IFR with passengers till I was comfortable with the equipment. Probably had 25 hours multi before I flew passengers IMC.
 
It depends on the type of aircraft. I received my rating in about 10 hours and felt comfortable taking passengers at that stage, although I wouldn't have gone into IFR conditions with it with passengers on board at that point. If it’s a different twin than what I trained in, it may take a bit longer to really become proficient.
 
As with nearly every question in aviation, the answer is "it depends."

How much total time (and higher performance, retract, etc time) do you have? Are you comfortable with planes with more complex systems?

Are you disciplined enough to do a departure briefing every time no matter what?

Are you going to get frequent recurrent instruction as you gain experience? You're probably still pretty proficient a week after your multi ride, but after a month or three you might want to get another workout.

Really, it comes down to you honestly answering to yourself, "Am I ready to correctly deal with an unexpected engine failure right now?" and "Am I comfortable flying this plane?"
 
I completed my ME w/Instrument privileges at about 10hrs dual. Seneca II, 6 seats. The Insurance company wanted to see 25hrs in type before I could fill the seats.
 
I got my multi in 6 hours. I sure as hell wouldn't have taken a passenger up.

Now I have about 70 multi hours and I would consider it.
 
I got my multi in 6 hours. I sure as hell wouldn't have taken a passenger up.

Now I have about 70 multi hours and I would consider it.
I think I felt ready at about 10.
Flew with a gal a bit up in Oklahoma while I was time-building to 50 hours and felt like I was ready to teach, but haven't sprung for the MEI yet for money reasons.
 
I think I felt ready at about 10.
Flew with a gal a bit up in Oklahoma while I was time-building to 50 hours and felt like I was ready to teach, but haven't sprung for the MEI yet for money reasons.

I can't put my finger on it but for some reason I really don't like flying twins. I get the safety, etc but all my twin time is in Barons and there is something that makes me uneasy.
I don't know what it is but for some reason, I am slightly uncomfortable in them.
 
I'm confident passengers don't wanna hear "hhmm, now where are those dang fuel pump switches located?"

Oooooooh…. This explains A LOT…

Isn’t this why comm panels have the ISO switch?
 
I can't put my finger on it but for some reason I really don't like flying twins. I get the safety, etc but all my twin time is in Barons and there is something that makes me uneasy.
I don't know what it is but for some reason, I am slightly uncomfortable in them.
Maybe because they are light twins vs jets? There are enough interesting possibilities that I'm not so sure I want to teach in light twins - the other reason I've held off on the MEI, but in my mind as long as I'm personally disciplined enough to maintain the blue line and whatever other limitations that puts on you, such as restricted turn capabilities and headings, it's seems like it's not that big of a deal. Maybe already having a few engine emergencies and a belly landing under my belt helps a bit. So far I've flown a Twin Commanche, Travel Air, Apache, Seminole, and the same Baron you flew.
 
I can't put my finger on it but for some reason I really don't like flying twins. I get the safety, etc but all my twin time is in Barons and there is something that makes me uneasy.
I don't know what it is but for some reason, I am slightly uncomfortable in them.
Got my multi in a Baron as well. I had the opposite feeling. Felt very comfortable in them, really enjoyed flying them and would buy one if money was available.
 
Got my multi in a Baron as well. I had the opposite feeling. Felt very comfortable in them, really enjoyed flying them and would buy one if money was available.

agreed.
 
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