Building Multi Engine time.
 

Hi everyone

I apologize if this topic has already been posted elsewhere on the site, I wasn't able to find it anywhere.
I have been looking on the internet and I can't really find exactly the answer I am looking for. I was wondering how new pilots right out of flying school build up their multi engine time to the amount requested by the regional airlines. Do most pilots rent the plane in their spare time, do they instruct on multi engine planes, are there entry level non regional flying jobs available?
Thanks in advance for any information you may have.

Typically it is done by working as an MEI, buying a block of time, or a combination of both. MEI jobs are historically hard to find, and with regionals hiring very low time pilots you might be better off just buying the 50-75 hours of multi if you have no MEI job prospects.

It took me about 3 years to build 350 hours of ME (almoat all MEI), but I also needed 1500 hours TT to get a regional job so there was no rush until I had the total time also. In today's environment you probably don't want to wait years to get your multi.

Non-MEI twin jobs are REALLY hard to get because you normally need at least 100+ hours, often in that exact type. There are very good safety reasons for this, which translates into insurance requirements. Freelance MEI at clubs and FBO's usually requires 100 hours also, but if you are directly employed by a flight school they can often hire you with a wet MEI.

Thanks. What is the process for getting a job as a multi engine instructor. Is it the same as a regular flying instructor or is there a special rating needed? Any idea on cost?

yeup you gotta go all the way up through your commerical, CFI, multi, and then you gotta get your multi instrutor rating (MEI)... at prairie air, a MEI costs about $1235 (http://www.prairieairservice.com/).

If you find a potential FBO you'd like to work for that has a twin, call them up and ask them what the reqs. are to teach in it.

A lot of places like you to get at least your MEI with them which gives you PIC time in the make/model and generally has lower insurance requirements then if you had gotten your MEI somewhere else.

thats a good idea.