Flight Training

Multi-Engine

AeroDynamic Aviation is pleased to announce the addition of a Piper Twin Comanche to its fleet. This aircraft is available for multi-engine training for either Private, Commercial, ATP (airline transport pilot) or MEI (multi-engine instructor). Qualified renters may go through our checkout process to travel in comfort and style.

After Private Pilot, most people continue on to earn endorsements, ratings, or even another license. Please see our Flight Training page for an outline of training options and the general progression of flight training.

Add a multi-engine rating to your Private Pilot’s License

To add a multi-engine rating to your Private Pilot’s License, you must receive and log training on the areas of operation found in FAR §61.107(b)(2):

(i) Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and seaplane base operations;
(iv) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Ground reference maneuvers;
(vii) Navigation;
(viii) Slow flight and stalls;
(ix) Basic instrument maneuvers;
(x) Emergency operations;
(xi) Multiengine operations;
(xii) Night operations, except as provided in §61.110 of this part; and
(xiii) Postflight procedures.

We estimate 10-15 hours to complete this training. Your checkride will be to private pilot standards for added rating, which will be reviewed per the PTS/ACS.

Add a multi-engine rating to your Commercial Pilot’s License

To add a multi-engine rating to your Commercial Pilot’s License, you must receive and log training on the areas of operation found in FAR §61.127(b)(2):

(i) Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Airport and seaplane base operations;
(iv) Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds;
(v) Performance maneuvers;
(vi) Navigation;
(vii) Slow flight and stalls;
(viii) Emergency operations;
(ix) Multiengine operations;
(x) High-altitude operations; and
(xi) Postflight procedures.

We estimate 10-15 hours to complete this training. Your checkride will be to commercial pilot standards for added rating, which will be reviewed per the PTS/ACS.

Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

For the Multi-Engine Airline Transport Pilot’s License (ATP), you must receive and log training on the areas of operation found in FAR §61.157(e)(2):

(i) Preflight preparation;
(ii) Preflight procedures;
(iii) Takeoff and departure phase;
(iv) In-flight maneuvers;
(v) Instrument procedures;
(vi) Landings and approaches to landings;
(vii) Normal and abnormal procedures;
(viii) Emergency procedures; and
(ix) Postflight procedures.

We estimate 15-20 hours to complete this training, but this varies based on prior experience and instrument currency. Your checkride will be to ATP standards, which will be reviewed per the PTS/ACS. Please visit our webpage for more details on the ATP license.

Adding a multi-engine as additional class rating

FAR 61.63(c) Additional class rating. Any person who applies for an additional class rating to be added on a pilot certificate:

  1. Must have an endorsement in his or her logbook or training record from an authorized instructor and that endorsement must attest that the applicant has been found competent in the aeronautical knowledge areas appropriate to the pilot certificate for the aircraft class rating sought;
  2. Must have an endorsement in his or her logbook or training record from an authorized instructor, and that endorsement must attest that the applicant has been found proficient in the areas of operation appropriate to the pilot certificate for the aircraft class rating sought;
  3. Must pass the required practical test that is appropriate to the pilot certificate for the aircraft class rating sought;
  4. Need not meet the specified training time requirements prescribed by this part that apply to the pilot certificate for the aircraft class rating sought unless the person holds a lighter-than-air category rating with a balloon class rating and is seeking an airship class rating and
  5. Need not take an additional knowledge test, provided the applicant holds an airplane, rotorcraft, powered-lift, or airship rating at that pilot certificate level.

You will need a complex endorsement and multi-engine rating to fly the Twin Comanche as PIC since it is a complex, twin-engine aircraft. This can be done during your training; however, we recommend gaining complex time prior to transitioning into the twin. 

Estimated Cost

Cost and hours are based on necessary amount of training for proficiency. If adding a multi-engine rating, 10-15 hours of flight time is typical.

Rates: The Twin Comanche rents for $265/hour wet hobbs; however, if you are a member we offer block discount of 10% for cash or check prepayment at our Reid-Hillview location only. This brings the rental rate for the Twin Comanche to $240.91/hour. Our instructor block rate is $75.45 to $80 per hour depending on the instructor’s qualifications and experience.

Sample estimate with block discount:

  • 15 hours in the Twin Comanche: $4,125
  • 15 hours of Dual Flight Instruction: $1200 for senior MEI rate
  • 10 hours of Ground Instruction: $800 for senior MEI

Total based on 15 hours flight instruction and 10 hours of ground/preflight instruction at block rate = $6,125

  • The checkride is generally 1.5 hours flight time plus the examiner’s fee
  • To receive block credit, you must be a member, which is $50/month or $350/year, so include this in your total.

Keep in mind each student’s proficiency and prior experience, plus studying beforehand, can minimize or increase the costs. This is a sample estimate only to help you financially plan for an add-on rating. If you are transitioning from Private Pilot to Commercial Pilot, there are additional training requirements (night, cross-countries, etc.) that will increase costs.

Click here for details and study material for our Twin Comanche

Twin Comanche Information

Study Materials for Our Airplane

AOPA Facts Sheet

AOPA’s Flight Training Magazine

PlaneCheck Flight Test

Prices and rates are subject to change without notice. All training and rentals are subject to the terms and conditions in the Renter’s Agreement. Minimum 24 hours’ notice required for cancellation or you may be charged for the rental time.

C Flight training, california, pilot, monterey, san jose, salinas, private pilot, tailwheelome fly with us in the beautiful San Francisco and Monterey Bay Areas of California. Our flight school facilities are located at Reid Hillview airport in San Jose (KRHV), at the south end of San Francisco Bay, and Monterey Regional Airport (KMRY). We offer ground and flight training for sport pilot, private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot, multi-engine, ATP, CFI, tailwheel, aerobatics, and mountain flying.

Ready to schedule a flight? Have a question? Give us a call!

San Jose (408) 320-9614

Monterey (831) 373-8320

You can also reach us via email with our Contact Form