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5 Answers

MEI Question

Asked by: 4135 views Flight Instructor

Has anyone taken the MEI as their initial instructor rating? If so, would you recommend doing so? Being right out of Multi-Engine training, I was hoping to go right into MEI instead of going back to single-engine. 

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5 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on May 15, 2017

    I did not go this route, but there are several schools who do. It allows them to avoid having to purchase a complex single engine airplane.

    If it is what you want to do, go for it.

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  2. Dave M on May 15, 2017

    Keep in mind, that doing multi-engine before single will likey result in higher costs. As it would for most ratingings.

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  3. R. Anderson on May 16, 2017

    My personal opinion is that you will acquire greater basic instructor skills beginning CFI training in a single-engine as opposed to a multi-engine airplane. Most students do not begin their training for PVT or COMM certificates in a multi-engine airplane so the demands on your skills as a new instructor will likely be those learned in CFI single-engine training. Lastly, if you had the opportunity to teach for a while using a single-engine airplane, I think any future training towards acquiring your MEI would be more effective for you.

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  4. Michael Shea Koenig on May 25, 2017

    I actually did my MEI initial first as a way of saving money! Let me explain. For initial CFI there is lots of left seat flying involved just to learn how to fly to standards from that seat. Plus you’re learning a teaching style and developing “spidey sense” for when it’s not looking good. For most this is about 15-20 hours but there officially isn’t any mins. If you do this single engine then get your CFI, later on, you would have to do 15 hours Multi PIC before taking your MEI. 15 -20 SEL + 15 MEL = $$$

    Or do what I did learn to teach MEI first then a VERY short single engine sign off check ride 2 days after your MEI ride in a non complex single. Preferably with the same examiner so they know what you already know for oral.
    15 MEL + 2 SEL = Less $ and better resume for first CFI job.

    Btw- do your training where you want your first job. Wish someone had told me that.

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  5. Michael Shea Koenig on May 25, 2017

    Correction: right seat flying

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