Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR)
The Multi-Engine Instrument Rating (MEIR) will allow you to fly an aircraft with more than one engine, in cloud and bad weather, as well as carry out instrument approaches such as an ILS or VOR approach.
To start this course you must meet the following criteria:
At least 70 hours as pilot in command
At least 50 hours cross country flying as pilot in command
Passed the following ATPL theoretical exams: Air Law, Aircraft General Knowledge, Flight Planning & Monitoring, Human Performance, Meteorology, Radio Navigation, IFR Communications.
The training consists of at least 55 hours of instrument time under instruction, of which 25 hours can be completed in an FNPT 1 simulator, or up to 40 hours in an FFS or FNPT 2 simulator. Your flying school will be able to tell you exactly what time of simulator they have. You must also complete at least 15 hours of training in a multi-engine aircraft, in instrument conditions. If you do not hold a CPL at this point, you will also be required to carry out a further 10 hours in the simulator.
Because schools can’t guarantee that the weather outside is going to allow full instrument conditions for the whole flight, you will normally complete your training in the aircraft whilst wearing an instrument hood. This is a piece of plastic that when worn is designed to cover up the windscreen whilst still allowing you to see all of the instruments.
In the simulator, you will learn the basics of flying by sole reference to the instruments. This includes tracking VORs and NDB navigational aids, as well as carrying out precision and non-precision approaches, go-arounds, holds, and finally entering and leaving airways. Once you’ve finished in the sim, you will go out and practice your new skills for real in the aircraft.
Finally, once your training is complete, you will carry out a skills test with an examiner, where you will have to navigate a route using navigational aids, enter and carry out a hold correctly, and carry out both precision and non-precision approaches.
