⚠️ What is MEP(land) skill test ✈️
MEP(land) skill test is the checkride - verifcation of theoretical knowledge and subsequent flight with an EASA examiner. Sucessfully passed EASA MEP(land) skill test is the requirement for flying in multi-engine piston aeroplanes as pilot-in-command. When we are talking about the MEP(Land) privileges, it is important to mention that all of the multi-engine piston aeroplanes are constituting into the MEP(land) class rating. However the privileges of the holder are limited to the so-called variant on which the MEP(land) skill test has been taken in. The variant for purpose of MEP(Land) class rating is for example Diamond DA42. Piper PA34 is another variant of MEP(land) class rating.
EASA MEP(land) skill test in general
An EASA license skill test MEP(land) for initial obtain of the class rating for multi-engine aeroplanes - MEP(land) is carried out after successful completion of the flight training provided by the EASA flight school. You as a trainee has to be recommended for the skill test MEP(land) by the flight school. Theoretical knowledge exam is done partially by the flight school during the flight training and partially by an EASA examiner during the skill test.
EASA MEP(land) license skill test exam candidate shall have completed EASA flight training on the aeroplane of the same class as the one used for the license skill test. In our case it is the multi-engine piston aeroplane - MEP(land) of the same variant (e.g., Diamond DA-42 or Tecnam P2006T).
Scope of ✈️ MEP(land) skill test
EASA skill test MEP(land) for initial obtain of class rating for multi-engine aeroplanes is subject to the paragraph FCL.725(c). The scope of the flight training as well as the checkride with examiner is described in Appendix 9 of Part-FCL, Regulation (EC) 1178/2011.
MEP(land) skill test exam candidate has to demonstrate ability to perform maneuvers, procedures on that particular variant of multi-engine piston aeroplane with competency appropriate to the privileges granted as an pilot in command (PIC) to the flight examiner - FE(A), or to the class rating examiner - CRE MEP(land).
The duration of entire EASA skill test MEP(land) takes approximately 2 up to 3 hours total. The flight with the EASA flight examiner takes approximately 1 hour up to 1 hour 30 minutes of the block time. The rest of the time is used for the preparation of the check flight (route planning, briefing, debriefing and any oral theoretical knowledge examination).
The MEP(land) skill test includes following items:
- general handling of the aeroplane (normal procedures)
- general handling of the aeroplane (abnormal and emergency procedures)
- flight with one engine inoperative (asymmetric flight)
- cross country VFR flight via planned route (1 track segment of at min. 15 minutes)
- use of radio navigation aids (VOR, LOC, ILS, GNSS)
Route of the cross-country flight will be chosen by the flight examiner. The candidate is responsible for flight planning and he is also responsible to ensure that all equipment and all documents, certificates and materials required for the flight are on board of the aircraft during the EASA checkride.
Pass criteria ✅ of EASA MEP(land) skill test
Conditions for pass of the MEP(land) skill test are the same as for any other EASA class rating skill test.
EASA MEP(land) skill test is split into different sections representing the different phases of flight at the appropriate category (aeroplanes) and specific class of the aeroplane - multi engine piston - MEP(Land) of the aeroplane used for the skill test.
We are authorised to provide an EASA skill test for initial obtain of the multi-engine piston class rating in various variants of MEP(land) class for example:
- Diamond DA-42 Twin Star
- Piper PA-34 Seneca
- Tecnam P2006T
- Cessna C414 Chancellor
- Cessna C421 Golden Eagle
- and many other
EASA MEP(land) privileges
Class rating MEP(land) allows the holder to fly on the multi-engine piston aeroplanes with wheeled landing gear with a maximum take-off weight of 5,700kg. The variants specifically constituted into MEP(Land) are explicitly listed in EASA classrating endorsment list.
Within the Europe the EASA MEP(land) class rating allows holder to fly as an pilot in command (PIC) on the following variants of the multi-engine piston aeroplanes:
- Manufacturer LET company: Let L-200 Morava
- Manufacturer Diamond Aircraft Industries: Diamond DA-42 Twin Star
- Manufacturer Piper: Piper PA-34 Seneca, Piper PA-44 Seminole
- Manufacturer Tecnam: P2006T
Validity of MEP(land) class rating
Validity of the EASA multi-engine piston MEP(land) class rating in accordance with FCL.740(a) is 12 months (1 year).
MEP(Land) Differences training
Multi-engine piston class rating authorizes the holder to fly on the specific variant on which the skill test with EASA examiner has been successfully passed on.
Eventhough MEP(land) classrating constitutes all variants of multi-engine piston aeroplane, you are not allowed to fly on all of them instantly. If you for example passed your MEP(land) skill test on Diamond DA42, before you are allowed to fly on e.g. Piper PA34, you have to fullfill the legal requirement by attending so-called differences training. That is so-called Transition to another variant of the same class. Together with variant-related differences training, also additional specific qualifications such as tailwheel, variable-pitch propeller, turbocharged engine and retractable undercarriage are trained.
EASA differences training is required by FCL.710(b) and by EASA classrating endorsments list. Pilots shall complete differences training or familiarisation training in order to extend their privileges to another variant of aircraft within the MEP(land) class rating. In the case of variants within a class rating, the differences training or familiarisation training shall include the relevant elements defined in the OSD, if exists for particular variant.
The differences training shall be conducted either by:
- an EASA flight school
- an AOC holder having an approved differences training programme
- an appropriately qualified instructor unless otherwise provided in the OSD.
Differences training vz familiarization training
Differences training requires the acquisition of additional knowledge and training on an appropriate training device or the multi-engine aircraft. Familiarisation training requires the acquisition of additional knowledge delivered by either selfstudy, CBT or instructor.
➡️ Validity of differences training
If pilots have not flown the variant within 2 years following the differences training, a further differences training or a proficiency check with examiner in that variant shall be completed.
Differences training is required anytime when. trasition to different MEP(land) variant is required. Whilst the familiarization training is required in case of the similar variant is transitioned.
For example transitionning from Diamond DA42 to Tecnam P2006T requires the differences training. Transition from Diamond DA42-NG to Diamond DA42-VI requires familiarization training.
Differences training endorsement ✅
The differences training or the proficiency check in that variant shall be entered in the pilots’ logbook or equivalent record and signed by the instructor or EASA examiner as appropriate.