⚠️ What is MEP(land) LPC ✈️
MEP(land) proficiency check, LPC, sometimes called as prof check or license proficiency check is the checkride - with an EASA examiner for re-validation of your current MEP(land) class rating for next period of validity. Successfully passed EASA MEP(land) LPC is the requirement for flying in multi-engine piston aeroplanes as pilot-in-command after the current expiry date endorsed in your certificate of revalidation.
We are talking about revalidation of MEP(land) only in case if the class rating is still within its validity period.
Revalidation Proficiency check may also be combined with the prof check required and directed by Operational suitability data for the particular variant of multi-engine aeroplane.
EASA MEP(land) prof check in general
An EASA MEP(land) prof check for revalidation of the c multi-engine MEP(land) class rating is subject of paragraph FCL.740.A(a)(1). The proficiency check has to be done by either class rating examiner - CRE MEP(land) or by Flight Examiner - FE(A) with MEP(land) privileges. Even though it is always vital, the MEP(land) LPC can be done without any prior training or refresh flight. The revalidation LPC can also be done outside of the EASA flight school. So even the private aircraft can be used for the purpose of MEP(land) revalidation proficiency check.
During the validity period of the MEP(land) class rating, you also have to comply with FCL.740.A(a)(2), namely - to complete during the period of validity of the class rating, at least:
- 10 route sectors as pilot on the variant that represents the MEP(land) class rating; or
- 1 route sector as pilot on the variant that represents the MEP(land) class rating, flown with an examiner. This route sector may be flown during the MEP(land) proficiency check.
If you are a pilot working for a commercial air transport operator approved in accordance with the applicable air operations requirements who has passed the operators proficiency check combined with the proficiency check for the revalidation of the class rating or type rating shall be exempted from complying with the requirement of route sectors.
In accordance with FCL.740.A(a)(4), the revalidation of a basic instrument rating or an class-related instrument rating, if held, may be combined with a MEP(land) proficiency check.
Scope of ✈️ MEP(land) proficiency check
EASA proficiency check MEP(land) for revalidation of class rating for multi-engine aeroplanes is subject to the paragraph FCL.740.A(a)(1). 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) holder 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 MEP(land) license proficiency check 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) LPC 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 or IFR 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. When instrument rating is being revalidated, the route sector usually consists of the IFR enroute flight.
Pass criteria ✅ of EASA MEP(land) prof check
Conditions for pass of the MEP(land) LPC are the same as for any other EASA class rating proficiency check for single pilot aeroplane.
EASA MEP(land) proficiency check 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 prof check.
We are authorised to provide an EASA LPC for revalidation 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
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). The validity period starts by the day of the EASA MEP(land) prof check and ends up by the last day of the month plus 12 months. If the MEP(land) LPC has been failed, the MEP(land) class rating privileges becoming suspended and you will not be able to exercise of MEP(land) class rating privileges. The validity of the MEP(land) class rating can be again revalidated 90 days prior expiry date with keeping current expiry pattern.
✅ MEP(land) validity example - normal pattern
Class rating MEP(land) is valid until 31 JANUARY 2022 and the EASA MEP(land) prof check has been successfully passed at 24. November 2021.
- New expiry date: 31 JANUARY 2023
- Reason: Revalidation done within period 90 days preceding the expiry date
✅ MEP(land) validity example - shortened pattern
Class rating MEP(land) is valid until 31 JANUARY 2022 and the EASA MEP(land) prof check has been successfully passed at 30. October 2021.
- New expiry date: 31 OCTOBER 2022
- Reason: Revalidation done outside (ahead) period 90 days preceding the expiry date
✅ MEP(land) validity example - renewal required
Class rating MEP(land) is valid until 31 JANUARY 2022 and you have done your EASA MEP(land) prof check 01 FEBRUARY 2022.
- Your CAA will most likely reject your application and void the prof check
- Reason: MEP(land) class rating has expired and you need to attend renewal procedure provided by flight school (ATO)