Membership

October 1, 2018

Ask AOPA

Stepping up

Are two engines better than one?

By Ferdi Mack

Q: I am a private pilot, single-engine land, and I’d like to earn a multiengine rating. What do I need to do? Is it true that I must buy a multiengine airplane to get initial multi time as a private pilot?

A. Adding a multiengine airplane rating to an existing single-engine airplane pilot certificate is a common and fun process. There is a regulatory distinction between adding an additional category to an existing pilot certificate—such as airplane or rotorcraft—versus adding an additional class, such as multiengine, land, or gyroplane. Adding an airplane multiengine land class rating to an existing airplane single-engine land certificate falls under Federal Aviation Regulation 61.63(c): you “need not meet the specified training time requirements prescribed by this part that apply to the pilot certificate for the aircraft class rating sought” with an exception if you only hold a lighter-than-air category rating. An airplane multiengine-land add-on applicant can simply train with an instructor until all the required aeronautical knowledge and areas of operation are covered satisfactorily, at which time you would receive an endorsement for, take, and pass the practical test. In addition, there is often no additional knowledge test required depending on what certificates you currently hold.

Multiengine training aircraft are not always easy to find, so you may have to travel to find one. But it is not a requirement that you own the multiengine aircraft in which you train.

If you have more questions, contact AOPA’s Pilot Information Center at 800-872-2672, or email [email protected].

Ferdi Mack is senior manager of the AOPA Pilot Information Center.

Don’t take the risk

Renter’s insurance is important

When you rent or borrow an aircraft you could be personally liable for tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs and legal defense fees should damage occur, because FBO policies rarely provide adequate coverage for pilots. But a renter’s policy with the AOPA Insurance Agency, starting at $81 per year for liability coverage, provides basic protection. For $175 per year, you get comprehensive coverage, which includes bodily injury to passengers, property damage as a result of an incident, and claims for damage to a rented aircraft.

How much renter’s insurance do you need? Legal liability coverage protects against claims for bodily injury and property damage that occurs when operating a rented aircraft. All renter policies require legal liability coverage. It does not cover damage to the rented aircraft; that’s available under the physical damage for non-owned aircraft coverage. Most insurers recommend that you protect yourself with the highest amount of legal liability coverage you can afford. The amount of physical damage coverage you need depends on the estimated value of the aircraft you typically fly and what that rental agreement says you’re responsible for. Repair costs can be very high, so you really do need your own coverage.

Why renter’s insurance is crucial:

Protects you and your family.
Covers you when the owner’s primary policy does not.
Provides liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage when you borrow or rent airplanes.
Provides legal defense coverage.
AOPA rewards safe flyers. If you have no claims, you receive a 10-percent bonus when you renew your policy.

Web: www.aopainsurance.org

TIPS from PPS

Reporting a DUI

FAR 61.15 and motor vehicle actions medical process

Pilots who have applied for medical certificates will be familiar with Question 18v on the medical application, which asks about—among other things—alcohol-related motor vehicle offenses. However, some pilots may not be aware that there is an independent reporting obligation to the FAA for certain motor vehicle actions as defined in FAR 61.15(c). Some examples of a motor vehicle action include the suspension of a driver’s license or a conviction for an alcohol-related motor vehicle offense. Such reports must be made to the FAA’s Security Division within 60 days and are separate from any disclosures made on a medical application. Everyone holding a Part 61 certificate, including a student pilot certificate, is subject to this regulation.

Chad Mayer is an in-house attorney with AOPA’s Legal Services Plan who counsels plan members on a daily basis. He is also a commercial pilot, a remote pilot with sUAS rating, and an advanced/instrument ground instructor.

Web: www.aopa.org/pps