Hey there,

Just wondering if someone could answer a few questions for me as I haven't been able to find an answer.

I'm looking at completing my Multi IFR, however do not have a multi rating. I understand that I need to obtain a multi rating before I'm able to complete my group 1 instrument rating. Out of curiosity, is it possible to complete both rating simultaneously? (ie, count my time learning multi stuff towards my ifr rating?) Or can I only start my group 1 instrument rating once I have completed the multi rating? I understand there is no set amount of time needed to get a multi rating and that all I need to do is be able to pass the flight test. It would just be very handy to be able to go up for one flight test, complete the multi portion, come down, then go up and do the IFR test in the same day.

If you aren't able to simultaneously work on both ratings at the same time, is there a fairly efficient way to complete it? I'm not looking to rush through it as I understand there is lots to be learned. I'm just looking at it from a cost perspective.


Thanks

There's nothing prohibiting someone from working on the multi rating and Group 1 concurrently.

I don't think I'd encourage a student to prepare for both rides simultaneously though. Usually I'll work with people on the IFR in the sim and/or single engine, and when they're ready to jump in the twin (be it weather/aircraft availability/schedule/finances determining the 'when') that becomes the focus until the ME rating is complete. Then finish up the IFR.

I agree with costermonger you do not want both rides together. Do the sim work, hold entries, PT's and all that fun stuff, finish up the ME then start your IFR. I would suggest that you get the INRAT out of the way, you cannot do the flight test without it complete.

Typhoon wrote:I understand there is no set amount of time needed to get a multi rating

That is correct, I did mine in 12-14 hrs. I know I'm slow but I think thats the norm Best of Luck on your MIFR you'll have a blast. DHC

There is no point in counting your multi engine rating time towards your Group 1 instrument rating, since all of the multi-engine training is VFR. For the multi engine rating you will mainly learn how to fly on one engine and possibly get used to the faster speed that things happen. For many it's also the first opportunity to experience retractible landing gear and constant speed props. So the amount of time spent doing the multi-engine rating will largely depend on the experience you already have.

The Group 1 training does not have to be all done in the multi-engined aircraft, if money is your concern. In fact it can both save money and is easier to learn the main concepts on a slower, simpler single engine aircraft. Once you get the principles down, then you can transfer to the multi-engined aircraft where all you should need is to polish up your skills and learn to apply them in the new aircraft.

Thanks for all the informative responses. I spoke with a couple flight schools and they all seem to be saying the same thing.