Should I get the MEI?

gomntwins

gomntwins

Well-Known Member
Quick question on people's thoughts regarding the MEI. I'm currently working on my CFI and should be done in within the next 3 weeks, and I plan on moving right into the CFII because I think teaching instruments would be enjoyable- and also, I'm pretty sure it'll help me find a job. My question is, would it be worthwhile to get the MEI before I actually find a job? Or should the MEI be something I work on further down the road, possibly after I find a place to instruct? I know I'll get it... my question is, when's the right time? What have other CFI's done?

Thanks!
 
If you can afford the time and $$$ for the MEI you might as well get it now since you're working on everything else.

Just don't count on getting multi students for a while (probably).
 
Well, I didn't get my MEI for that very reason- the first place that hired me didn't have a multiengine aircraft. I've since moved on from that place, and instruct part-time at another that DOES have a twin. Also, several times in the past few months, there have been situations where I could've gotten some good multi time had I gotten my MEI (one just today, in fact). So, quite obviously, I am now kicking myself for not getting it when I got my CFI/CFII. And now I can't even afford it...maybe soon though.

And a related question to throw into the mix:

I didn't think about it at the time, but do any of you 135 guys know if I could've done my MEI ride in conjunction with my 135.293 ride? The guy that gives our checkrides is a DE and I'm sure I could've gotten the other pilot to sign me off (he's an MEI). I mean, there's a lot of the same stuff going on, I would've just had to "instruct" him a little more, rather than simply fly the airplane. Just something I was curious about. Would've been a nice way to get a free MEI.
 
I would get my MEI done as well; good experience, and the sooner you start accumulating multi time, the better.

I am not too familiar with the 135 ride, but I would say that they are 2 different rides, and one could not count for the other, but who knows?!
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I am not too familiar with the 135 ride, but I would say that they are 2 different rides, and one could not count for the other, but who knows?!

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Yes, they are two different rides. I was just curious if they could both be done at the same time, since they contain a bunch of the same requirements (approaches, maneuvers, S.E. stuff, etc.). In other words, I'd fill out an 8710 for the MEI and give it to the check airman, and when the flight was done, I'd have an 8410 letter and my MEI. I dunno if he'd go for it or not...
 
I'd say it's going to take a little persuading to have them do a combined MEI/135 check. I 135 check is a pilot proficiency check and the MEI is an instructional proficiency check. They're looking for rather different sets of skills. Now and ATP/135 check is much easier to justify since the ATP is just a 135 ride with a couple extra maneuvers.

I'm not saying it cannot be done, just that the two don't go together quite as nicely as you may think.

Also bear in mind that the DPE must have the specific multi-engine type that you want to do you checkride in, on his letter of examining authorization in order to do the MEI check. He must also be a flight instructor - additional rating examiner.

Ray
 
Thanks Ray. Its basically a hypothetical question anyways, since I've already done the 135 ride, I was just curious.
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Also bear in mind that the DPE must have the specific multi-engine type that you want to do you checkride in, on his letter of examining authorization in order to do the MEI check. He must also be a flight instructor - additional rating examiner.


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If it is an Inspector giving you the check ride then MEI and PIC (8410) can be done together. They have a lot of leeway there, and they can just make sure they have you do some maneuvers from both seats.

I suppose it is possible to have a Check Airman who is also a DPE in that type of Multi, who is also endorsed for CFI add ons, but that has to be pretty rare.

This is all for the MEI add-on. The initial CFI would be another story. Possible but not likely!
 
An additional thing to consider is insurance. As a low time Com MEL pilot, I couldn't get covered under my FBO insurance policy and I couldn't get my own renters insurance policy for non-owner ME. Once you're an MEI and you join NAFI you can get insurance to cover you for ME aircraft rentals, through Falcon ins. Just food for thought.
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Do you know how much multi time you need before being covered by most insurance companies for flying Multi?
 
One advantage of the MEI.
The MEI looks as a plus for job hunting. Even if no Multi time has been given as an instructor. I have it, and honestly speaking, I have never used it, " but " it was well commended during my interview with my current employer.
Most fellow cfi's I met while I was an instructor wished to have obtained their MEIs but had no $$$.

If you have $$$ now for it, might want to consider getting it. You will find soon enough having perks like this shown on your resume to be a plus in this competetive market.

Just a thought for you.
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Get it. I got mine last December and multi flights always "pop up." I haven't had a single multi student as my own but I've flown about 50 hours in the twin since I got my MEI just covering for other people.
 
Do it as your initial!
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No I wouldn't recomend it as an initial certificate (trust me on this) but I'd get it sooner or later. Look most of your work is going to be initial students or instrument work. There just aren't many multi students out there. So if you ahve the time/money and you're already in "instructor training mode" go ahead and add it on (last). If you don't have the time/money get the CFI-ASE, and the CFI-IA and then a few months down the road tack the MEI on.

Just my view (I did my MEI as my initial).
 
I came into a little bit of cash, and would like to at least get MULTI current again.

Since I only have my CFI, would there be a downside of getting my MEI first (the money I use to build a few multi hours at my job........) then later this year get my CFII?
 
Six of one half a dozen of the other, bro.

If it'll get you more multi-time quicker, go for the MEI. If IMC is what you need, go for the CFII.

Best of luck and if you have any extra $$ layin' around, I call dibs.
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I'd get your MEI as soon as possible. It may help you find a job if you just have that on your resume. Besides, you never know when somebody might pop in someday with a twin and ask for instruction.

And why wouldn't you get it right away? Because of the money? Well what's another two thousand on top of the 50000 dollar flight training debt anyway?
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And why wouldn't you get it right away? Because of the money?

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That's me!! My jar is empty!!!!
 
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