What is the MEP(land) Skill Test?

The MEP(land) skill test is the practical checkride required for the initial issue of an EASA MEP(land) class rating. It consists of a verification of theoretical knowledge followed by a flight with an EASA examiner.

Successfully passing the EASA MEP(land) skill test is required before a pilot may exercise privileges as pilot-in-command on multi-engine piston aeroplanes within the MEP(land) class rating.

When discussing MEP(land) privileges, it is important to understand that the class rating covers land-based multi-engine piston aeroplanes. However, the holder’s privileges are limited to the aircraft variant on which the MEP(land) skill test was completed, unless the required differences or familiarisation training has been completed for another variant.

For example, the Diamond DA42 is one variant within the MEP(land) class rating. The Piper PA-34 Seneca is another variant.

An EASA MEP(land) skill test for the initial issue of a multi-engine piston class rating is carried out after the successful completion of flight training at an EASA-approved flight school.

The trainee must be recommended for the MEP(land) skill test by the flight school. Theoretical knowledge is assessed partly by the flight school during the training course and partly by the EASA examiner during the skill test.

The applicant must have completed EASA flight training on an aeroplane of the same class as the one used for the skill test. In this case, that means a multi-engine piston aeroplane, MEP(land), of the same variant, such as the Piper Seminole or Piper Seneca.

The EASA MEP(land) skill test for the initial issue of a multi-engine piston class rating is subject to FCL.725(c). The scope of the flight training and the checkride with the examiner is described in Appendix 9 of Part-FCL, Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011.

During the MEP(land) skill test, the applicant must demonstrate the ability to perform manoeuvres and procedures on the specific variant of multi-engine piston aeroplane with a level of competency appropriate to the privileges granted as pilot-in-command. This is demonstrated to a Flight Examiner, FE(A), or a Class Rating Examiner, CRE MEP(land).

The entire EASA MEP(land) skill test usually takes approximately 2 to 3 hours in total. The flight with the EASA examiner typically takes around 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes of block time. The remaining time is used for preparation, route planning, briefing, debriefing and any oral theoretical knowledge examination.

The MEP(land) skill test includes the following items:

• General handling of the aeroplane, including normal procedures 
• General handling of the aeroplane, including abnormal and emergency procedures 
• Flight with one engine inoperative, including asymmetric flight 
• Cross-country VFR flight via a planned route, including at least one track segment of a minimum of 15 minutes 
• Use of radio navigation aids, such as VOR, LOC, ILS and GNSS 

The route of the cross-country flight is chosen by the examiner. The applicant is responsible for flight planning and for ensuring that all required equipment, documents, certificates and materials are on board the aircraft during the EASA checkride.

The pass criteria for the MEP(land) skill test are the same as for other EASA class rating skill tests.

The EASA MEP(land) skill test is divided into different sections representing the relevant phases of flight for aeroplanes and for the specific class of aircraft used during the test: multi-engine piston, MEP(land).

The MEP(land) class rating allows the holder to fly multi-engine piston aeroplanes with wheeled landing gear and a maximum take-off weight of up to 5,700 kg.

The variants specifically included within the MEP(land) class rating are listed in the EASA class and type rating endorsement list.

Within Europe, the EASA MEP(land) class rating may allow the holder to act as pilot-in-command on variants such as:

Diamond DA42 Twin Star 
Piper PA-34 Seneca 
Piper PA-44 Seminole 

In accordance with FCL.740(a), the EASA multi-engine piston MEP(land) class rating is valid for 12 months.