How to gain your VATSIM Commercial Multi Engine License (P3)

The Commercial Multi Engine License (P3) is the third step in your virtual flying career. Here you will learn how to fly an aeroplane with more than one engine, the dynamics of multi-engine flight and the factors you’d need to consider in a commercial, passenger-carrying operation. You’ll also be expected to fly to more accurate tolerances than in the PPL and IR.

During your P1 training you will have learned how to control the aeroplane with reference to the outside world. During the Instrument Rating course, you will take those skills and use them to learn how to control the aeroplane using only the flight instruments so that you can fly confidently in cloud and poor weather conditions.

Some of the topics covered during the CMEL training include:

• Multi-engine flight principles
• Advanced instrument flying
• Multi-engine takeoff and landing performance

Typically the course is likely to consist of around 10 hours of practical training with an instructor, followed by a practical Skills Test.

What aircraft will be used?

The P3 rating is conducted in a light piston twin aircraft such as the Beech Baron 58 or Diamond DA42.

Where can I get training for the VATSIM Commercial Multi-Engine License?

You’ll need to find an ATO which is approved for CMEL Training. You can find a list of ATOs and the ratings they are approved for at https://prams.vatsim.net/atos.