Instrument Rating vs Multi-Engine Rating: Which Should You Get First?

After earning your Private Pilot License, many students face the next big decision:

Instrument rating vs multi-engine rating — which should you get first? Both ratings expand your skills and career opportunities, but they serve very different purposes in your aviation journey.

In this guide, we’ll compare instrument rating vs multi-engine rating in terms of FAA requirements, career impact, cost considerations, and training strategy — especially for pilots training in Tennessee.

What Is an Instrument Rating?

An Instrument Rating (IR) allows a pilot to fly in low-visibility conditions using instruments rather than visual references. With an instrument rating, you can:

• Fly in clouds

• Operate in low visibility

• Fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR)

• Increase overall flight safety and capability

FAA Requirements for Instrument Rating

According to FAA regulations, pilots must complete:

• At least 40 hours of instrument training

• Cross-country flight requirements

• A written knowledge test

• A practical checkride

Instrument training is often considered essential for career-focused pilots.

What Is a Multi-Engine Rating?

A Multi-Engine Rating (ME) allows you to operate aircraft with more than one engine.

Unlike the instrument rating, the multi-engine rating is typically an add-on to your existing certificate.

With a multi-engine rating, you can:

• Fly twin-engine aircraft

• Increase aircraft complexity exposure

• Build experience relevant to airline and corporate aviation

There is no specific minimum hour requirement set by the FAA for a multi-engine add-on, but training typically includes:

• Multi-engine aerodynamics

• Engine-out procedures

• Systems training

• A practical checkride

Instrument Rating vs Multi-Engine Rating: Key Differences

When comparing instrument rating vs multi-engine rating, the primary differences are purpose and career impact.

Category	Instrument Rating	Multi-Engine Rating
Primary Focus	Flying in low visibility	Flying aircraft with multiple engines
FAA Hour Requirement	40 instrument hours	No fixed minimum; add-on training
Career Importance	Essential for most professional paths	Important for advanced career progression
Safety Impact	Significant	Moderate
Typical Timing	Early career stage	After instrument or commercial

Why Most Career Pilots Get Instrument First

In most professional pathways, the instrument rating comes before the multi-engine rating.

Here’s why:

1. Instrument skills are foundational for advanced flying.

2. Commercial training assumes IFR proficiency.

3. Airlines and corporate operators expect strong instrument experience.

4. Safety and weather flexibility increase significantly.

For most students asking instrument rating vs multi-engine rating, the practical answer is: instrument rating first.

When Might Multi-Engine Come First?

There are limited scenarios where multi-engine training may come earlier:

• Structured academy programs

• Specific employer-sponsored pathways

• Pilots already instrument-rated upgrading aircraft type

However, for most students training in Tennessee, the logical progression is:

Private → Instrument → Commercial → Multi-Engine → CFI

Cost & Training Considerations

Multi-engine aircraft typically have higher hourly operating costs due to:

• Increased fuel consumption

• Additional maintenance complexity

• Twin-engine systems

Instrument training, while intensive, can often be completed in single-engine aircraft.

When evaluating instrument rating vs multi-engine rating, financial sequencing matters.

Career Impact Comparison

Instrument Rating

• Required for most commercial aviation roles

• Necessary for airline eligibility

• Expands operational flexibility

• Improves pilot safety skills

Multi-Engine Rating

• Required for multi-engine aircraft employment

• Important for airline track progression

• Enhances aircraft handling experience

Both ratings are valuable, but the instrument rating generally has earlier and broader impact.

Ideal Rating Progression for Tennessee Pilots

For structured career progression:

1. Private Pilot License

2. Instrument Rating

3. Commercial Pilot License

4. Multi-Engine Add-On

5. Certified Flight Instructor

This order builds skill layers progressively and aligns with FAA training logic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is instrument rating harder than multi-engine?

Instrument training requires significant mental workload and procedural discipline. Multi-engine training focuses more on systems management and engine-out procedures.

Do airlines require multi-engine time?

Yes. Airline positions require multi-engine experience, typically obtained during commercial or instructor progression.

Can you skip instrument rating and go straight to multi-engine?

Technically possible, but not recommended for most career-focused pilots.

Final Verdict: Instrument Rating vs Multi-Engine Rating

When comparing instrument rating vs multi-engine rating, the answer for most students is clear:

Start with the instrument rating.

It provides foundational skill, expands operational capability, and aligns with long-term professional aviation goals. The multi-engine rating is important — but it usually makes the most sense after instrument proficiency and commercial progression. Understanding the right order helps you avoid unnecessary cost and build your career efficiently.