Multi-Engine Instrument Rating

I passed my Multi-Engine Instrument Rating flight test last weekend. It was a foggy morning with a little less than 4000 meters visibility. Legally, this was ok to take-off but to be on the safe side, the departure was delayed and we didn't commence the flight test until 1500 hours after the fog had well and truely lifted.

To pass the so called 'check-ride' for the Multi-Engine Instrument Rating, I had to demonstrate to the CASA Approved Testing Officer that I can accurately fly instrument approaches for the NDB, VOR, DME and ILS. I had to also demonstrate two approaches conducted under asymmetric operations (ie, after one engine has failed) and safely land the aircraft from such a situation.

As expected, the testing officer failed the engine in the turn inbound on the NDB and as well as on the ILS at about 2000 feet. On both occasions, an approach to land on one engine had to be made successfully.

And would you guess that Murphy's law took effect on test day as well! LOL! My friggin auto-pilot was causing some problems so I abandoned its use for most of the flight and hand flew the aircraft for the 3 and half hours. Furthermore, my electric trim didn't work either after 1 hour into the flight and had no choice but to manually trim the aircraft. And due to the delayed departure, we arrived at night with this being my first night landing in this particular aircraft.

But despite all this, it all turned out well, with all of the requirements of my flight test being met. At about 1810, I touched down at Essendon airport, a tired but extremely happy man! :D I am now qualified to fly twin engine aircraft in all weather conditions. Woo hoo!