What part of a multi-engine rating is most valuable: time or systems training?

[NathanM]

I’m looking at the cost for my multi-engine rating and the jump is pretty steep from my single-engine training. For those of you who went through it, was the real value in the actual multi-engine time itself, or did you find the systems knowledge and handling drills the most beneficial part?

[EricW]

Back when I did it, I figured the engine-out time would be the big payoff. Turns out the real value for me was the muscle memory: staying precise on airspeed, configuration, and transitions, even while it felt busy. The extra hours mattered, but the drills and checklists under pressure saved me more than I expected.

[JerryC]

The systems knowledge and handling drills clicked for me in the sim and in the cockpit. Knowing what the other engine can do, and rehearsing the failure checklist, gave me a steadier hand when things got gusty.

[Eric45]

Did I read this wrong, or is it really mostly about the experience? I’m left unsure what most people consider worth it.

[Aubrey9]

I started tracking hours and engine-out practice, and the cost per hour jumped quick. After a few trips I wondered if a shorter program would have given the same confidence, but then I remembered the feel of a proper engine-out in nominal weather and had to admit it was still a learning curve.