What is the significance of the "landings" requirement for ATP candidates?

The requirement for candidates to have 25 hours of multi-engine time is significant for several reasons. Firstly, multi-engine flight experience is crucial for safety and proficiency in operating larger, more complex aircraft typically used in commercial aviation. Multi-engine time ensures that candidates are well-versed in the handling characteristics and operational procedures of aircraft equipped with more than one engine, which can behave differently than single-engine aircraft, especially in the event of an engine failure.

In the context of the ATP certification, having a specific number of hours in multi-engine aircraft helps to validate that a candidate can perform the necessary flight maneuvers and exercises that are essential for flying safely under various conditions. This experience is foundational not only for passing the written and practical exams associated with the ATP certificate, but also for ensuring that pilots are adequately prepared to operate in a professional environment where multi-engine aircraft are standard.

This requirement emphasizes the importance of multi-engine flight proficiency as integral to the overall capabilities of an airline transport pilot, making the candidate more competent and thereby increasing safety in commercial aviation operations.