John Citizen
There is no requirement for you to be checked to line in Command to log ICUS, mainly because you won't ever be on the line as PIC. The requirements for logging ICUS do not specify any additional requirements of the PIC. The PIC therefore doesn't need any check and training experience. There is also nothing stipulated about the seat the ICUS logger must be in, infact the only thing that really
is said, is that the person logging ICUS must be co-pilot. Basically, the PIC experience ends at the endorsement.
This is how many airlines (particularly outside of Australia, where the ICUS deal is often the same), enable candidates to achieve their ATPL. Infact the inclusion of ICUS in ATPL hour requirements is evidence of the intention for its function outside of training. There is no recency requirements for logging ICUS either (as in recent PIC time on type).
There is wide confusion regarding this subject, and its mainly due to the lack of information in the law, leaving it hopelessly open to interpretation. As someone said before, it is not confined to the realms of training.
