Hey why don't they just fit multiple Auto Pilots to the machine and leave the pilot at home - then they won't have to worry if the guy has a CPL or ATP or a Microlight license for that matter?
Anyhow why don't you just go out get the trusted aircraft in the hangar and fly your friends around while they pay when you only have a PPL with 5000 hours on type? Well it is the law that you can't - and those that do know what to expect when they are caught out?
Now for the same reason you don't go out fly in the roll of commander of a boeing at an airline with only a CPL - they would not allow you - because when they are caught out . . . . .
So now the law says . . .
B1900 is an aircraft with a MAUW of more than 5700 kg - it is an aircraft that can carry more than 9 passengers. Now because of all sorts of pressures and requests the CAA has allowed the "OLD LAW" to be bent and twisted by operators under specific applications. Such issues are always temporary in nature and was bound to be withdrawn at some stage. For some reason the CAA also allowed themselves to be bullied by operators into changing certain phrases and wording in the regulations to assist some in their efforts to make the extra buck (probably allowing for some flash cash to flow under the tables as well but I am only speculating).
It is understandable that operators now are in some form of predicament - the CAA has now reverted to the real intention of the regulations and closed the loopholes that was exploited by operators and themselves.
But why have the operators not closed the situation with the ATP issue - why did they not design a program where they would get a guy to enter as a First Officer with a CPL, train him to become a Captain and make sure he is an ATP by then. Well reality is that they were so into making their money that they never bothered to pay the pilot a decent salary - they messed around with him, expected him to fly with sub-standard equipment and you can add to this list - so when the first opportunity arise this guy will move on and they are in sh!t - they are back to square 1. Now lets send a MAYDAY to the CAA and gues what the CAA through a life vest / life raft to the operator - Yes sir you may now operate the aircraft with two CPL but it is not a free for all . . . . rules are rules and the guy in Command has to have 1500 hours min and his co-jo 500 or nothing? and for that sir - I really need a favour???? (the one hand washes the other . . . )
I would admit that it is by no means that difficult to fly especially a 1900 although it requires you to have the knowledge and ability.
So maybe just maybe the CAA should reconsider one thing - the wording of the priviledges of a license holder.
CPL when flying for reward commercially -
PIC of all aircraft up to 5700 kg or on any single pilot certified aircraft as rated provided that on single pilot certified aircraft above 5700 kg (with no more than 19 passenger seats) he will have in excess of 1200 hours flying experience (of which 100 hours on type) and will be assited by a rated CPL co-pilot who has at least 500 hours flying experience.
And to satisfy the YANKS & FAA:
When more than 9 pax are carried in an aircraft their will always be 2 flight crew members.
ATP - PIC all as rated
Eish - still a compromise but how on earth are they going to sort this mess out?
VG300