Be careful you don't confuse the requirements of an AOC to the requirements for an ATPL re: Command time.
This subject was debated fairly extensively on the now closed Rex pilot shortage under control? thread. Probably not the best place for it, but much of the pro's and cons can be found on pages 5-8.
From what I have researched, the holders of an AOC are permitted to allow ICUS training from the right seat for the purpose of the candidate to attain a higher class of licence. (ATPL) This is defined under ICAO Annex 1. The provisions of an ATPL require 250 hours command of which 150 hours may be ICUS. If you have less than 100 hours command (not ICUS) you will have to find the balance of that 100 hours before you can qualify for the ATPL. As an ATPL is the minimum for command on aircraft above 5700kg MTOW engaged in RPT, then this may be an impediment.
As far as the requirements for the AOC is concerned, then we are talking Multi-Engined Command time under the IFR. Typically 250 hours for High Capacity RPT (Greater than 36 pax seats), and 500 hours for Low Capacity RPT (36 pax seats down to 10). Also there is usually a requirement for 2000 hours total aeronautical experience (that's what HappyBandit is refereing to)
So, if you have at least 100 hours Command time (not ICUS), then the logging of ICUS towards your ATPL from the right seat should not be a problem. If you are also working for an operator with a High Capacity AOC, then progress to command (provided of course you meet the standard) should not be a problem either, as the 150 hours of ICUS required for the issue of the ATPL, will bring you within the Ballpark for the 250 hours Multi-IFR required for the provisions of the HCAOC. If you are short of the Multi under the IFR component after that, it can easily be made up during your command training when you are in the left seat under the supervision of a qualified Check and/or Training Captain.
If you are working for an operator with a Low Capacity AOC (LCAOC), and you are in the above situation, then you have a problem. Despite what some think, the logging of ICUS from the right seat is only permitted to satisfy the command component (150 hours) of the requirements of the ATPL!
Under the current Regs, once you have logged enough ICUS from the right seat to qualify for the ATPL, the balance of any command time (including the Multi-IFR component for the LCAOC) can only be logged from the left seat under the supervision of a suitably qualified Check and/or Training Captain.
For LCAOC that means an extra 250 hours!
Last edited by KRUSTY 34; 23rd Oct 2008 at 05:46.