Logging Sic question

[Pantera]

question is about logging SIC in a business jet that requires a pic and an sic. I understand that because the sic is required you can log it as sic. But what happens if you are the sic and now the pic in the same jet has a single pilot type rating in the same jet. Can you now still log sic since technicaly you are now not required.

thanks and happy flying

[westhawk]

Pantera,

You seem to understand that in order to log SIC time under the rules, you must be a REQUIRED crewmember, perhaps you just need to see the regulation that is controlling in this circumstance.

From the online regs at ecfr.gpoaccess.gov, here is the excerpt from relevent paragraphs of part 61.51:

<f) Logging second-in-command flight time. A person may log second-in-command time only for that flight time during which that person:

(1) Is qualified in accordance with the second-in-command requirements of §61.55 of this part, and occupies a crewmember station in an aircraft that requires more than one pilot by the aircraft's type certificate; or

(2) Holds the appropriate category, class, and instrument rating (if an instrument rating is required for the flight) for the aircraft being flown, and more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is being conducted.>

So it appears to me that if the aircraft and PIC are authorized to conduct single pilot operations, you may NOT log SIC time unless you are either:

1) Acting as a required SIC under the rules you are flying under. Part 135 IFR pax carrying ops are one example. You must have completed the certificate holder's approved training program and all other prerequisites for appointment as a required flight crewmember.

OR

2) While acting as a required safety pilot. The PIC must be logging simulated instrument time and naming you as safety pilot in his log.)

Hope this helps. You can also contact your local GA ops inspector or speak with a designated examiner about rule interpretations. Their opinions are sometimes very well informed. Never count on a single opinion. Maybe someone else has something to add.

Best wishes,

Westhawk