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Zoner
2nd Oct 2005, 00:12
http://www.avweb.com/newswire/11_39b/briefs/190678-1.html

Second-In-Command Rating Available

By Russ Niles
Newswriter, Editor

We can't remember the last time the FAA handed out new ratings without requiring additional training but thousands of airline first officers should be lining up for the new paper, but only if they fly internationally. According to the National Air Transportation Association, the agency has started issuing second-in-command (SIC) type ratings to right-seaters on overseas routes. Now, as everyone knows, a first officer has all the qualifications to fly the aircraft that the pilot handling the controls has (although he or she might not have as much experience). However, some member countries of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) want to see it in writing. The ICAO, of which the U.S. is a member, has regulations stating that pilots working as second in command must have the appropriate type rating. Even though training qualifications for U.S. pilots exceed the requirements for the ICAO SIC type rating, some member countries have given U.S. crews grief for not having their documents in order. NATA says it should be a paperwork exercise only for qualified pilots and the forms must be filled out in time to get the rating no later than June 6, 2006. Pilots who are sure they'll be staying on this side of the pond need not bother.

mutt
2nd Oct 2005, 04:17
We are a non-US airline operating under FAR121. The FAA cited us over 3 years ago for non-compliance with the ICAO ruling. They have regularly ramped checked our First Officers since then to ensure that their licences included the appropriate endorsement.

So I suggest that you change the title of this thread as the problem isn’t just in France


Mutt

Elliot Moose
2nd Oct 2005, 11:41
The type ratings are being handed out to more than international pilots already. 8710 forms are now being filled out for all first officer candidates at a regional airline that I'm working with.

By the way, your assertion that FO's under part 121 "exceed" the standards set under ICAO. I've seen a lot from all over the world and the FAA bunch are certainly no better than most, and in many cases the corners that can be cut for FO's under 121 and the lack of standardized testing for SIC's at most airlines that I've dealt with makes for some pretty scary folks at times.

Zoner
3rd Oct 2005, 06:37
Mutt: France is the only country I'm aware of that has grounded aircraft and forced the airline to fly in another Captain before releasing the flight. That is why I used the title "Solving France". The FAA and/or other countries may have cited some crews but I don't think any flights have been delayed as they were in France.

Elliot: I have flown with good and bad F/Os in just about every corner of the planet. I think the point is that the FAA Certified Training and Documentation exceeds ICAO requirements. The fact that another piece of paper is required just gives the bureaucrats (ours and theirs) another victory.