A commercial pilot is scheduled to serve as second in command (SIC) in a company airplane that is type certificated for a minimum crew of two pilots. The pilot does not hold a type rating for that airplane and has never acted as SIC in it before. According to 14 CFR 61.55, what must occur before this pilot may act as SIC?
- AThe pilot must receive and log ground and flight training on that aircraft's systems and procedures, then receive a logbook endorsement of competency
- BThe pilot must obtain a type rating in that airplane before acting as SIC
- CThe pilot must simply log two hours of dual instruction in any multiengine airplane
- DNo additional training is required since the pilot already holds a commercial certificate
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The pilot must receive and log ground and flight training on that aircraft's systems and procedures, then receive a logbook endorsement of competency
14 CFR 61.55 requires a pilot who does not hold a type rating for the aircraft to receive and log ground and flight training on that specific aircraft's systems, procedures, and flight characteristics, and to obtain an endorsement in their logbook certifying they are competent to act as SIC, before serving in that role.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A type rating is not mandatory for SIC duties, only the 61.55 training/endorsement
- C. Generic multiengine dual time does not satisfy the aircraft-specific SIC requirements of 61.55
- D. Holding a commercial certificate alone does not satisfy the SIC qualification requirement
SIC Qualification (61.55)
A pilot without a type rating must complete aircraft-specific ground and flight training and receive a logbook endorsement before serving as SIC on a type-certificated aircraft requiring two pilots.
- Applies to aircraft requiring more than one pilot
- Training must cover aircraft systems and procedures
- Endorsement of competency required in logbook
Memory trick: 'No type rating? Train and stamp it' before flying as SIC.