FAA Airline Transport Pilot (ATM)Regulations (14 CFR 117/121/61)Medium
A commercial pilot without a type rating is assigned to serve as second in command of a turbojet airplane that requires a type rating for the pilot in command. Under 14 CFR 61.55, what must this pilot accomplish before acting as SIC?
- AObtain a full type rating identical to that required for PIC
- BNothing additional is required if the pilot holds a commercial certificate
- CLog 100 hours of PIC time in the same category and class
- DComplete the training, checks, and requirements of 61.55 for a Certificate of Eligibility as SIC in that type
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Complete the training, checks, and requirements of 61.55 for a Certificate of Eligibility as SIC in that type
14 CFR 61.55 allows a pilot to serve as SIC of a type-rated aircraft without holding a full type rating, provided the pilot completes the required ground and flight training, passes a competency check, and obtains a Certificate of Eligibility documenting compliance with 61.55.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A full type rating is not required for SIC duty under 61.55; a lesser standard applies.
- B. A commercial certificate alone is insufficient; 61.55 training is still required.
- C. PIC time logging is unrelated to the SIC type-specific requirement.
SIC Type Requirements (61.55)
A pilot may serve as SIC in an aircraft requiring a type rating for PIC by completing 61.55 training, checks, and obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility, without needing a full type rating.
- Applies to SIC duty in type-rated aircraft
- Requires ground/flight training and competency check
- Results in a Certificate of Eligibility, not a full type rating
Memory trick: 'SIC gets a slip, not the whole type-rating trip.'