Asks FAA To Allow Time To Be Logged When Second In Command Is Not Required For A Flight

Part 135 cargo carrier Ameriflight has submitted a comment to the FAA concerning flight time requirements asking for a ruling concerning logging flight time by a Second In Command (SIC) pilot when such a position is not required for a flight.

In its letter, the carrier notes that an operator may assign "a properly trained and checked Second in Command to a flight under certain conditions, but indicates that the regulations "do not directly address - and interpretations vary as to - whether such an SIC can "legally" log flight time during such an assignment, when (a) the type certification of the aircraft being flown does not require an SIC, and (b) during times other than the short periods when the flight is directly engaged in a low minimum takeoff, crew time extension, or HazMat operations that would require in SIC."

The company asks for a "clear statement" indicating that such flight time can logged towards accumulation of hours to meet the requirements of the new flight time rules.

Ameriflight says that granting the petition would improve the level of safety, and would serve the public interest. It asks for an "expedited handling" of the request.

FMI: Ameriflight Comment