I work for a 135 charter operator with a fleet of both jets and turboprops. The company seems to think that it is perfectly legal to use either (A) pilots that are 135 qualified within the company, but are NOT qualified on the specific airplane they are being assigned to fly as a "right-seater" (for instance, prop guys that are not trained on the jets). Or, (B) using a contract pilot (who isn't trained in the aircraft, or even 135 qualified). Those in charge realize they're operating in the gray area, so they have convinced themselves it's legal if the "right-seater" is listed, not as a crew member, but as a "passenger".

I've turned down every assignment as such, and have told them that this is not legal (as I'm not rated or qualified in the aircraft, and obviously am not just a normal "passenger"). However, I seem to be one of the minority in putting my foot down. Other pilots within the company seem to think this is fine (anything to justify getting paid!) and the non-trained/non-current contract guys are seemingly lining out the door to do these trips.

Are there others on this forum that have faced this type of situation? Although the ones in charge with my company seem to believe that FAA Letters of Legal Interpretation are mostly bogus, are there any that address this issue? I'm trying to basically defend myself in not wanting to be a part of these type of trips, so I'm looking for some ammunition when they, assumingly, threaten my job for taking this stance.

Thanks for your time and replies