Originally Posted by
EMAW
OPSPECS by definition are a Part 135 Function. Just like Management Specs are a function of Part 91K. OPSPECS don't require an SIC. The SIC requirement comes from the Regulations for Passenger carrying IFR Part 135 flights. The OPSPEC that pertains to this reg. actually is an exemption to the rule if you have a working autopilot. (Auto-pilot in lieu of SIC)
Therefore, any Part135 flight department that carries passengers under IFR requires a SIC. Unless, you have the specific OPSSPEC.
Actually no, Ops Specs are a function of 14 CFR Part 119:
§119.7 Operations specifications.
(a) Each certificate holder's operations specifications must contain—
(1) The authorizations, limitations, and certain procedures under which each kind of operation, if applicable, is to be conducted; and
(2) Certain other procedures under which each class and size of aircraft is to be operated.
(b) Except for operations specifications paragraphs identifying authorized kinds of operations, operations specifications are not a part of a certificate.
§119.33 General requirements.
(a) A person may not operate as a direct air carrier unless that person—
(1) Is a citizen of the United States;
(2) Obtains an Air Carrier Certificate; and
(3) Obtains operations specifications that prescribe the authorizations, limitations, and procedures under which each kind of operation must be conducted.
(b) A person other than a direct air carrier may not conduct any commercial passenger or cargo aircraft operation for compensation or hire under part 121 or part 135 of this chapter unless that person—
(1) Is a citizen of the United States;
(2) Obtains an Operating Certificate; and
(3) Obtains operations specifications that prescribe the authorizations, limitations, and procedures under which each kind of operation must be conducted.
(c) Each applicant for a certificate under this part and each applicant for operations specifications authorizing a new kind of operation that is subject to §121.163 or §135.145 of this chapter shall conduct proving tests as authorized by the Administrator during the application process for authority to conduct operations under part 121 or part 135 of this chapter. All proving tests must be conducted in a manner acceptable to the Administrator. All proving tests must be conducted under the appropriate operating and maintenance requirements of part 121 or 135 of this chapter that would apply if the applicant were fully certificated. The Administrator will issue a letter of authorization to each person stating the various authorities under which the proving tests shall be conducted.
Notice that Ops Specs are not described as "regulation", they are authorizations, limitations, procedures, etc. They have to be abided by, but the guys at the FAA that write the rules and own the policy do not consider them to be regulations. The question is about logging SIC, which requires the SIC to be required per a regulation or the aircraft, not the ops specs.