Quote:
Also, if the flight is dispatched with two pilots, are they then choosing to use the autopilot "before the IFR operation" etc. Lots of open questions.
Originally Posted by dera
The thing Nichols doesn't fully cover are 91 legs, 135 VFR legs, and the relevance of operators GOM and the crew member requirements therein.Also, if the flight is dispatched with two pilots, are they then choosing to use the autopilot "before the IFR operation" etc. Lots of open questions.
You are right, there are several open questions. It is and has been a gray area for a long time.
Though, it does seem that the Nichols letter suggests that a crew must NOT use the autopilot in order for the FO to log SIC time. But it now appears that this new regulatory advisory that recently came out nullifies the Nichols letter.
As for it taking effect later this year, and not explicitly being retroactive. I seriously doubt the FAA gives a squat about the Alaska Caravan driver still logging SIC time over the next few months before it enters into effect. Another year from now people will not even remember this Nichols nonsense letter. Glad this issue is almost dead. The forums will never be the same.
