Originally Posted by
RyanSD
I know that if the company requires a "two-pilot" crew or auto-pilot in lieu of the SIC, then, by all means log SIC time. Even if the airplane is rated for the use of only one pilot according to the AFM. Check out the company's ops. specs. and ops. manual for sure.
Not exactly. In order to log SIC under these circumstances, you need...
1) An FAA approved OPSPEC which specifies that an SIC is required for that aircraft for the operation being conducted.
2) A checkride, or whatever training the OPSPEC requires for that seat.
3) To opere under the applicable rules (ie 135). It's possible that you could fly a 91 leg as SIC, but only if 1) and 2) apply, and the opspec allows it (ferry legs).
These things DO NOT constitute legal authorization to log SIC in a one pilot airplane:
1) Insurance requirements
2) Company policy (non-opspec)
3) Pay-for-training
4) CP verbal OK, etc.
In your case it was probably legal for you to ride shotgun for the insurance company. Signing a release as SIC was also legal as long as there is no ACTUAL opspec requirement for an SIC. Since no SIC really exists, you can call yourself anything you want...you could be the Great Pumpkin on that flight if you liked. Just don't log it.
However if the opspec DOES require or authorize an SIC and you signed for a 135 leg as SIC without having been trained, then you have a problem.
Better go read your opspec.