Originally Posted by
FlyJSH
Since there are sooooo many folks currently employed as an FO who DO NOT have an ATP and HR 3371 looking like it will pass, I thought I would ask.....
Can one earn an ATP during a PC while acting as SIC? Or must one be acting as PIC?
The closest reg I can find is in 61.43
(5) Demonstrate single-pilot competence if the aircraft is type certificated for single-pilot operations.
(b) If an applicant does not demonstrate single pilot proficiency, as required in paragraph (a)(5) of this section, a limitation of “Second in Command Required” will be placed on the applicant's airman certificate. The limitation may be removed if the applicant passes the appropriate practical test by demonstrating single-pilot competency in the aircraft in which single-pilot privileges are sought.
But it only seems to address aircraft like the 1900 that can be flown single or dual pilot.
Please cite references to support your replies.
You cannot "earn" an ATP while acting as SIC...an ATP certificate is like any other cert, and you earn it the same way. To earn the ATP you need to meet the requirements of part 61.15X, fill out an 8710, and take a checkride. Anyone can take this checkride if they meet the requirements, you do not even have to work for an airline or be a professional pilot.
You could do it out in town in a seminole with a local DPE, or your airline could give you an ATP checkride in a level D sim. It would be easy for the airline, since the ATP checkride is little more than an airline PC...it could be done on your regularly schedule PC with a company DPE. It all depends on your company as to whether they will go to the trouble or make you blow $3K out in town.
The bill says YOU have to have an ATP...it does not say the airline has to provide it.
But I wouldn't worry just yet...wait and see what the senate version of the bill looks like, and how they reconcile that with the house version.