Do you need an actual aircraft to complete the landings for the SIC or PIC type?

you need 25 hours in the airplane to activate the type, 20 for turbo-props.

For the SIC type, see FAR 61.55 (i).

Now for the PIC type, it depends on your experience level. My guess, since you are low time, is that you will fall under 61.63 (e)(10). You get the type rating with a PIC limitation on your certificate. I had the same limitation, and it's no big deal. It won't prevent you from getting a job as a SIC. Besides, no one will be hiring you as a PIC anyway. All you need is 25 hours of supervised operating experience in the left seat of an aircraft not the sim, and any typed ATP will suffice as the "supervisor". Just don't forget to have this person sign and date your logbook after each leg you fly in the left seat as "Acting PIC". Once you get the 25 hours, take your logbook to your local FSDO. You'll fill out an 8710 form, and they'll issue you a temporary without the limitation. You may need to refer the FAA inspector to the above FAR as they probably will not be familiar with it as was the case with me.

Hope this helps.

For you guys that are currently or have been in the SCM program, is there any particular knowledge areas that new guys are usually weak on? I'm just trying to figure out what all I need to study up on while I'm waiting in line. As I only have a few hours in turbine airplanes, I've been working on my ATP written and reading up on the Turbine Pilot's Flight Manual. I also have a bootleg King Air 200 training manual that I've been referring to as well.

Thanks!

Before going in, make sure you're instrument skills are SHARP! Read up a little on FMS systems. Believe it or not, my experience with FMS on Microsoft Flight Sim helped tremendously. CRM is going to be your friend in the sim. It'll be addressed in a little bit in the "indoc" class. CAE has it's own SOPs which you'll get in initial, which you should learn by heart. Other than that, don't worry too much about getting a head start. I came into the program with no jet experience and 600hrs, so if you're a sharp pilot, you'll be just fine.

I'll second what Airventure says above. Good instrument skills are a must and learn as much about FMS systems as possible before you get there. However, don't feel like you're at a disadvantage. I've witnessed several experienced pilots transition into an FMS equipped aircraft from steam gauges and struggle mightily. They're unbelievably good at the stick and rudder, but scared to death of today's automation. Even a little experience with the GPS systems in newer light aircraft will go long way in helping you. I'm not familiar with SimuFlite's program, but every training facility usually has an avionics/FMS guru. Find that person, latch on, and pick their brain as much as humanly possible.

Resurecting this thread. Does anyone know if Simuflite still has this program? And if they do does anyone know how to best get in contact with them to sign up for it. Thanks for any replies.

I used the right seat program to get my first type back in 02'. My understanding is that they still use the right seaters, but you may want to look into Flightsafety instead. Last guy I had in ILG was getting paid with bennies. Back when I was right seating they gave you the training but didnt pay squadoushe:) Good luck!

We do. The best "in" is to know somebody. There are so many applications for right seaters and part timers that you'll probably just get lost in the mix. If you know anyone there reach out. We can recommend folks internally through the system. I applied for three years with zero results. Found a buddy who called his boss and bam. Hired.

I just came back from recurrent and had a right seater for my IPC.

He did quite well but i would say the thing that was lacking was crm skill. I've heard this from colleagues before. Its one thin to go through a course but to practice it properly is different. Here is a few basic things that could help SIC's
1. Read the checklist clearly, loud enough to hear and slowly enough so both pilots know what needs to be done. It's not a race.
2. DONT FLIP A RED SWITCH WITHOUT CONFIRMING WITH THE OTHER PILOT!
3.Ask the left seat pilot what callouts they want and stick with them, dont make stuff up as you go along.

Hopefully this helps. It seems like a great way to network and seriously, you can not have enough friends in the aviation industry.