SIC need a .297 annually?
 

We have a company policy that our SIC's will have a .297 on an annual basis. That being said, there is some debate on if this is actually a requirement by the regulations. My interpretation of the 135 regs is that ONLY the PIC is required to have a .297 on a 6-month basis, SIC's do not have to have a .297 at all.

-Sincerely,
The lady being questioned way too much

At Ameriflight out SICs don't get 297. Only 293. PIC needs a 293 & 299 annually and a 297 every six months.

But I guess there is nothing prohibiting a company from requiring their SICs to do an instrument check.

Thank you frmr! I was 99% positive I was right, but when people are questioning you all day on your interpretation, you start questioning yourself!

The .297 check is (by title of the section of the part) only required of the PIC. However, 135.245(c)1 requires instrument currency of the SIC which is done by IPC in my shop, and I would imagine others as well. The people who are arguing that a .297 is required probably are just regurgitating what is being told to them if they are also required to do an IPC.

135.297(a)(1)
By the grace of the POI I go....

Unless it’s it’s stupendously clear run it by your POI.
Regs say “PIC”.

Now if we just make up a scenario:

Multi crew - PIC needs .297 SIC does not.
However if this SIC is assigned and acts as PIC in another type of aircraft then yes.

Let’s say an operation that has both a King Air 350 and a Cessna Caravan.
Or a Lear and a King Air 90.
Junior pilot could be SIC on the Lear and PIC on the King Air 90.
In which case both pilots need the .297
:D

I’m sorry I’ve had a beer.

How is it addressed in your approved training program?

FWIW “135.297 Pilot in command: Instrument proficiency check requirements.” IPC and 297 are used interchangeably. Is the SIC required by the type or operations?

FSIMS Vol 3 Ch 19 Sect 7...
3-1280
H. SIC Qualification in Aircraft Not Requiring an SIC. The basic qualification module for an SIC in any operation (VFR or IFR) for which no SIC is required by regulation is either an instrument proficiency or VFR competency check in any aircraft of the same category and class and the written or oral test required by § 135.293(a)(2) for the type of aircraft involved.


Also, make sure you’re looking at the changes to 135.245 from last June.