It's funny, a few of us sat around today and tried to figure that one out. An FO is required under IFR if 1) the Captain is on high mins, or 2) the autopilot is inop. I'm not sure how the FOs here are logging the time on crystal clear VMC days, but apparently the guy doing the ATP rides for the company doesn't mind how they're logging it. Can any current FOs clarify that?

 

how senior is tortola(EIS)? How many planes and pilots are based there? Is it a year round base? Any other info would be appreciated. thanks.

 

I do this on a daily basis in King Airs. As I understand it, an SIC is required under part 135 unless the "autopilot in lieu of second in command" waiver is approved and in the company's ops specs. My company only has this waiver for its Barons, not the King Airs (even though they all were originally certified for one pilot and all have autopilots installed.) I believe the key is in the wording of the waiver. It says something to the effect of "an autopilot may be used in lieu of an SIC." If it said "an autopilot must be used in lieu of an SIC," then it would be a different story. Since the rule gives the operator the option of using the autopilot or not, an SIC can fly the airplane and the autopilot can be operational at the same time. The other caveat to this is that the SIC must have a current 135.293 checkride in the airplane.

I'm on beer 3 or 4 so let me know if any of this doesn't make sense.

 

Two people are based there and I don't think either of them are going anywhere anytime soon.

 

I've looked through the forums and I don't think this question has been asked. When you are a Cape Air FO or Cargo PIC and reach ATP mins, are you on your own as far as getting your ATP? Do they let you use the airplane? Get a sign-off for the checkride?...

 

blindside,

I used to fly for Cape Air about 2 years ago. I started there as an FO and after reaching ATP mins, they upgraded me to captain. That process involved about 3 or 4 training flights and then the ATP checkride. Back then, you just used one of the Cape Air 402s for the checkride and it was done right at HYA and they also paid the examiner fee. At the end of the ride, you got your ATP and were officially a captain. That's how it worked 2 years ago...I imagine it is the same, but I am sure somebody who is there now can better answer your question.

 

Yep, it's the same. Once you hit 1500TT they bring you back to HYA and they pay for everything like a good company should.

 

Hey night, you coming back up north for the summer or trying to stay down there??

 

As was stated earlier, the autopilot doesn't have to be inop, it just doesn't have to be used. it can be 100% function, but if you're using an FO instead, the FO logs PIC

You can be in VMC and still be flying IFR. I believe Cape Air files all their flight IFR< regardless of weather. I could be wrong, though. I thought I read that in one of the manuals.

 

It was a problem for me when I was trying to get on with Trans States. Their service kept putting my email in the junk folder. It happened with one or two other random companies. Once they know to look for it, it's usually OK.