Hi Cliff,

Not sure I understand your last two points. If a student pilot is solo, why not log PIC? I did, I mean, who else is PIC on a solo? :D

Also, as an instructor you are signing for the aircraft. I'd think that's the legal definition of PIC per 91.3, is it not?

SICs can log time if they are required for single pilot "passenger" airplanes and there is no autopilot. If there is an AP, then technically they're not needed at all. To me if you're acting as an SIC on any airplane it should still be legal time, you're doing something in a multi crew environment.

So are you telling me that all those twin otters fron scenic airlines and all those vans from pacific wings, new mexico and the other one i cant remember that flies out of KATL are not equipped with autopilots?:eek:

That's the issue at hand. Cape FOs log time even on clear VFR days without an IFR flightplan on file. As far as I'm aware, an SIC is only needed in a 135 passenger environment in a single-pilot airplane if:

1) The CA is on high mins (first 100 hours of PIC) under IFR.
2) The autopilot is inoperative under IFR.

Now, I could definitely see FOs logging sole-manipulator PIC, but I'm not sure how legal that is when an ATP is required to be PIC on a 135 leg. I'm going through the ops specs and I'm not finding much beyond just the rules laid out in 135.101 and .105. I know Cape's been doing this for years though, so I know there has to be a legal way to do it. Just not sure what it looks like in a logbook. :)

You probably know this, but it's not just enough to have an autopilot. Under 135.105 the autopilot has to be of certain capability, and you need a waiver in your op specs to fly single pilot. Why these companies have an SIC could be for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to insurance or just that the company thinks it's safer that way.

Scenic is OK they require FOs. PAC wings is shady, a PIC can fly alone.

well, i got to the conclusion that as long as it is on the opspecs / FO REQUIERED / (which in term would be approved by the FAA) you can have a flight eng. on a 152 if you want to.....:D

Yeah, but could you log it? I'm kidding! :D

Does the FAA consider Cape Air a "commuter" operation or a scheduled 135 operation. Per FAR 119, it would seem pretty clear that they are a commuter. But I've been told by folks who should know about these things that Cape Air was a sched 135. I'm soooo confused. Where's a Cape Air pilot when you need them?

Yes, Cape Air is a commuter operation as defined by Part 119, operating under Part 135. Part 135.243 should clear it up:

Sec. 135.243 - Pilot in command qualifications.

(a) No certificate holder may use a person, nor may any person serve, as pilot in command in passenger-carrying operations --

(1) Of a turbojet airplane, of an airplane having a passenger-seat configuration, excluding each crewmember seat, of 10 seats or more, or of a multiengine airplane in a commuter operation as defined in part 119 of this chapter, unless that person holds an airline transport pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings and, if required, an appropriate type rating for that airplane.

:D