As has been noted, the CJ family is certified for single-pilot operations, but the type certificate calls for a "minimum crew of one"...doesn't mean there ONLY has to be one. In fact, two 525s-rated pilots may crew a CJ with one logging PIC and the other logging SIC and that would be 100% legal because even though the minimum crew MAY be one per the type certificate it doesn't mean you HAVE to operate with just one.

My company has a CJ2+ on order so I was VERY confused by all this to until it was explained to me by a very experienced CJ mentor pilot.

That said, if you log SIC in any aircraft you'd better have a 61.55 endorsement in your logbook to accompany those entries.

So in order to log SIC in the CJ2, you must get at least an SIC type rating??

Doesn't have to be an SIC type rating...but you must have either an SIC type or a 61.55 endorsement to log SIC in any two-crew aircraft.

Of course, like any good FAR, there are a few different shades of gray...

There is no required type rating OR endorsement in 61.55 to just act as SIC during domestic operations, you only need an endorsement to get the SIC type rating that's required if you want to fly outside of US airspace.

Why do you post things like that. It hurts my brain.

AGAIN:

61.55.d.(4)

Just get your CFII or something and log it as instrument instruction given

No, read it again carefully. You can log SIC in an AIRCRAFT that is type certificated for two pilot operation. Period. There are no exclusions for an airplane which is flown by a single-pilot typed PIC. Don't read into more than it says. Does the aircraft require more than one pilot? Yes. That meets the intent of the reg. The fact that it can also do single-pilot ops does not delete the fact that it is certificated for two pilots.

The interpretation here is that the PIC can always chose to conduct two pilot operations if he so desires...even though he may be rated for single pilot. Obviously you need to get his concurrence before you log it

This is not a new concept, some citations have had the single-pilot option for decades.

If you are flying right seat in a jet in which you have low time, log it as SIC. This is perfectly valid ME and turbine time, but like somebody already said be sure you can discuss technical details of the most recent airplane you have been flying. It's probably not worth it for one or two hours, but if you can get multiple flights it will look good on your resume.

Do not try to log XC country legs as Safety Pilot or MEI/Dual-Given in a jet in which you have very low time...this would obviously be BS. Turbine SIC is good enough for the regionals.

Be carefull with that "SIC" time. Most ailrines regard that as a waste of time. It's one thing if the operator has a training program and trains you. Thus you should have the appropriate knowledge. If it's a fly by night operation that only needed a second pilot to "fill a requirement" with the FAA I'd study up that aircraft before you interview. Did you actually take off & land? Or were you a glorified cruise pilot. I've worked with guys who have gone this route, I'd much rather fly with a guy who was a CFII. Core instrument/systems knowledge is a must in this industry. Granted some are good but the majority didn't gain any knowledge/experience that was of value to the Airlines needs..... except handling the radio :-D

I would agree. I don't see anywhere it says you have to have an endorsement. The only documentation I see required is logging 3 takeoffs and landings and OEI procedures in the last 12 months.