Logging time in a Pilatus PC-12

[montanapilot]

I know this is probably like throwing gas on a fire but.

I have been scratching my brain looking up articles and FAA docs as far as how to log this.

I fly for an airline that uses PC-12s with 2 crew members. The PC 12 is a single pilot aircraft i am well aware of that. I have looked at our OpSpecs and it states that an SIC is required if the autopilot is not working, or the PIC doesn't have 100hrs in type.

On our trips the captains and FOs either swap legs or roundtrips so its not like the FOs are just sitting there. Also all FOs are required to pass a 135.293 checkride with our check airmen.

I am wondering how to log this time and if it can be used. PS we also fly alot of empty legs part 91 too since we are a new company and sometimes business is slow.

 

[SteveC]

...I have looked at our OpSpecs and it states that an SIC is required if the autopilot is not working, or the PIC doesn't have 100hrs in type....

I would hazard a guess that your OpsSpecs is worded a little differently than that. Instead of saying that "...an SIC is required if the autopilot is not working...", I suspect that it will actually say something to the effect of "...a person may operate an aircraft without a second in command, if it is equipped with an operative approved autopilot system...". The difference in wording is key to understanding the logging question.

You are required to have two pilots by the regulations in order to carry pax IFR under Part 135. You are allowed to use just one pilot under certain sets of conditions. Remember, just because the conditions are met (working autopilot, approved OpsSpecs, etc) does not mean that your company has to use only one pilot, just that they can if they want to. If they decide not to take advantage of the autopilot in lieu of SIC then the second pilot is a required crewmember and can log the Part 135 flight time appropriately.

 

[the_dmn8tr]

I would hazard a guess that your OpsSpecs is worded a little differently than that. Instead of saying that "...an SIC is required if the autopilot is not working...", I suspect that it will actually say something to the effect of "...a person may operate an aircraft without a second in command, if it is equipped with an operative approved autopilot system...". The difference in wording is key to understanding the logging question.

You are required to have two pilots by the regulations in order to carry pax IFR under Part 135. You are allowed to use just one pilot under certain sets of conditions. Remember, just because the conditions are met (working autopilot, approved OpsSpecs, etc) does not mean that your company has to use only one pilot, just that they can if they want to. If they decide not to take advantage of the autopilot in lieu of SIC then the second pilot is a required crewmember and can log the Part 135 flight time appropriately.

:yeahthat:

Exactly like our ops specs

 

[Bandit_Driver]

I would hazard a guess that your OpsSpecs is worded a little differently than that. Instead of saying that "...an SIC is required if the autopilot is not working...", I suspect that it will actually say something to the effect of "...a person may operate an aircraft without a second in command, if it is equipped with an operative approved autopilot system...". The difference in wording is key to understanding the logging question.

You are required to have two pilots by the regulations in order to carry pax IFR under Part 135. You are allowed to use just one pilot under certain sets of conditions. Remember, just because the conditions are met (working autopilot, approved OpsSpecs, etc) does not mean that your company has to use only one pilot, just that they can if they want to. If they decide not to take advantage of the autopilot in lieu of SIC then the second pilot is a required crewmember and can log the Part 135 flight time appropriately.

:yeahthat: