So I've been on the fence about knocking the test out because while I'll make the 750TT no problem, I can't seem to get a clear answer on the 250 PIC. My dilemma is this, I have ~400 TT right now, ~80 of which I signed for in 45's and Hornets, but I transitioned to the P8 this year. Now even if I upgrade quickly I will not be able to upgrade to A/C and get the 170 hours in the next 24mo. The question I have been calling around about is this, has anyone short on aircraft commander time been able to use this:
Logging right-seat PIC time
Low-time copilots who need to log more pilot-in-command (PIC) time toward the ATP requirement of 250 hours of PIC time have an option available to them for logging PIC time from the right seat.
FAR 61.51(e) says, in part, that a commercial pilot “may log pilot-in-command flight time for flights … [w]hen the pilot is the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which the pilot is rated,” or “[w]hen the pilot … acts as pilot in command of an aircraft for which more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted.”
FAR 61.51(e) also permits logging PIC time from the right seat “[w]hen the pilot performs the duties of pilot in command while under the supervision of a qualified pilot in command provided (A) The pilot performing the duties of pilot in command holds a commercial … pilot certificate and aircraft rating that is appropriate to the category and class of aircraft being flown, if a class rating is appropriate; (B) The pilot performing the duties of pilot in command is undergoing an approved pilot-in-command training program…; (C) The supervising pilot in command holds … (2) An airline transport pilot certificate and aircraft rating that is appropriate to the category, class, and type of aircraft being flown, if a class or type rating is required; and (D) The supervising pilot in command logs the pilot-in-command training in the pilot’s logbook, certifies the pilot-in-command training in the pilot’s logbook, and attests to the certification with his or her signature, and flight instructor certificate number.”
To claim their log book "First Pilot Time" as PIC time for the FAA? I'm not looking to get out, but if it goes that way I don't want to be the first buy to pay $15K either. Any insights would be great.