Flying passengers without an AP requires an SIC. If an SIC isn't required, like on a 91 leg or an all-freight operation, SIC time can't be logged. I think that's why Central Air had that letter of waiver so they could do that where guys bought time in the right seat of an AeroCommander.
One of the Central Air guys can check me on that one.
Sidenote:
The following is not intended as a personal attack. I tend to like other guys who have flown or fly aging recip stuff around in the weather. That said, I need to delve into this matter of pilot pay and pay structure, because, like a lot of guys here, I've been hungry for time, low on cash and low on options.
Even when things were slow, five years ago, there were better ways for an entry-level pilot to break into this business. For example, you could fly checks for RAF, FLX, Airnet, etc. I loved working for my check-hauling outfit, and I could go to the doctor! It rocked!
For all the scuz-bag outfits that were doing the buy-your-job deal, there were outfits flying airplanes that nobody else would touch, like Cessna 210s and Piper Lances. Then, like now, there were better options.
The SIC pay is a joke. Let's consider the PIC pay.
The PIC who goes to work there is going to be desperate for every trip, as 24k doesn't pay bills these days. He's going to crossing his fingers every time his nose drips, 'til his health insurance kicks in after a miserable six months. He's going to be scrounging around, hoping to find a job mowing grass or washing planes. Some people might think this will keep a pilot motivated to fly trips. A pilot who wants to hold on to a relatively good job will be more efficient. Proof of this can be found all over the country. Small charter outfits that take care of their crews last. Small charter outfits that don't fail or fall on hard times.
I did the grass-mowing and plane washing thing when I was trying to get my first 1200 hours, so I have a small bit of experience being desperate. I also know I was much more productive when I could finally visit the doctor and have some cysts cut off my head.
The benefit structure is going to promote a sense of desperation in whatever pilot you get.
What do you get by screwing around with your crews, when you can just offer a straight salary to your PIC of 28-35k with immediate health insurance, and have him relax and provide dedicated service? Do you save money? Do you get increased loyalty? Do you get personal satisfaction?
Maybe my heart's getting all soft as my hair falls out. There must be something I'm missing.
