Ok, I was wrong about the 3 months...its 30 days.
To qualify as SIC you have to have the requirements met within the first 30 days if it is a 91 operation. Read 61.55 and you'll see that. Maybe some of you should try reading the whole thing instead of just the parts you want to read.
As far as the insurance company or operator requiring SIC's for single pilot aircraft, it is possible. If the insurance company is requiring the operator to use an SIC and the operator includes that requirement in its operating certification then by regulation, the SIC is required. Ops specs hold the same weight as a regulation, if you violate them you violate the FAR's. Even if its a part 91 operation.
Logging IMC as SIC and not actually flying the airplane isn't legal according to an inspector at the San Antonio FSDO. I forgot his name or I would post it so you could verify it. Try calling your local FSDO and asking...the FAA is here to help you.
By the way, CFI's aren't SIC so they really don't apply to this conversation do they?
By the way Squared....my dick is waaaayyyy longer then yours!
here is part of the regulation:
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, no person may serve as a second in command of an aircraft type certificated for more than one required pilot flight crewmember or in operations requiring a second in command unless that person has within the previous 12 calendar months:
(1) Become familiar with the following information for the specific type aircraft for which second-in-command privileges are requested --
(i) Operational procedures applicable to the powerplant, equipment, and systems.
(ii) Performance specifications and limitations.
(iii) Normal, abnormal, and emergency operating procedures.
(iv) Flight manual.
(v) Placards and markings.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, performed and logged pilot time in the type of aircraft or in a flight simulator that represents the type of aircraft for which second-in-command privileges are requested, which includes --
(i) Three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop as the sole manipulator of the flight controls;
(ii) Engine-out procedures and maneuvering with an engine out while executing the duties of pilot in command; and
(iii) Crew resource management training.
(c) If a person complies with the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section in the calendar month before or the calendar month after the month in which compliance with this section is required, then that person is considered to have accomplished the training and practice in the month it is due.