The Second in Command (SIC) pilot operates as designated for a flight or series of flights in accordance with the principles and procedures required by FAR Part 135. The SIC is responsible for the safe execution of assigned flight duties. The SIC supports the Pilot in Command (PIC) in their final authority regarding the operation of the aircraft and exercises Operational Control at the Tier 2 level as described in the General Operations Manual, Chapter 5. The SIC must meet the minimum qualifications specified by Federal Aviation Regulation Part 135.245.
This fixed-wing pilot position offers a rotating schedule of 7 days on duty followed by 7 days off. While on duty, the pilot serves a 12-hour shift (or up to the maximum allowed under Part 135 if on mission) from home and must be able to meet the program’s specified call-out time to meet the planned launch time of a trip. Pilot shift assignments consist of either a day duty period or a night duty period and are scheduled the month prior by the Base Lead Pilot to provide pilots sufficient opportunity to prepare their rest cycle. Pilots can expect to serve the same duty period during their assigned 7 days on shift and then rotate to the next duty period during their next 7-day shift assignment. Changes to duty periods within a 7-day shift assignment are discouraged but can occur depending on local needs at the Base.