FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

What is required to serve as a second in command in an aircraft certificated for more than one pilot crewmember?

1. A student pilot certificate

2. A private pilot certificate

3. A commercial pilot certificate with an airplane category rating

4. An airline transport pilot certificate

The correct answer is: A commercial pilot certificate with an airplane category rating

To serve as a second in command in an aircraft certificated for more than one pilot crewmember, the requirement is to hold a commercial pilot certificate with an appropriate airplane category rating. This is because the second in command, or SIC, must possess a certain level of skill and knowledge that comes with a commercial pilot certificate, which indicates that the pilot has met specific training, experience, and proficiency standards. Commercial pilot certification is essential for operating an aircraft in a capacity that involves more complex flight operations, which often includes the ability to act as a second pilot in multi-crew environments. This certificate ensures that the pilot has undergone rigorous training in various maneuvers, instrumentation, and regulations governing commercial flight operations. Other options, while they may involve some level of pilot certification, do not provide the necessary breadth of experience and training required for the responsibilities and expectations associated with being a second in command in a multi-crew aircraft. A student pilot certificate does not provide the qualifications needed for the role, a private pilot certificate may not cover the advanced operational aspects needed for multi-crew environments, and an airline transport pilot certificate is not a requirement for a second in command position, further underscoring that a commercial pilot certificate with the appropriate rating is the correct