What type of certificate must a first officer (SIC) hold to operate Part 121 air carrier operations?

• A. Commercial pilot certificate
• B. Restricted airline transport pilot certificate
• C. Private pilot certificate
• D. ATP certificate

Answer: (B)

To operate as a first officer (Second in Command - SIC) under Part 121 air carrier operations, an individual must hold a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) certificate. This specific certification allows pilots to serve as first officers in scheduled airlines while ensuring they have met the required training and experience standards outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The R-ATP is designed to enable those who have not yet accumulated the minimum flight hours required for a full Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate—typically 1,500 hours—to still work in a commercial airline environment. By obtaining this certificate, pilots can gain essential experience and hours in a structured operational setting, ultimately assisting them in qualifying for an ATP certificate later on.

This is crucial for safety and regulatory compliance in the aviation industry, as it ensures that first officers are knowledgeable about airline operations and safety procedures, even if they do not yet have extensive flight experience.