Are SICs required to have line checks?

• A. Yes under all circumstances
• B. Not required
• C. Only if the CA is new
• D. Only during training

Answer: (B)

Line checks are on-the-line evaluations used to verify a pilot’s ability to operate the aircraft in revenue service, typically focused on someone who has command responsibilities or is newly qualified to perform line duties. An SIC operates under the captain’s authority and performs during routine line operations, but a separate, formal line check for the SIC isn’t a standard requirement. The testing framework usually assesses the SIC through initial qualification, recurrent training, and simulator/LOFT evaluations, with line checks reserved for captains or for pilots upgrading to a captain or changing to a new aircraft/operation. So, in this context, SICs don’t have a mandatory line check as a standalone requirement.