Can a company operate in IMC with a single pilot, and under what condition might an SIC be assigned?

• A. No
• B. Yes, always
• C. Yes, however, if an Ops Controller feels that the weather is low enough to warrant an SIC, one will be assigned
• D. Only with IFR clearance

Answer: (C)

In IMC, a company can operate with a single pilot, but a second pilot can be added when the situation warrants it. The key point is that an SIC may be assigned by the Operations Controller if the weather is low enough to justify having two pilots aboard. The SIC provides another qualified pilot to share workload, monitor instruments, and ensure procedures are followed, which enhances safety when conditions are challenging. So, while one pilot can operate in IMC, the presence of an SIC is not automatic—it’s based on the weather and the ops decision to assign a second crewmember. The choice isn’t limited to IFR clearance as the sole trigger; it’s about the weather conditions and the operator’s safety decision to add the additional pilot.