LockheedFix

Do most heavy guys pretty much log PIC time for every sortie they flew since upgrading to Aircraft Commander? I ask because I've had several flights where I flew with another AC either in the other seat or standing and often the other guy has the A code.

For example, I've done several flights where I was coded as an IP and I just got on to get the other guys an engine-out go around/landing, but the other pilot maintained the A code. But unless you keep the orders for every mission, there is really no way to tell whether you were actually the PIC or not.

Can I assume that most airlines are not that nitpicky when it comes to PIC time, and that if you are a flying as a qualified AC/IP, but not necessarily the A code it's close enough for government work?

Also, I couldn't find anything on here about simulator time. J-model guys get a lot of currencies in the sim these days, and there's a push to do more and more in the sim. You'd think with the challenging profiles that we fly in there that time would count for something, but I'm guessing that falls into the "it depends on the airline category."

Lobaeux

Your squadron SARMS folks should review each and every 781 that is filed. The review is pretty in-depth. For example, if you logged NVG time, but no associated night time, that should be caught. If you logged an instrument approach, you have to log some sort of instrument time or simulated instrument time. The takeoffs/landings will all equal up on the review as well.
The 'A' code on the orders does not dictate who is in the seat, it is only used for designating who is in command. The 'A' code can stand the entire time, not get in the seat and only log other time, but all the times, primary, secondary and other time all have to add up correctly.
The orders, 781's and review sheets are kept by the SARMS shop, I believe they are kept for some ridiculous amount of time, like 35 years or something.

Sputnik

Hard copy 781s we're kept for a year. Which isn't all that relevant as SARMS, along with the rest of the AF, doesn't care about PIC time.

Most people I knew (not an airline guy but many friends have gone that route and I hope to join them) used a multiple of the time accrued since AC checkout. As in multiplying all time since AC upgrade by .9, the missing .1 accounting for upgrade flights, etc, when you weren't the guy in charge. When you hand over your times, you list how you calculated your PIC and be ready to justify your method.

I've seen similar techniques listed on APC threads, if you search you should be able to find it.