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When I started building hours in the US, I heard rumors of a magical way to build hours cheaper than in any other country.
People said: "You can fly with your friends and you both write down the hours and split the cost".
Sounds attractive. doesn't it?
I decided to look into it to discover the truth.
CAN YOU LEGALLY LOG FLIGHT HOURS WHEN YOU FLY WITH ANOTHER PILOT?
Let's take a look at the FAA regulations.
Is it legal?
FAR 61.51(e) states logging PIC time:
(iii) "When the pilot, except for a holder of a sport or recreational pilot certificate, acts as pilot in command of an aircraft for which more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted;
FAR 91.109 states Simulated instrument: (c) No person may operate a civil aircraft in simulated instrument flight unless - (1) The other control seat is occupied by a safety pilot who possesses at least: (i) A private pilot certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown;
That means - If there are two pilots in the aircraft, one flying with a hood under simulated instrument conditions, and the other is a safety pilot,
BOTH PILOTS CAN LOG THE TIME
Since The flight requires two pilots
Go Deeply
When a pilot practices instrument flying, under VFR conditions, the pilot flies with a view-limiting device such as a hood or foggles.
To safely fly in VFR conditions without looking outside, the pilot needs an additional assistant, a "safety pilot" who is authorized to fly this aircraft.
What qualifications are needed to be a Safety Pilot?
According to FAR 91.109, 61.3
Hold at least a private pilot certificate with the category and class rating appropriate to the aircraft to be flown
Current medical certificate or BasicMed
The safety pilot has adequate vision forward and to each side of the aircraft,
The safety pilot has determined that the flight can be conducted safely
The safety pilot needs to be designated prior to the flight as the "Pilot in command" of the flight, although the pilot doesn't fly the aircraft. it is the safety pilot's responsibility to ensure the flight is safe.
Note:
To ensure that either of the pilots will be legal to log cross-country time for the sake of an instrument rating or a commercial certificate, they need to make sure that the pilot who flies with the view-limiting device, will also be the one that performs takeoff and landing.
How to log it?
Let's use an example.
Pilots A and B flew from KGAI to KJFK and practiced instrument flying.
Both pilots hold a medical certificate and have the proper category and class rating for the aircraft flown.
The flight took 3 hours.
Pilot A flew the airplane with a hood for 2.7 hours, Pilot A performed the takeoff and landing which took 0.3 hours.
Pilot B was the safety pilot.
This is how their logbook looks:
Pilot | Flight Time | PIC Time | Simulated Instrument | X-Country Time |
Pilot A | 3 | 3 | 2.7 | 3 |
Pilot B | 2.7 | 2.7 | - | - |
Besides this fantastic way of sharing time and splitting the cost, It is also a great way for "fresh" pilots to practice with more experienced pilots.
Use this method to enhance your experience, and learn from others.
Bottom line:
Two pilots can share flight time while flying across the country, both log PIC time, have fun, pay less, and become better pilots!
For more information, please review this recent FAA legal interpretation.
How do you build your flight hours?
Do you prefer flying solo or with another pilot?
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