Sport Pilot Talk

MikeM · Joined: 17 Nov 2007 Posts: 62 Location: Bucyrus, Ohio

When is it appropriate for a student pilot to log pilot-in-command hours? There seems to be a difference of opinion betwwen the instructors I deal with. One says it is correct to log the time only when the student is flying solo and another says anytime the student is at the controls. So which is correct? Thanks in advance.

artp · Joined: 03 May 2007 Posts: 154 Location: Odenton, Md

I beleave you can only log dual time as PIC after you have been endorsed for solo flights.

Jeff Tipton · Joined: 26 Nov 2006 Posts: 98 Location: Dickson, TN

The following is taken from LOGGING PILOT-IN-COMMAND TIME

A student pilot can now log PIC. That’s new, and since there is no restriction, your logbook can be updated so that all student solo time prior to August 4, 1997 may be logged as PIC. When an instructor is aboard, since the student is not rated in the aircraft, flight instruction is still logged as dual not PIC.

For more information see the following link.

http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/sdl/local_more/avsafety_program/media/LOGGING%20PILOT-IN-COMMAND%20TIME.pdf

Paul Hamilton · Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 351 Location: Reno/Tahoe Nevada

it is always best to go to the regs:
61.51
PIC time is

e) Logging pilot-in-command flight time.
{New-2004-17 (e)(1) revised July 27, 2004, effective September 1, 2004}
(1) A sport, recreational, private, or commercial pilot may log pilot-in-command time only for that flight time during which that person--
{New-2004-17 (e)(1)(i) revised July 27, 2004, effective September 1, 2004}
(i) Is the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which the pilot is rated or has privileges;
(ii) Is the sole occupant of the aircraft; or
(iii) Except for a recreational pilot, is acting as pilot in command of an aircraft on which more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted.

drseti · Joined: 28 Nov 2009 Posts: 1390 Location: Lock Haven PA

Paul Hamilton wrote:
(1) A sport, recreational, private, or commercial pilot may log pilot-in-command time only for that flight time during which that person--

<snip>

(i) Is the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which the pilot is rated or has privileges;

Paul, note that this does not address the issue of us, as CFIs, logging PIC time while our students are sole manipulators of the controls. That's covered in a sparate FAR (though I don't recall which one - maybe you do).

Safe skies,
Paul

Paul Hamilton · Joined: 21 May 2007 Posts: 351 Location: Reno/Tahoe Nevada

Paul, note that this does not address the issue of us, as CFIs, logging PIC time while our students are sole manipulators of the controls. That's covered in a sparate FAR (though I don't recall which one - maybe you do).

Safe skies,
Paul

it is buried deep in 61.51 Pilot Logbooks

We as CFI's can log PIC time plus training time. Double bonus.
A little further in 61.51

(e) Logging pilot-in-command flight time.

(3) A certificated flight instructor may log pilot in command flight time for all flight time while serving as the authorized instructor in an operation if the instructor is rated to act as pilot in command of that aircraft.