A pilot who has not met the experience criteria above will be required to complete the above requirements either as Pilot-in-Command of aeroplanes/helicopters as apppropriate or with a flight instructor, providing that the instuctor does not influence the controls at any time. The carriage of a safety pilot is not permitted to satisfy this requirement.

So it’s specifically mentioned and done away with in the UK. I think your analysis is correct.

I think the point is that in Jim’s example, the other pilot is a passenger and thus disqualified from travelling with the out of date pilot.

And yes, I agree that from a point of view of improving and of safety, an instructor is the better choice. I can look out the window and spot problems but taking control and correcting is a whole ‘nother skill!

I can definitely see your point. And your right, that would not be a “safety pilot” (as defined by the FARs). I actually thought several times about endorsing that position and even now can see both sides of the argument for a qualified current pilot to help a qualified non-current pilot gain recent flight experience.

It might be worth it for me to email a FSDO and get their take on the issue.

Paul

Although I’ve never heard of the term “safety pilot” used except as you’ve described (i.e. look outside while another pilot is under the hood), I believe that the regulations would allow a “non-current” pilot to do 3 takeoffs and landings, with another qualified pilot, and log that time as PIC per 61.51:

61.51 (e) Logging pilot-in-command flight time. (1) A sport, recreational, private, or commercial pilot may log pilot-in-command time only for that flight time during which that person—

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

Of course the other pilot, if not a CFI, would NOT be able to log the time that he or she is not the sole manipulator of the controls as PIC time, even though they would need to be fully qualified to act as PIC (and would be the acting PIC for the flight).

Since I am also a CFI, I’d support the notion that if you are that rusty that you feel you need to take someone along, you should likely take a CFI along as they have the experience from the right seat to help you improve your proficiency in a safe manner.

If in actual instrument conditions:

The safety pilot must be instrument rated, current AND have a valid medical because he is the ACTING PIC (and can log it)

If in simulated instrument conditions:

The “pilot” must meet the PIC requirements (recent, medical, etc.). The safety pilot does not need to have a instrument rating, only be at least a private pilot with appropriate category and class ratings. The safety pilot also does not need to be current because he is serving only as SIC and is only a required crewmember when the “pilot” goes under the hood.

It can get cloudy. The key to remember is that someone always has to be fully qualified to be PIC.

Safety pilot stuff hurts my head.