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4 Answers

Non-Current Instrument Pilot flying in IMC but not acting as PIC

Asked by: 3216 views
General Aviation

Pilot "A" is not IFR current (second six months) but is rated for instrument flying.

Pilot "B" is IFR Current

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Pilot  "A" is the sole manipulator of the AC flying in IMC with a aircraft he is rated for.

Pilot "B" is acting PIC observing and allowing Pilot "A" to fly.

Can Pilot "A" log any time due to being the one actually flying? SIC Possibly?

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4 Answers



  1. Ken White on Sep 24, 2016

    When you can log PIC is covered in 61.51(e).

    Let’s assume the two are flying along in a Cessna 182 and pilot A has a certificate with ASEL privileges. Pilot A can log PIC any time they are sole manipulator of the controls, even while in IMC. The fact that they are not instrument current is irrelevant, even if pilot A did not have an instrument rating at all they could still log PIC while sole manipulator of the controls. As a side note, pilot A could also log instrument time for any time spent in less than VFR conditions.

    Pilot B can only log PIC for any part of the flight that he/she was sole manipulator of the control.

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  2. Mark Kolber on Sep 26, 2016

    Ken, you are correct except for this: “As a side note, pilot A could also log instrument time for any time spent in less than VFR conditions.”

    Keep in mind that if you fly 400′ below a ceiling with no other clouds around and 1,000 miles visibility, you are in “less than VFR conditions.” Logging actual instrument time requires “actual IFR conditions” which means you would be unable to keep the shiny side up without the flight instruments.

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  3. Ken White on Sep 26, 2016

    Great point Mark, poor wording on my part.

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  4. Ticen on Jul 17, 2017

    I liked original explanation. VFR is simply when not flying solely by reference to instruments. 400 below clouds is still in VMC; breaking regs though (unless in class G during day), but still in VMC. Logging instrument time is allowable when flying solely by reference to instruments. A hazy night with false horizons in theory COULD be logged as instrument if you are flying soley by reference to them, right? Anyone rated in aircraft acting as sole manipulator can log PIC (do not even need a current medical or flight review). Acting and Logging PIC always seem to cause great confusion.

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