PilotSeal

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Pilot Logging & Currency

Pilot PIC Time Logging

A focused interpretation of FAA Hicks (1993) on how a safety pilot may log flight time during simulated instrument flight.

Answer: The FAA interprets that acting as PIC and logging PIC time are separate concepts. Under certain conditions, both the safety pilot and the pilot flying under the hood may log PIC time simultaneously.

Can a safety pilot log PIC?Can both pilots log PIC during simulated instrument flight?
Instrument Training

Instrument Time and Cross-Country

A focused interpretation of FAA Gordon (2006) on whether instrument training time and PIC cross-country time may be credited concurrently toward an instrument rating.

Answer: The FAA interprets that the aeronautical experience requirements of §61.65(d)(1) and §61.65(d)(2) may be accumulated concurrently, provided each flight independently satisfies the requirements of both provisions.

Can instrument training time also count as cross-country PIC?Can I log instrument training and cross-country time on the same flight?
Instructor Rules

Can a CFI Instruct from a Jump Seat?

A focused interpretation of FAA Williams (2018) on whether a flight instructor can provide instrument training without occupying a pilot station.

Answer: The FAA interprets that, in the described scenario, instrument instruction may not be conducted when the instructor is not occupying a pilot station with access to the controls.

Can a CFI instruct from a jump seat?Can a CFII give instrument training without sitting at a pilot station?
Operations & Equipment

Foreign Examiner as PIC?

A focused interpretation of FAA Olson (2016) on whether a non-FAA examiner may conduct a flight test in an N-registered aircraft and what certificate level is required.

Answer: The FAA interprets that, in the described scenario, the foreign examiner would be treated as acting as PIC in a compensated operation, which affects required certificate and medical level.

Can a foreign examiner act as PIC in an N-registered aircraft?Does a non-FAA examiner need a commercial certificate?
Instructor Rules

Initial CFI Training Requirement

A practical interpretation of FAA legal opinion on whether initial CFI applicants must receive training from a qualified senior CFI.

Answer: Initial CFI applicants must complete required training with a qualified senior CFI; prior or informal training cannot replace this requirement.

Who can train an initial CFI applicant?Does initial CFI training require a two-year CFI?
Instrument Training

Instrument Time and Cross-Country

A focused interpretation of FAA Gordon (2006) on whether instrument training time and PIC cross-country time may be credited concurrently toward an instrument rating.

Answer: The FAA interprets that the aeronautical experience requirements of §61.65(d)(1) and §61.65(d)(2) may be accumulated concurrently, provided each flight independently satisfies the requirements of both provisions.

Can instrument training time also count as cross-country PIC?Can I log instrument training and cross-country time on the same flight?