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FAA Interpretation
Clear filterA 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.
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.
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.
A practical interpretation of FAA legal opinion on whether AGI/IGI qualify as authorized instructors for simulator training.
Answer: AGI / IGI cannot provide simulator-based training that counts toward flight training requirements.
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.
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.
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.
A practical interpretation of FAA legal opinion on how private pilot instrument training applies toward instrument rating requirements.
Answer: Private pilot instrument training can count toward total instrument time, but cannot count toward required instrument instruction hours unless given by a qualified CFII.
