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2 Answers

Logging Pilot in Command time

Asked by: 3341 views FAA Regulations

Is there any way that two private pilots flying a VFR day or night cross country in a single engine Diamond DA-20 can both log pilot in command time? 

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2 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on Nov 10, 2014

    Yes, if one pilot wears a view limiting device and the other pilot acts as pilot in command while serving as safety pilot.

    However, only one pilot can log the cross country time.

    The safety pilot can only log PIC time while the other pilot is under the hood. So he cannot log the entire flight time.

    There are legal interpretations that deal with this subject.

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  2. John D Collins on Nov 10, 2014

    This can be accomplished under certain conditions, but a cross country can only be logged by one of the pilots who is the sole manipulator of the controls for the cross country including the takeoff and landing. To get this to work, both pilots must be rated for single engine land. The pilots agree that the non flying pilot B shall be acting as pilot in command for the flight. Pilot A conducts most of the flying under the hood and is the sole manipulator of the controls. Pilot B acts as the safety pilot as well as PIC. Pilot A logs the entire cross country as PIC in accordance with 61.51 (e)(1)(i) and Pilot B logs the time they are performing the duties of the safety pilot as required by 91.109(c) as PIC for that time as permitted by 61.51(e)(iii). So on a one hour cross country, pilot A logs 1 hour PIC and X/C. Pilot B logs .8 hours as PIC and no cross country (assuming pilot B was the safety pilot for 0.8 hours.

    Reference 61.51(e)(1) in part:

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

    (1) A sport, recreational, private, commercial, or airline transport pilot may log pilot in command flight time for flights-

    (i) When the pilot is the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which the pilot is rated , or has sport pilot privileges for that category and class of aircraft, if the aircraft class rating is appropriate;
    (ii) When the pilot is the sole occupant in the aircraft;
    (iii) When the pilot, except for a holder of a sport or recreational pilot certificate, acts as pilot in command of an aircraft for which more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted;

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