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Can I, a PPL Instrument Student, log PIC when in IMC and my CFII is sitting next to me?

Asked by: 2883 views FAA Regulations, Instrument Rating, Student Pilot, Weather

Im an instrument student and my CFII says I can not log PIC when under an IFR clearance/in IMC. That doesnt seem right according to 61.51 (e)(i).

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2 Answers



  1. Kris Kortokrax on May 23, 2017

    Your instructor is wrong. You could not act as PIC, as you do not have an instrument rating, but, if you are rated for the aircraft you are piloting, and you are sole manipulator of the controls, you certainly can log PIC time.

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  2. Russ Roslewski on May 23, 2017

    It doesn’t even have to be your instructor with you. If you are with a current, instrument-rated pilot, and you are the one doing the flying, you can also log PIC and Actual IMC. See the FAA interpretation on it here:

    http://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/agc/pol_adjudication/agc200/interpretations/data/interps/2011/walker%20-%20(2011)%20legal%20interpretation.pdf

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