How Do I Build Time with a Safety Pilot?
Building time efficiently often involves shared flying using FAA regulations that allow both the Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and the Safety Pilot to log hours. Here’s how it works and what you need to know:
What is a Safety Pilot?
A Safety Pilot is a licensed pilot who monitors the flight to ensure safety while another pilot wears view-limiting devices (commonly referred to as being “under the hood”) to simulate instrument flying conditions. The Safety Pilot ensures visual separation from other aircraft, clouds, and terrain during the flight.
How Does FAA Regulation Apply?
The FAA regulations CFR 91.109 and CFR 61.51 make this shared time-building possible:
1. CFR 91.109:
This rule requires that flights simulating instrument conditions must be conducted in a dual-control aircraft, meaning both pilots have full flight controls. This ensures the Safety Pilot can take control if necessary.
2. CFR 61.51:
• The pilot flying under the hood (simulating instrument conditions) logs the flight as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) time because they are in control of the aircraft.
• The Safety Pilot can also log the flight as PIC time, provided they meet the following conditions:
• They hold at least a private pilot license in the aircraft category and class.
• They act as the required crew member to ensure safety.
How Do Pilots Log PIC Time Together?
• Under the Hood: The pilot wearing the view-limiting device is logging PIC time for the duration of simulated instrument flight.
• Safety Pilot Role: The Safety Pilot monitors safety and can log PIC time concurrently as they are a required crew member for this type of flight.
Key Limitation:
The Safety Pilot cannot log PIC time during taxi, takeoff, run-up, or landing, as the PIC cannot wear view-limiting devices during these phases of flight.
How Our Program Maximizes Your Time-Building
At Airman Flight Hours, our pilots work in tandem to maximize logged hours:
1. Pilots alternate roles between being the PIC under the hood and the Safety Pilot.
2. Flights are scheduled to ensure equal logging opportunities, allowing both pilots to build hours efficiently.
3. By switching roles between flights, both pilots gain valuable PIC time while meeting FAA requirements.
Why This Method Works
This approach provides a legal and efficient way for two pilots to log significant PIC hours while sharing costs and gaining practical experience. It’s a tried-and-true method to reach your time-building goals faster, with the added benefit of collaborating with other motivated pilots.
If you’re ready to build hours while adhering to FAA regulations, join our program today and start flying smarter!
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