Can a Safety Pilot Log Time During Instrument Approaches?

The question of whether a safety pilot can log time during instrument approaches is a common one, especially among pilots who wish to enhance their flying experience and build different types of flying hours. This article aims to clarify the rules and regulations surrounding this issue.

What Does the FAA Say?

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a safety pilot can indeed log time if their presence is required and they are rated to fly the aircraft. The Pilot’s Guide to Logging Flight Time (FAA Advisory Circular 61-9A) outlines the criteria and specifies the conditions under which a safety pilot can be logged.

Conditions for Logging Time as a Safety Pilot

For a safety pilot to log time during an instrument approach, certain conditions must be met:

The presence of the safety pilot is required for the flight. The safety pilot must be rated and qualified to operate the aircraft. During the specific portion of the flight when the loggable activity is being performed, the safety pilot must be actively involved and not merely present.

Let's explore a practical example to illustrate these conditions.

A Practical Example

Imagine a scenario where an experienced pilot wishes to practice instrument approaches in a multiengine aircraft. The experienced pilot, who is rated in a multiengine aircraft, takes the lead. They taxi out and begin the flight. At 3000 feet above the ground, the experienced pilot dons a view restricting device, simulating the conditions an IFR pilot might encounter.

Since the logistical requirements of the approach require a second set of eyes, the presence of the safety pilot is crucial. As the safety pilot, you are expected to actively monitor and assist if necessary. For this specific portion of the flight, you can log all the time you spent as the safety pilot. During this time, you do not leave your post, nor do you remove your attention from the flight path until the end of the approach.

Let’s break down the timeline:

Taxi out and takeoff: No logging here. Climb to 3000 feet: No logging here. Activating the view restricting device: You start logging as the safety pilot. All three approaches: Log each approach in its entirety. Miss the third approach and climb to a safe altitude: Continue logging as the safety pilot. Taking off the view restricting device: The logging period ends, and you can stop logging time.

This example demonstrates how the presence of a safety pilot can be loggable time if all the conditions are met. It highlights the importance of active involvement and meeting the specific requirements set by the FAA.

Conclusion

Logging time as a safety pilot during instrument approaches is allowable under the right conditions. Pilots seeking to build their flying hours by assisting in complex scenarios, such as instrument approaches, can find this activity both valuable and loggable. It is important to familiarize oneself with the FAA guidelines to ensure compliance and accurately record flight time.

Whether you are a private pilot looking to build experience or a professional seeking to maintain your rating, understanding the rules and regulations governing logging time as a safety pilot is crucial. By adhering to these guidelines, you can enhance your flying skills and build a reliable logbook.