Cloud Logging of Pilot In Command (PIC) Hours: Is it Possible Without Instrument Rating?

Cloud Logging of Pilot In Command (PIC) Hours: Is it Possible Without Instrument Rating?

In the world of aviation, regulations play a crucial role in ensuring safety and consistency. Here's a breakdown of some key rules regarding Pilot in Command (PIC) time logging for pilots without an instrument rating, as outlined by the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) 61.51(e) and related guidance.

Under FAR 61.51(e), a pilot can log PIC time when acting as the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which they are rated, even during flight instruction. This means that a private pilot without an instrument rating can log PIC time during instrument training flights, even if they are flying under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and in the clouds, provided a qualified instructor (Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument, or CFII) is onboard.

It's important to note that this does not grant the non-instrument rated pilot legal IFR PIC privileges; it only permits PIC time logging under training conditions. The regulations distinguish acting as PIC from logging PIC time, with the latter allowed under specified conditions even if the pilot is not instrument rated.

However, if a pilot is flying alone in the clouds without an instrument rating and not under these training provisions, they cannot legally act as PIC and thus cannot log PIC time for that portion of flight.

For other aircraft types, such as gliders and airships, specific pilot certificates and ratings are required to act as PIC. For example, to act as PIC in a glider, a pilot must have a pilot certificate with a glider category rating and an airplane instrument rating. For an airship, a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air category rating and airship class rating is necessary.

In training environments, when flying with a CFI or CFII during instrument training, a pilot can log PIC time if they are rated for the aircraft and are the sole manipulator of the controls. Similarly, a CFI can always log PIC time when they're serving as the authorized instructor (when rated in the aircraft). Both the pilot and the instructor are allowed to log PIC time during training flights, even in the clouds, under FAR 61.51(d)(3).

Moreover, PIC flight time can be used to fulfill the numerous PIC flight time requirements for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate. A pilot can log PIC time if they are the sole occupant in the aircraft or if they act 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.

Lastly, subscribing to the Boldmethod email provides real-world flying tips and information direct to your inbox, every week. The Boldmethod Instrument Procedures course offers knowledge, confidence, and flexibility to be a great instrument pilot.

In conclusion, understanding these regulations is essential for pilots to ensure they are logging PIC time correctly and safely. Always consult the FAA's guidance and regulatory texts for the most accurate information.

1. In aviation, regulations are crucial in ensuring safety and consistency during flying.
2. A pilot can log PIC time while acting as the sole controller of the aircraft that they are rated for, even during flight instruction.
3. A private pilot without an instrument rating can log PIC time during instrument training flights, even if under IFR and in the clouds, if a qualified CFII is onboard.
4. Flying alone in the clouds without an instrument rating and not under training provisions is against the law, and no PIC time can be logged for that part of the flight.
5. For other aircraft types like gliders and airships, specific pilot certificates and ratings are mandatory to act as PIC.
6. To act as PIC in a glider, a pilot must have a pilot certificate with a glider category rating and an airplane instrument rating.
7. For an airship, a commercial pilot certificate with a lighter-than-air category rating and airship class rating is necessary.
8. During instrument training, a pilot can log PIC time if they are rated for the aircraft and manipulate the controls alone.
9. An instructor can always log PIC time while serving as the authorized instructor, rated in the aircraft.
10. PIC flight time can be utilized to meet the various PIC flight time requirements for an ATP certificate.
11. Subscribing to the Boldmethod email provides practical flying tips and aviation information, while the Boldmethod Instrument Procedures course builds confidence and flexibility for instrument pilots.

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