Inquiry Regarding Cloud-Based Time Logging for Non-Instrument-Rated Pilots?

Inquiry Regarding Cloud-Based Time Logging for Non-Instrument-Rated Pilots?

Under the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), a pilot can log Pilot in Command (PIC) time as the sole manipulator of an aircraft's controls, even if they are not instrument rated and are flying under instrument flight rules (IFR) with an instructor on board. This means a private pilot without an instrument rating can log PIC time during instrument training flights while being the sole manipulator of the controls with a Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) present and acting as instructor.

However, to legally act as PIC under IFR or in conditions less than Visual Flight Rules (VFR), the pilot must hold the appropriate instrument rating and meet all certification and currency requirements specific to IFR operations as stated in FAR 61.3(e). This includes being rated and current for IFR flight, not solely holding the pilot certificate for the aircraft.

The key distinction is that:

• Logging PIC time: You can log PIC time when you are the sole manipulator of the controls and rated for the aircraft, including instrument training flights with an instructor on board. You need not be instrument rated to log PIC during such training flights.
• Acting as PIC: To legally act as PIC under IFR or in less than VFR weather, you must hold the required instrument rating applicable to the flight conditions, and comply with all related qualifications and currency requirements.

Therefore, FARs allow logging PIC time in a non-instrument rated aircraft under IFR only during training conditions where you are the sole manipulator with an instructor onboard, but do not allow acting as PIC under IFR or in less than VFR without the appropriate instrument rating and currency.

In addition, a pilot can log PIC time in various scenarios, such as during their instrument training when flying with a CFI or CFII, as long as they are rated for the aircraft. PIC time logged with a CFI can also be used towards an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate's requirements.

Moreover, a pilot can log PIC time if they are the sole occupant in the aircraft. For specific aircraft types, such as gliders, airships, or airplanes, additional ratings may be required to act as PIC under IFR or in less than VFR weather.

Lastly, the Instrument Procedures course from Boldmethod can provide valuable knowledge, confidence, and flexibility for instrument training and IFR mastery. Subscribing to Boldmethod's email service offers real-world flying tips and information weekly.

[1] FAR 61.51 - Pilot in command: flight time

[2] FAR 61.3 - General operating and flight rules: pilot certificates and ratings

[4] FAR 61.195 - Flight training: pilot in command flight time

1. Under the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), logging Pilot in Command (PIC) time requires being the sole manipulator of an aircraft's controls, even without an instrument rating during IFR training flights with a Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) on board.
2. In order to act as PIC under IFR or in less than Visual Flight Rules (VFR) conditions, a pilot must hold the appropriate instrument rating and meet all FAR 61.3(e) requirements specific to IFR operations.
3. FAR 61.51 - Pilot in command: flight time specifically mentions that PIC time can be logged when a pilot is not instrument rated, but only for training purposes with an instructor on board.
4. FAR 61.3 - General operating and flight rules: pilot certificates and ratings outlines the qualifications a pilot must meet to act as PIC under IFR or in less than VFR weather, which includes having the appropriate instrument rating.
5. PIC time can be logged during various scenarios, such as during instrument training with a CFI or CFII, but only if the pilot is rated for the aircraft type.
6. A pilot can log PIC time if they are the sole occupant in the aircraft, but additional ratings may be required for specific aircraft types, like gliders, airships, or airplanes, to act as PIC under IFR or in less than VFR weather.
7. PIC time logged with a CFI can be used towards an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate's requirements.
8. FAR 61.195 - Flight training: pilot in command flight time addresses the issue of logging PIC time during training flights, allowing non-instrument rated pilots to log PIC time with an instructor on board.
9. Subscribing to Boldmethod's email service can offer real-world flying tips, information, and valuable knowledge for instrument training and IFR mastery weekly.
10. The Instrument Procedures course from Boldmethod provides confidence, flexibility, and knowledge necessary for successful instrument training and IFR operations.
11. The aviation industry, consisting of finance, transportation, and the aircraft sector, relies on proper adherence to FARs, weather regulations, and aviation procedural and training requirements for safe, efficient, and profitable flight operations.

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