FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Regulations and CurrencyMedium
A private pilot who does not hold an instrument rating agrees to act as safety pilot for an instrument-rated pilot practicing approaches under a view-limiting device in VMC. Which requirement must the safety pilot meet under 14 CFR 91.109?
- AThe safety pilot must have logged an instrument proficiency check within the last 12 months
- BThe safety pilot must be a certificated flight instructor
- CThe safety pilot must hold at least a private pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings for the aircraft flown
- DThe safety pilot must hold an instrument rating in the same category of aircraft
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. The safety pilot must hold at least a private pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings for the aircraft flown
14 CFR 91.109 requires that when simulated instrument flight is conducted, the safety pilot occupying the other control seat hold at least a private pilot certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown; an instrument rating is not required for the safety pilot.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. An IPC requirement applies to the pilot who has lapsed instrument currency, not to safety pilots.
- B. A CFI certificate is not required to serve as a safety pilot.
- D. An instrument rating is not required for the safety pilot role.
Safety Pilot Requirements (91.109)
A safety pilot must hold at least a private pilot certificate with the appropriate category/class rating for the aircraft and must occupy a control seat with adequate visibility.
- No instrument rating required for the safety pilot
- Must hold appropriate category and class rating
- Aircraft must have functioning dual controls
Memory trick: 'See for me while I can't see' - safety pilot just needs private cert + ratings.