FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)RegulationsEasy
A private pilot rated in helicopters flies with a certificated flight instructor aboard to receive additional training, acting as sole manipulator of the flight controls for the entire flight. May the private pilot log this flight time as pilot in command?
- ANo, because a CFI was aboard and legally acting as PIC
- BNo, only the CFI may log PIC time when providing flight instruction
- CYes, but only if the flight is conducted at night
- DYes, because the pilot is rated in the category and class of aircraft and was sole manipulator of the controls
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Yes, because the pilot is rated in the category and class of aircraft and was sole manipulator of the controls
Under 14 CFR 61.51(e), a pilot may log PIC time when they are the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which they are rated, regardless of who else is aboard or who is the acting PIC for operational purposes. Both the CFI and the rated private pilot may simultaneously log PIC time in this scenario.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The CFI acting as PIC for operational/legal responsibility does not prevent the rated pilot from also logging PIC time as sole manipulator.
- B. Both the CFI and the sole manipulator can log PIC time; this is a common dual-logging scenario.
- C. Time of day has no bearing on the ability to log PIC time as sole manipulator.
Logging PIC Time (61.51(e))
A pilot may log PIC time when sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which they are rated, even if another qualified pilot is also acting as PIC.
- Requires appropriate category/class rating
- Applies regardless of who holds operational PIC responsibility
- CFI giving instruction may also log PIC simultaneously
- Different from acting as PIC, which involves legal responsibility for the flight
Memory trick: Hands on the controls, rating in your pocket — log it as PIC.