During a training flight, Pilot A wears a view-limiting device and flies solely by reference to instruments while Pilot B, a qualified safety pilot occupying the other control seat, watches for traffic. Which statement correctly describes how each pilot may log this flight time under 14 CFR 61.51(g)?
- ABoth pilots may log the time as simulated instrument time
- BOnly Pilot A may log simulated instrument time; Pilot B may log pilot-in-command time but not instrument time
- CNeither pilot may log any time because no IFR clearance was filed
- DOnly Pilot B may log the time since acting as safety pilot
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Only Pilot A may log simulated instrument time; Pilot B may log pilot-in-command time but not instrument time
Under 61.51(g), simulated instrument time may only be logged by the pilot who is actually flying solely by reference to instruments (Pilot A). Pilot B, as safety pilot, may log pilot-in-command time (since they are required crew and often act as PIC), but cannot log instrument time because they are not flying by reference to instruments—they are looking outside for traffic.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Pilot B is not flying by sole reference to instruments and cannot log instrument time.
- C. An IFR clearance is not required to log simulated instrument time under a view-limiting device in VMC.
- D. Pilot B's role does not allow logging of the actual instrument flight time.
Logging Instrument Time (61.51(g))
Simulated instrument time may only be logged by the pilot flying solely by reference to instruments under a view-limiting device; a safety pilot may log PIC time but not instrument time unless also flying by instrument reference.
- Only the pilot under the hood logs simulated instrument time
- Safety pilot may log PIC time as required crewmember
- Actual instrument time requires flight solely by reference to instruments due to weather
- No IFR clearance is required to practice simulated instrument flight in VMC
Memory trick: 'Only the hood-wearer logs the hours; the watcher logs command.'