FAA Instrument Flight Instructor (FII)Instrument RegulationsMedium
A CFII is acting as safety pilot for a private pilot practicing simulated instrument approaches in a Cessna 172 while wearing a view-limiting device. The safety pilot holds only a private pilot certificate with airplane single-engine land rating and no instrument rating. Under 14 CFR 91.109(c), is this arrangement legal?
- ANo, the safety pilot must be a certificated flight instructor
- BYes, the safety pilot only needs the appropriate category and class rating for the aircraft
- CYes, but only if the flight remains in visual meteorological conditions the entire time
- DNo, the safety pilot must hold an instrument rating
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Yes, the safety pilot only needs the appropriate category and class rating for the aircraft
14 CFR 91.109(c)(1) requires the safety pilot to 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. A CFI certificate is not required to act as a safety pilot.
- C. The requirement is about certification, not the weather conditions during the flight.
- D. An instrument rating is not required for the safety pilot role.
Safety Pilot Requirements (91.109)
When one pilot uses a view-limiting device, a safety pilot must occupy the other control seat, hold at least a private pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings, and have adequate vision forward and to each side.
- Minimum: private pilot cert with correct category/class rating
- No instrument rating required for the safety pilot
- Must occupy the other control seat with adequate visibility
Memory trick: 'Safety pilot just needs the wings, not the hood.'