co-capt. logging time

[Daveman]

I keep a second column called "Type 2 PIC" in my logbook software. I log all time like that both as PIC and Type 2 PIC, that way I can easily subtract the difference between the two if required by a potential employer.

you're joking, right?

 

[skyaddict]

I know, signing in the digital age is just an expression... "signed", "acted as PIC", "was final authority responsible for the flight", yada yada, you get the idea. And as has also been pointed out in previous threads, when push comes to shove, anyone can log anything they want in their logbook (I have known pilots who choose to log all time on an IFR flight plan as IMC- whatever) and it's not "illegal" per se. I can go out in a C172 (or for that matter MS Flight Sim) and log it in my Jepp logbook as PIC Concorde or Space Shuttle. It's only a *potential* legal and/or ethical issue if one is representing it as time for the purposes of FAA requirements, and/or to an interviewer or application sheet, which is why if there is a potential issue, it can make sense to clarify the definition of PIC- to avoid being accused or rejected simply because someone thinks you are trying to pull a fast one, even if you are not.

Occasonally the FAA toyed with the idea of aligning the "logging" and "acting" definitions of PIC, but the two are such different definitons and the history of those two very different definitions is so entrenched, that to do so would have created more logging hassles than it would have saved. So the idea has never been seriously pursued, and the two definitions (part 1 and part 61) remain completely distinct.

 

[snow-back]

Who has final authority over the conduct of the flight? Who will the FAA speak with first in the event of an accident or incident? Just because you're the sole manipulator of the controls, doesn't mean your the acting PIC. Log what you want, but unless you've been designated as PIC by whoever in your company has authority to do so (maybe the co-captain for that flight), you should be logging SIC time.

FYI, my company has everyone typed and all the flying is done from the left seat. Regardless of who's flying, the acting PIC is the person listed as such at the time of dispatch.

 

[alaskaborn]

Seems to me that if I'm in the left seat, sole manipulator, with a type rating, the FAA is going to come after me in the event of an incident, accident, inquiry, even if the other guy in the cockpit has more time and is designated by our insurance as PIC. I'm logging all of my left seat time as PIC and right seat time as "company required SIC". I don't log t/o and landings when I'm right seat and I don't log IMC time over there either. I have a seperate column for PIC turbine so I can drop it down to that figure if my total turbine is ever questioned. Maybe it's overkill, but I think this way, I'd be able to go back and answer how I justified the time I'm putting in the book.

 

[Seadogrun]

Thanks for everone's responses.

 

[LJPilot]

I have two seperate PIC columns. One is labeled PIC, and the other is labeled Aircraft Commander Jet. That's the column the majors want to see. If Im flying, but Im not signing for the aircraft, I just log it as PIC time. I dont know how right it is, but I'll fully stand behind it when questioned in an interview.

 

[svcta]

i have 5 columns for PIC in my logbook. With and without passengers, PIC on tuesdays, PIC Fri-Sun, PIC before lunch on Mondays or Wednesdays. The rest is all just regular PIC if I'm flying or SIC if I'm not. Which means that I actually have 6 PIC categories, but this isn't a leap year so it's all technically "type 4" PIC this year which means that it all goes in the same column regardless.

 

[LJPilot]

OK, I get your piont, but I dont think having a commander column is a bad thing. Ive heard that in Europe they distinguish between the two and log it that way.

 

[stupidpilot]

Your legs are *definitely* loggable as PIC according to the FAA logging regs, as defined by part 61. However, except when you are signing for the aircraft, it definitely can *not* be represented as PIC as defined by Part 1, which is what most employers who require a minimum of turbine PIC specify- namely the person signing for the aircraft (even though the SIC is still held responsible in a 2-person operation). Therefore, just be careful to never misrepresent SIC legs as part 1 PIC time... but by all means log it as part 61 PIC, while highlighting on any application (even if only via a footnote) that it is in accordance with Part 61, not Part 1.

Bingo, most emplyers refer to part 1 when referring to PIC. Part 61 yes you can. But if you are logging it for future reference to get a job do what he said.

 

[BoilerUP]

Part 91 operations are different than 121/135...and even within 121 there are different philosophies toward PIC.

If I were Part 91 and typed in the aircraft I'd log all my legs PIC...and if there is some sort of grey area beyond that, simply have the pilot whose leg it is name on the flight plan.

 

[Coool Hand Luke]

If you are typed, current, and assuming you are held resposible for any "problems" with the Fed's; then log P.I.C.
Manipulating or not, when you get that letter, both pilots now days are held resposible for the flight, so you might as well log the time you are entitled to. Believe me, they will come after both of you.

Well said Southern!

 

[onthebeach]

All I can do is laugh.

This "logging-of-PIC-flight-time" question comes up all the time. Continuously. Perpetually. I don't expect it'll ever go away. Well, let me show you with something you have obviously never read; it's an excerpt from the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 14, Part 61, Section 51, Paragraph (e):

"Logging pilot-in-command flight time.(1) A sport, recreational, private, or commercial pilot may log pilot-in-command time only for that flight time during which that person—
(i) Is the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which the pilot is rated or has privileges;
(ii) Is the sole occupant of the aircraft; or
(iii) Except for a recreational pilot, is acting as pilot in command of an aircraft on which more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted.
(2) An airline transport pilot may log as pilot-in-command time all of the flight time while acting as pilot-in-command of an operation requiring an airline transport pilot certificate.
(3) An authorized instructor may log as pilot-in-command time all flight time while acting as an authorized instructor.
(4) A student pilot may log pilot-in-command time only when the student pilot—
(i) Is the sole occupant of the aircraft or is performing the duties of pilot of command of an airship requiring more than one pilot flight crewmember;
(ii) Has a current solo flight endorsement as required under §61.87 of this part; and
(iii) Is undergoing training for a pilot certificate or rating."

This information, along with much other information, is contained in several sections of the Code of Federal Regulations. Folks who obtain Pilot Certificates in the U.S. are required to be familiar with these sections. Also, Pilots operating in the U.S. are supposed to abide by these Federal Regulations, although in practice, very few do. Most just do what they think is logical, or what someone else told them to do, or whatever they feel will best serve their interests; and this is especially the case when it comes to the subject of logging PIC time.

Have a nice career, and fly safely. All the best....

 

[sleepy]

Who is the final authority as to the operation of the aircraft? There can only be one final authority, and that person is the PIC regardless of whether you have a type rating, what seat you are flying from, or what the FAA will do to you if you have an accident while flying the leg.

 

[onthebeach]

wake up, Sleepy

The man asked if he could log PIC time. The answer is in 61.51(e). Your post did nothing but muddy up water that has already been muddied. A lot of you guys spend your lives navigating in muddy waters. You should pay attention and read the regs instead.

 

[sleepy]

The man asked if he could log PIC time. The answer is in 61.51(e). Your post did nothing but muddy up water that has already been muddied. A lot of you guys spend your lives navigating in muddy waters. You should pay attention and read the regs instead.

I don't think the water is muddy at all. The Chief Pilot or his representative designates a PIC for each trip. Unless you are relieved, that person is the PIC, makes all decisions regarding the conduct of the flight, is in contact with operations for changes, deals with the passengers, etc..... That person is responsible for the flight, his name is listed on all flight plans as the PIC of the flight and he is responsible for everything that happens or does not happen on that flight. Is that clear? There can only be one PIC.