Logging instrument time

[Amish RakeFight]

Log it. If you're controlling the aircraft by referencing the instruments (no horizon, btwn layers, etc). That's what the FAA regs allow. For instance, one could legally log instrument on a night flight in VFR conditions, if it is necessary to maintain control by use of the instruments. This could be due to a moonless night, lack of lights on ground, etc.

What is really not ALLOWED is logging instrument time just cause you're on an IFR plan. Sounds obvious, but there are some pilots that do.

Hey All:
Slightly different but related...I am a CFI out here in the San Joaquin Valley. You may know about the fires we have had here this summer. Earlier in the summer we were having days where the visibility was 3 miles due to smoke/haze. Well on a couple of days the reported vis was like 1 -2 miles, I cannot remember the exact number, but not legally VFR. As I had to conduct a part 141 instrument stage check on one of these days, my choices were to either cancel or file. We filed and did the 3 approaches and some other stuff required on the check. Here is my question:
I know that as a CFII I can log 'actual' and the approaches if I am teaching in actual instrument conditions. On that particular day I could see the ground but I could not see the horizon in front of me at all. I felt I was not in actual because I was not 'in the clouds.' But some colleagues told me that they would have logged actual and the approaches. So I am not sure what to do.

Regarding the above poster who said the .1 here and there does not matter: I think you are right, but early in your career, it might matter more. I am a CFI in an area that doesn't get much IMC for a good portion of the year. I am at around 1300 hours and am starting to think about the ATP. The total time is easy to come by, I hav the night, the x-c is a little harder to come by(I have 400ish) but by far the 75 actual or simulated instrument is.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

61.51 (g)

(g) Logging instrument flight time. (1) A person may log instrument time only for that flight time when the person operates the aircraft solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions.

 

[Amish RakeFight]

As you can see above, the term "operates" is inclusive of the SIC as well as the PIC as both are required to operate the flight. The plane can not be legally operated without BOTH crewmembers. Therefore, both may log ACTUAL and NIGHT under conditions of flight, regardless of whether you are the FP or NFP.


Oh, and I always thought that 10% rule was ridiculous.

 

[QueensPilot]

Thanks Amish!!