nosehair said:
Now that's what I'm talkin' about! Some actual history as to the evolution of this "misnomer". So, Mark, where did you learn this tidbit of information? Do you have a reference? I am very interested in these specific "old" regs which you refer to.
The FAA maintains a collection. Here's the link to old CAR Part 20
http://dotlibrary1.specialcollection.net/scripts/ws.dll?websearch&site=dot_cars
What you're looking for, for definitions is the Logging Pilot Flight Time section, 20.76, particularly 20.762(b) which says
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The holder of a pilot certificate, other than a student pilot certificate,
may log as solo flight time that portion of any flight during which he is the
sole manipulator of the controls: Provided, That he may log as solo flight time only 50 percent of any flight time during which a certificated instructor or a certificated airline transport pilot is in the aircraft serving as an instructor for the purpose of reviewing or increasing such pilot's skill; and Provided further, That the holder of a commercial pilot certificate while serving in scheduled air transportation shall log his flight time as provided in Part 61.
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And then compare that to, say the Commercial Pilot requirements in 20.14, particularly 20.146:
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Aeronautical experience. Applicant shall have logged
at least 200 hours of solo flight time, of which at least 5 hours shall have been logged within the 60 days immediately preceding the date of filing the application. As part of the foregoing, applicant shall have logged at least 10 hours of solo cross-country flying, which shall include at least one flight over a course of not less than 100 miles with at least three full-stop landings at different points on such course. Such experience shall be certified to by some person, other than the applicant, having direct knowledge of the same: Provided, That a graduate of a commercial pilot course of a certificated flying school shall be deemed to have met the requirements of this section upon presentation of his certificate of graduation within 30 days thereof.
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Won't even find the phrase "pilot in command" in Part 20.
Interesting what you find when recuperating from surgery.