Readback: November 2018

Mr. Bencini-Tibos excellent article, Regulation Fine Points in July might possibly leave the reader thinking that the safety pilot could log time when the flying pilot was not under the hood. FAA Office of Chief Counsel makes it clear in a legal interpretation on this matter dated June 22, 2009 to Jeff Gebhart, that the safety pilot can log only that time that the flying pilot is under the hood. Since the flight is made in an aircraft that does not require a SIC the safety pilot was not a required crew-member during the time the other pilot did not have the hood on, so the safety pilot does not get to log anything during that portion of the flight.

Key Takeaways:

• A safety pilot can only log flight time when the flying pilot is actively "under the hood" simulating instrument conditions, a point clarified by FAA legal interpretations.
• While the 20-25 mile rule for avoiding weather cells is generally conservative, it is a crucial safety guideline, particularly for intense cells, with pilots advised to use multiple indicators to assess cell severity.
• Cross-border IFR filing between the U.S. and Canada is generally smooth and efficient, with no perceived difference in ATC treatment, though VFR phone filing issues and a distinction between ATC and eAPIS were noted.
• Readers praised the IFR Magazine for its timely and relevant articles that enhance IFR flying skills, highlighting the efficiency of the U.S. ATC system and the benefits for GA pilots compared to other parts of the world.

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