Safety Pilot Concerns

Staying current for IFR—with six approaches, some holding and course interceptions within the preceding six months—isn’t that hard for the active instrument pilot. When you enter engine replacements in your logbook instead of hours, you probably don’t need much in the way of practice. But the guy or gal who’s lucky to get their wings wet in some actual once or twice a year has a different challenge. Somewhere in the middle between the two extremes is where most instrument-rated pilots find themselves, of course. Regardless, even the ace of the base needs to go out occasionally and practice a few things, if for no other reason than to get through the next check ride.

Key Takeaways:

• Instrument-rated pilots need regular practice with a safety pilot to maintain proficiency and currency, especially those not flying frequently.
• A comprehensive preflight briefing is crucial to establish clear roles, responsibilities, communication protocols (e.g., control exchange, traffic calls), and pilot-in-command authority between the pilot and safety pilot.
• Careful selection of a legal, knowledgeable, and familiar safety pilot is important, and a thorough post-flight debriefing is essential for both pilots to critique performance, learn from the experience, and plan for future improvements.

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