![A student pilot cannot legally act as a safety pilot for required instrument flight rules (IFR) practice because federal regulations prohibit them from serving as a required flight crew member. [Credit: Shutterstock]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/shutterstock_1977626870-scaled-1.jpg)
Question: I am a private pilot working on my instrument rating, and I have been looking for someone to act as my safety pilot during practice IFR approaches in VFR conditions. I have a buddy who is a student pilot just about to take his check ride. Since he’s done his solo flight, can he act as a safety pilot as long as we stay in VFR conditions?
Answer: The short answer is no. Per cFAR 61.89, General limitations: “(a) A student pilot may not act as pilot in command of an aircraft: (1) That is carrying a passenger and (b) A student pilot may not act as a required pilot flight crewmember on any aircraft for which more than one pilot is required by the type certificate of the aircraft or regulations under which the flight is conducted…”
Since the safety pilot is a required crewmember in this case, they need to hold at least a private pilot certificate.
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