Originally Posted by
JohnBurke
The "SIC" is not required, and may not log the time at all.
What is absurd is the notion of logging total time without it being PIC, SIC, or instruction received. Because in a single-pilot aircraft, the SIC is not required when the autopilot is in use (under a certificate holder authorized autopilot in lieu of a SIC), the "SIC" is not entitled to log the time at all.
x2.
If you're not a PIC, SIC, instructor, dual recipient, or other required pilot crew member (ie safety pilot) then it's not Total Flight Time (aka Total Pilot Flight Time).
OK, there is a one grey area, really more a point of confusion since it's not grey at all: "Total Time" is not defined by the FAR's, so technically has no legal definition. It is not applicable to aeronautical experience. You could "technically" log anything you want as "total time", you just can't use it for FAR aeronautical experience unless it's meets those requirements. So you can log total time when going for an ASEL ride with your buddy who's the PIC if you really want to, just don't try to apply that time for any aeronautical experience or currency purposes.
Also... I would kindly suggest that you don't try to apply such "total time" towards employment applications
