Guys guys guys! The question of whether a CFI can log approaches is a good one, but

THERE IS NO GRAY AREA WHEN IT COMES TO A CFI LOGGING PIC!!! Read the regs!

(e) Logging pilot-in-command flight time. (1) A sport, recreational, private, or commercial pilot may log pilot-in-command time only for that flight time during which that person—

(3) An authorized instructor may log as pilot-in-command time all flight time while acting as an authorized instructor.


The instructor does not log PIC because

• the student and him agreed on it
• the flight is flown in clouds
• the instructor is acting as safety pilot
• there is a hamster in the back seat

The instructor logs PIC because HE IS THE INSTRUCTOR!

Logging PIC has almost nothing to do with who touches the controls.