Ok, in 1995 the FAA changed the rules to allow PIC under supervision to count toward the 10 solo hours required for a COMM ME certificate. The rule change this fall allowed PICUS to count for any COMM training. 61.51 was changed this fall to clarify that you can record this training in your logbook.
Revised § 61.51(e)(1)(iv) will allow a pilot performing the duties of a pilot in
command (PIC) while under the supervision of a qualified PIC to log PIC
flight time. The FAA is making this revision to provide another way for
commercial pilot certificate or airline transport pilot certificate holders to log
PIC flight time.
...
This revision parallels and further clarifies the provisions in revised § 61.129 and
existing §§ 61.31(d), 61.159(a)(4), 61.161(a)(3), and 61.163(a)(3) for PIC
aeronautical experience.
AOPA supported the concept, but believed the proposed rule was unclear
and would lead to confusion.
Ya think?
...
Four commenters asserted the proposed provisions are unnecessary, as
pilots acting as PIC under supervision are already permitted to log PIC flight
time under other sections of the regulations.
r..Date Nov<24>2008 16:38 Aug 20, 2009 Jkt 217001 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4701 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\21AUR2.SGM 21AUR2 srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with RULES2
A pilot may log PIC flight time when performing the duties of the PIC while
under the supervision of the § 1.1 PIC. The FAA believes the rule is abundantly
clear that a person may log PIC flight time when performing the duties of the
PIC while under the supervision of the PIC, provided both the person who is
performing the duties of the PIC and the supervising PIC meet the requirements
of the rule.
I guess the Feds don't spend any time reading web pages.
I would say when a reg, such as 61.129(a), tells you you "must log ... flight time" it covers what goes into your logbook. As they say, the revision to 61.51 was supposed to make it clearer that 61.129 and 61.51(e)(iv) go hand in hand.