Can I let someone fly left seat if I'm not a CFI?
 

Hi guys,

I have a friend who is interested in learning how to fly. I'd like to let her fly left seat, problem is, I am not a CFI (yet...that is about a year away). Would letting her sit in the left seat be legal?...I tried to search the FARs, and either I'm blind or there is nothing about it.

And by the way, as I am a commercial pilot in training, I have done a few right seat flights with an instructor in anticipation of a future CFI.

Thanks

Theres no regs that says someone can or cannot manipulate the controls from the left or right seat, shoot you can fly around solo in the right seat if you want. Just don't act/fulfill the privileges of a CFI and you don't have a problem.

reply to post.
 

As I did all my training back in the stone age I would recommend that you wait till you get your CFI and then let your friend sit left ,that way you have all the bases covered if you are unsure or maybe someone else in here knows a bit more about that .:)

You can fly from the right, but I recommend you take a CFI or someone of experience along the first time you do it.

Depending on the aircraft things like the fuel switch and ignition may only be accessible from the left. Your sight picture is different from the right also. These are things you do not want to discover for the first time "alone" with two low time pilots at the controls.

Once you get "checked out" with someone of experience (or a CFI) go for it!

CFR FAR 61.3 covers sit. Without an active instructor's certificate you are not authorized to instruct toward a flight rating or certificate, although you may "play instruct" all you like. Without a student pilot certificate no one may act as PIC of an airplane. A friend wiggling the controls is not responsible for whatever they do, you are.

I see the value in simulated instructing a little perhaps, but there's an obvious limit on the value of it for either party.

Thanks for the responses. Obviously, since I am not a CFI, I can't fill out any logbooks, act as CFI, or charge her money (I don't have my commercial yet-and I am too nice anyways, I'm footing the bill for entire flight because I don't want her to know how expensive flying can be ;) )

I'll give it some more thought, but thanks again.

For her first experience at playing with the plane why does it matter if she sits L or R? Just take her up and give her a ride in the R seat,, It will not matter one bit to her,, You don't want her to do anything but looking outside and getting a feel for controlling the A/C with reference to the horizon anyways,,and obviously she won't land or takeoff so....

It is legal however, insurance companies may not cover anyone but a rated pilot and/or student with instructor in the left seat.

In addition to the insurance company having heartburn with it, if you rent, read your rental contract carefully. Many FBO's prohibit renters from flying right seat.

My advise, before you depart, sitting on the ramp with the engine not running, stick her in the left seat, show her all the instruments, dials, etc, give her a good "tour", but put her in the right seat for the flight.

As everybody has previously stated, it's not a "legal" question but one of liability. Unfortunate, but that's the world we live in.

Unless the AFM says you cannot fly from the right seat, there's no FAR that prevents you from doing that, but like others said, get instruction for your first time.

I agree that there's nothing legally preventing you from letting a friend manipulate the controls from either seat, but I'd bet the farm that your club rules and insurance will not allow a non-CFI to fly right seat. Also you almost certainly cannot allow your friend to manipulate controls during T/O or landing (from either seat). I doubt you could get in trouble by letting your friend fly in cruise flight (make sure he knows to use gentle inputs).

Take your friend for a joyride, wait till you get your FI, then give legit instruction.