Can we please sticky this? It comes up all the time and people say that it can be logged just because they heard it could be logged, or they throw some obscure reg out there as justification.

Remember, logging and acting as PIC are two different things. Logging PIC has some pretty clear rules. Acting as PIC is a bit different. FAA and lawyers try to determine who was acting as PIC to assign responsibility. That is why it is always a good idea when two rated pilots get in a plane to assign a PIC. Who is going to make that final decision when it hits the fan and both pilots disagree on what to do?

ok, so on to LOGGING PIC.

THIS IS WHY IT CAN BE LOGGED AS PIC!

§ 61.51 Pilot logbooks.

(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—

(iii) Except for a recreational pilot, is acting as pilot in command of an aircraft on which more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted.


§ 91.109 Flight instruction; Simulated instrument flight and certain flight tests.

(b) No person may operate a civil aircraft in simulated instrument flight unless—
(1) The other control seat is occupied by a safety pilot who possesses at least a private pilot certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown.

Good Idea.