Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnBurke
Logging time as pilot in command is not the same as acting as pilot in command; two entirely different things.
Right. The Old guy can log PIC, but the pilot acting as PIC is ultimately the one that is responsible for any liability incurred (In this case the CFI). The difference between the two is therefore simply liability.
In order for a pilot to ACT as PIC, he needs the medical, the license and the flight review - therefore, this old guy would not be able to go fly on his own, let alone log PIC unless an appropriately rated pilot was sitting next to him and assuming full responsibility as acting PIC.
Anytime you're the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft that you are appropriately RATED for, no matter how long it's been since you've flown, you are able to log that as PIC.
There are a few exceptions......If the old guy decides to go up with that CFI in a single engine land aircraft that is complex or high performance (i.e a C182RG) and the old guy does not have the necessary high performance and complex endorsements, then the old guy CANNOT log PIC at all in that aircraft, even though he's appropriately rated in the category and class - Another one is when you're flying in an airplane that can be pressurized....the moment that oxygen comes on, if you don't have a high altitude endorsement, you are not able to log that time that you're up in the flight levels as PIC.