Safety pilots confuse a lot of people. Even instrument-rated pilots sometimes get the rules wrong. Let me break down what I’ve learned.
When You Need One
Flying under the hood for instrument practice or currency. You can’t see outside, so someone else needs to watch for traffic and terrain. That’s your safety pilot.
Simulated instrument conditions only. If you’re actually in the clouds with an IFR clearance, no safety pilot needed – ATC is separating you from traffic.
Requirements
Private pilot certificate minimum. Must have at least the appropriate category and class rating. If you’re flying a multi-engine plane, they need multi-engine rating.
Current flight review. Medical certificate – at least BasicMed if acting as PIC.
PIC Confusion
Here’s where it gets tricky. The person under the hood can log PIC time for the instrument work. The safety pilot can ALSO log PIC time if they’re acting as PIC.
Acting as PIC means responsible for the flight. Usually whoever’s not under the hood is the acting PIC. Both can log PIC simultaneously, which sounds wrong but is legal.
Passengers
Can you carry passengers with a safety pilot? Yes, but the safety pilot must meet passenger-carrying currency requirements if they’re the acting PIC.
Practical Tips
Brief roles before the flight. Who’s acting PIC? Who handles what emergencies? Clear communication prevents confusion.
Safety pilot should actually watch outside. I’ve seen “safety pilots” staring at their phones. Defeats the purpose.
Stay within the safety pilot’s comfort zone. If they’re not comfortable with the approach you want to practice, pick a different one.
