PIC Time
An important factor in the pilot’s flying experience is the time as pilot-in-command. This is the time when you are the person aboard the aircraft who is ultimately responsible for its operation and safety during flight. In this article we have summarised information about when you may enter the flight time as PIC time in your flight log.
When am I allowed to record PIC time?
Depending on the situation, different rules apply as to when PIC time may be recorded. As a general rule, you may record PIC time when you are performing the duties and functions of the commander.
Information on when PIC time may be recorded is defined in EASA AMC1 (b) (1) to FCL.050 and summarised below. You can also find a condensed overview specific to Switzerland in the guidance material provided by FOCA.
Standard single pilot flights
If you already have a pilot's licence and you are conducting a flight alone or with passengers, you are responsible for the safe conduct of the flight. In your function as commander, you may therefore also record this time as pilot-in-command (PIC). This is also true if you have a fellow pilot on board who does not exercise any pilot duty.
Two pilots flying together in single pilot operation
If two pilots go flying together informally and both hold a valid licence, one of the two must be designated as PIC for each leg of the flight (e.g. one for the outbound, the other for the return flight). Only the designated PIC may log the time. Since the other person is considered a passenger, the designated PIC must also comply with the passenger rule according to FCL.060, meaning they must have conducted three take-offs and landings on the same type or class within the last 90 days as documented in their flight log.
Solo flights as student pilot
As soon as the basic training as a student pilot has progressed far enough, the first solo flights begin. During these flights the instructor himself will not fly on board, but will only be connected via radio. The flight time of these flights may be fully recorded as PIC time. These flights must be signed by the instructor in the flight log.
Do dual flights need to be signed?
In training, not all flights have to be signed. The normal training flights are recorded with the pilot function Dual and do not require a signature.
Examination flights
Since examination flights naturally assume that you are in command as an applicant, these flights may be recorded as PIC as long as the examiner does not have to intervene. This applies equally to Skill Tests, Proficiency Checks and Assessments of Competence.
Be careful with refresher trainings: Dual time instead of PIC time!
Even if you are already an experienced pilot and have held your licence for many years, you are considered a student again when attending a refresher training, training flight, or similar instruction with an instructor. For example, the biennial refresher training to revalidate the SEP (land) class rating under PPL(A) must be recorded as Dual time in your flight log.
Instructors and examiners
Anyone who performs their function as an instructor on a flight may record this time both as instructor time and as PIC time. This applies not only to the training of student pilots but also, for example, to refresher trainings or training flights. This also applies to examiners for the time during which they occupy a pilot seat and perform their examiner function. Note that on such flights it may well be that both the examiner and the pilot are allowed to record PIC time.
Multi pilot operation: Pilot-in-command under supervision (PICUS)
Under multi pilot operation, the commander is determined by the operator prior to the flight (acc. AMC1 (h) to FCL.050). In order for co-pilots to accumulate sufficient PIC time within a useful period of time, there is the possibility for them to perform the duties and functions of the PIC under the supervision of the commander as PIC under supervision (PICUS). For this the operator must have an approved PICUS program and the commander must have the corresponding endorsement defined in it (e.g. Line Training Commander). Unlike the student PIC (SPIC), the supervision does not have to be carried out by an instructor. The entries must be confirmed by the PIC with a signature. In such cases, both pilots may record the time as PIC time.
Flights as student pilot-in-command (SPIC)
When a student pilot is performing the duties and functions of the PIC on a flight with an instructor and the latter is only observing and not influencing the flight of the aircraft, the student pilot may record the flight as student pilot-in-command (SPIC). The entries must be confirmed by the instructor with a signature.
What is the difference between SPIC and PICUS?
While an instructor must be on board for SPIC, this can also be an experienced commander for PICUS as defined by the corresponding operator’s PICUS program. PICUS is only an option in multi pilot operation. The applicable pilot function is usually defined by the syllabus used in training.
What do I have to pay attention to when I enter PIC time in my flight log?
In addition to the actual recording of the flight time in the pilot function PIC, it should also be noted that the PIC name must be indicated accordingly. According to EASA AMC1 (i) (5) to FCL.050, either your full name or the remark “Self” may be used. It is important to choose one option at the beginning and to use it consistently. It is not correct to use the instructor's name as the PIC name on a solo flight nor to write down the PIC name "Self" in the case of a failed proficiency check.
