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.
Below you will find all situations in which PIC time may be recorded.
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.
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.
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.
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 training 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 instructor/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. FCL.050 (h)). 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. In any case, the entries must be confirmed by the PIC with a signature.
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.
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. For example, 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.
