“I Need A Safety Pilot.”

“I Need A Safety Pilot.”

We’ve been there. Currency is lapsing, or we just plain feeling like knocking the rust off. Anyway, your go-to safety pilot is away for the summer or you just can’t seem to find your “right seat.”

No worries. VASI is compiling a list of established pilots who comply with the FAR / AIM 61.57 requirements for a safety pilot to conduct your required instrument proficiency work under the hood.

For purposes of defining qualifications for a safety pilot, 14 CFR Part 91 Section 109 (91.109) (c) states:

No person may operate a civil aircraft in simulated instrument fligth 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.

(2) The safety pilot has adequate vision forward and to each side of the aircraft, or a competent observer in the aircraft adequately supplements the vision of the safety pilot; and

(3) Except in the case of lighter-than-air aircraft, that aircraft is equipped with fully functioning dual controls. However, simulated instrument flight may be conducted in a single-engine airplane, equipped with a single, functioning, throwover control wheel, in place of fixed, dual controls of the elevator and ailerons, when—

(i) The safety pilot has determined that the flight can be conducted safely; and

(ii) The person manipulating the controls has at least a private pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings.

The preceding is provided as guidance only. Participants should consult the FAR / AIM for complete requirements concerning safety pilots and recurrent IFR training.

Send your email to [email protected] and we’ll add your name to the list of willing and qualified pilots to ride as safety for area pilots. Upon request, VASI will provide the most current list of available safety pilots for your reference.

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