Safety Pilot Requirements: 5 Must-Know Rules Every Aviator Needs to Fly Safe

Introduction

In the arena of aviation, in which precision, vigilance, and cut up-2d decisions can mean the difference between a recurring flight and a life-threatening emergency, the function of the protection pilot often flies underneath the radar—actually. Yet, this unsung hero is a important element in keeping flight protection, particularly all through device education, simulated emergencies, and currency flights.

If you’re a pilot pursuing an device rating, brushing up on your talents, or logging hood time, you’ve probable encountered the necessities for a safety pilot. But do you simply apprehend them? Are you compliant with FAA policies? Are you maximizing protection—or unknowingly placing your self and others at risk?

In this comprehensive, Oscar-worth deep dive, we’ll explore the 5 have to-understand rules every aviator desires to recognize about safety pilot requirements. From regulatory compliance to actual-international excellent practices, this guide will rework the way you view the protection pilot function—for all time.

Rule #1: The Safety Pilot Must Be Qualified and Rated for the Aircraft

One of the maximum misunderstood aspects of the protection pilot necessities is the question: Who can legally serve as a safety pilot?The answer is not as simple as “any licensed pilot.” According to FAR sixty one.3(c) and FAR 91.109(b), the safety pilot need to maintain:

A valid pilot certificate suitable for the class and class of plane being flown.A contemporary clinical certificates (if required).A flight evaluation within the beyond 24 months.

For example, in case you’re flying a complicated, high-overall performance single-engine airplane like a Cirrus SR22, the safety pilot have to keep as a minimum a Private Pilot Certificate with Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL) score. If the plane is complex (retractable tools, flaps, controllable-pitch propeller), while no specific “complicated endorsement” is required through the FAA for the safety pilot, excellent judgment dictates that the person be gifted and familiar with the aircraft systems.

Why This Matters:

Imagine a student pilot training device techniques beneath the hood in a retractable-equipment aircraft. The safety pilot—although licensed—has by no means flown a complicated plane. When an engine problem arises, they’re unable to help successfully. That’s not safety. That’s a legal responsibility.

Rule #2: The Safety Pilot Must Have Clear Visual Conditions and Be Able to See and Avoid Traffic

This is wherein many pilots get tripped up. FAR ninety one.109(b) without a doubt states that when a pilot is underneath the hood (simulating tool conditions), there have to be a protection pilot on board whose sole obligation consists of “seeing and averting different plane.”

But here’s the seize: the protection pilot need to have unobstructed visibility and be in a role to effectively scan for visitors. This manner:

The safety pilot need to occupy a seat with good enough visibility (generally the right seat in maximum GA plane).They must now not be beneath the hood or carrying an eye遮 (obviously).

They have to keep continuous visual lookout—no checking GPS, flight logs, or smartphones.

Regulatory Nuance:

While the pilot below the hood can log device time, the safety pilot can log PIC (Pilot-in-Command) time handiest if they may be the only manipulator of the controls. However, if the protection pilot is performing as PIC for the flight (e.G., due to forex or aircraft requirements), they are able to log PIC time regardless.

Real-World Scenario:

Two pilots are flying a cross-united states. Pilot A is underneath the hood practicing holds. Pilot B, the protection pilot, is scanning outdoor. Suddenly, a drone appears at three hundred toes. Because Pilot B became vigilant, a mid-air collision is avoided. This isn’t just compliance—it’s heroism.

Key Takeaway:

The safety pilot isn’t a passive observer. They are the eyes of the aircraft. Their role is energetic, stressful, and in reality critical to flight safety.

Rule #3: The Safety Pilot Must Be Designated as PIC or a Required Crewmember

This is one of the trickiest aspects of protection pilot requirements: Who is legally chargeable for the flight?

Under FAR ninety one.Three, the Pilot in Command (PIC) is without delay accountable for and the very last authority as to the operation of the plane. So, who holds that identify while one pilot is under the hood?There are  appropriate configurations:

The safety pilot is certain as PIC – In this situation, they expect criminal duty for the flight. This is common when the pilot below the hood is still building experience or doesn’t meet PIC currency (e.G., no current flight evaluate or medical).

The pilot underneath the hood is PIC – This is permissible most effective if they meet all PIC requirements and the safety pilot is appearing as a required crewmember (below FAR ninety one.109). In this situation, the protection pilot is not PIC but continues to be legally required to be gift.

Why This Is Critical:

If an FAA inspector evaluations your logbook and finds you logged PIC time all through simulated instrument flight with out a certified protection pilot on board, you could face enforcement motion. The equal applies if the protection pilot wasn’t properly unique or qualified.

Documentation Tip:

Always file in your logbook:

Who turned into PIC

The function of the safety pilot

Time logged as device, hood, and PIC

Example:“Dual Received: 1.2 hood time. Safety pilot: J. Smith (ASEL, modern). PIC: Self. Conditions: VMC.” This stage of detail protects you and demonstrates professionalism.

Rule #4: The Safety Pilot Must Be On Board and Actively Participating

There’s a dangerous myth in standard aviation: “I can log tool time at the same time as flying solo under the hood as long as I’m in visible conditions.”This is false.

According to FAR 91.109(b), “When simulated tool flight is being conducted… one other pilot should occupy the opposite control seat and be capable of taking immediate corrective movement.”That manner:

No solo hood time, even in clear skies.

No using a passenger as a “spotter” with out a pilot certificates.

No relying on ATC to “preserve you secure.”

Why the Rule Exists:

Simulated tool flight creates a risky blind spot. Even a few seconds of distraction can result in spatial disorientation, loss of manipulate, or mid-air collision. The protection pilot is your backup mind and eyes.

Historical Incident:

In 2016, an NTSB record special a deadly twist of fate wherein a pilot practicing under the hood in a Cessna 172 collided with terrain after a steep flip went omitted. There changed into no protection pilot on board. The NTSB referred to “lack of a certified safety pilot” as a contributing factor.

Moral of the Story:

Rules aren’t arbitrary. They’re written in blood. Never bypass the safety pilot—irrespective of how skilled you are.

Rule #5: The Safety Pilot Must Be Current and Medically Qualified

This very last rule ties everything together. Being a protection pilot isn’t pretty much showing up—it’s approximately being operationally prepared.That means:

Medical Certificate: If the protection pilot is performing as PIC, they must keep a legitimate clinical (until flying below BasicMed or in a Light Sport Aircraft wherein a motive force’s license suffices).Flight Review: Must have finished a biennial flight review (FAR 61.Fifty six).

Recent Flight Experience: While now not explicitly required through law, the safety pilot ought to have latest revel in in the aircraft kind and be proficient in emergency methods.

Bonus: Currency for Logging PIC Time

If the protection pilot intends to log PIC time (e.G., for retaining currency or constructing time in the direction of a higher rating), they should:

Be rated in the plane

Be cutting-edge (which includes takeoffs and landings if sporting passengers)

Be precise as PIC

Smart Practice:

Treat the protection pilot position like a checkride. Would you allow a person rusty or unusual fly with you in IMC conditions? No. Apply the identical standard to VMC schooling.

Beyond the Rules: Best Practices for a Truly Effective Safety Pilot

Regulations set the ground, not the ceiling. 

To increase your flight safety, bear in mind these seasoned-degree tips: 

Roles and obligations,Emergency approaches (engine failure, spatial disorientation, site visitors indicators),Hand alerts,Transition of controls protocol.Use a Checklist.Even if it’s casual, make sure both pilots agree on:When the hood is going on/off,Who has control,Altitude and heading recognition.Rotate Roles

Flying with a peer? Take turns being the protection pilot. It builds empathy, improves communique, and complements basic team resource management (CRM).

Log It Correctly;Use a virtual logbook (e.G., ForeFlight, MyFlightbook) to correctly file:

Safety pilot time.Dual practise acquired.PIC time (if relevant).

Stay Mentally Engaged;The safety pilot need to not be reading a e book, texting, or sound asleep. This is a arms-on, eyes-out, mind-engaged position.

The Safety Pilot Is a Guardian, Not a Formality

The necessities for a safety pilot are greater than bureaucratic checkboxes. They are pillars of a tradition of protection that protects lives, preserves aircraft, and strengthens the aviation network.Every time you don a view-limiting device, you’re trusting a person else along with your life. That’s not a duty to be taken lightly—through either pilot.

So the following time you propose a education flight, ask yourself:

“Do I even have a certified, modern, and engaged safety pilot?” 

If the solution is sure, you’re no longer simply compliant—you’re professional.

If the solution is not any, you’re now not just breaking the guidelines—you’re rolling the dice.

Fly clever. Fly safe. And by no means underestimate the quiet hero inside the right seat.