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FAA rules: Aviators-in-training can’t log safety-pilot time for IFR practice

FAA regulations limit how time may be logged during instrument training: an aviator in training may not act as a safety pilot in a way that allows logging that time for IFR practice. The rule reshapes how instructors structure IFR training credit and safety-pilot roles within approved curricula.

Discovered 2026-05-13T07:12:02.774888-07:00 | 2026-05-13T07:12:02.774888-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

  • Training providers and instructors need to align safety-pilot role assignments with FAA time-logging rules, so student logbooks and eligibility thresholds are defensible.
  • The guidance affects day-to-day IFR practice design (who can serve as safety pilot vs. who can log time), reducing the risk of audit findings or credit disputes.
  • It also fits alongside recent FAA approvals for instrument-adjacent training methods like 3D virtual preflight inspections, highlighting how regulatory permission can vary by training activity and logging credit.

Reported By

Flying Magazine
Sources Tracked
1
First Seen
2026-05-13T07:12:02.774888-07:00
Latest Update
2026-05-13T07:12:02.774888-07:00
Coverage
Aviation

Sources

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