As best I can see, the difference is in intent. I might plan,
for example, to go past my comfort level in x-wind landings
with an instructor. That's different from attempting a landing possibly
outside my skill level because "if this was bad, he'd say something".

With intent comes communication. For example: "I've never landed in gusts
this severe; shall we try?".


Well put. The key is how much the instructor knows of the student (and how
much the student tells him). "If this were bad, he'd say something" is
perfectly valid, if the instructor knows he's taking the student outside the
envelops (and is thus extra vigilant). But this puts the onus on the
instructor to be vigilant after the student says so. Now who's "in command"?

A similar issue comes up with an IFR safety pilot. I was in a situation where
I was under the hood with a safety pilot, VFR under an overcast. My safety
pilot says "ok, you can take the hood off now, we're in the clouds".

WHAT????

I was PIC - if I merged with another target, it would be my rear in the sling
(before going into the casket). But I was trusting another.

Jose

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