"Ron Garret" wrote in message
...

If the safety pilot is capable and willing to be be PIC under IFR,
they could do that. But, the answer you were probably looking for is
that you can just ask for a "practice" approach:


The safety pilot would have to be IFR rated.


Nope, just has to be rated for the type aircraft being operated and have
a current medical. Doesn't have to be IFR rated or current.


To operate under the conditions stated, with an IFR student on an IFR flight
plan, the safety pilot would have to be IFR rated.