How so? Is Joe not certified for Airplane, Single Engine Land?
That's all Category and Class mean. As far as the complex, Joe
needs a complex endorsement before acting as PIC, but that's
not a Category and Class issue.

Yup... You are correct. I fell into the trap of lumping an
endorsement with C/C, but it clearly isn't.

Joe can be a safety pilot, he just can't act as pilot in command.

Yes. I agree, now that I have been shown the error of my ways... ;-)

Where do you see "and meet all the other pilot-in-command..." ?

I grabbed it off a quick google search, so it might have been some
additional comments from the author of that content.

No. Joe meets the qualifications for Safety Pilot according to 91.109(b),
which includes:

- possesses at least a private pilot certificate with category and class
ratings appropriate for the aircraft

- adequate vision forward and to each side

- dual controls...

- determined the flight can be conducted safely


There is nothing here about requiring a complex endorsement or meeting
any other PIC requirements.

Agreed, again...


Now, for the safety pilot to act as PIC, things are different.

It's a common mistake to think that Category and Class include aspects
like high performance, high altitude, complex, tail wheel, etc., but
it does not. Category and Class is, for example, ASEL, AMEL, ASES, AMES,
etc., and that is it.

Yes... Thanks for pointing that out again. I'm on the same page now!

Best Regards,
Todd