"Larry Dighera" wrote in message
...
In that case, the CFI would be the sole PIC, and the CFI would have to
hold an instrument rating, but would be only demonstrating IMC
operations, not actually instructing in them?

There is always a sole PIC.

That's true.

A CFI is always the PIC with a pre-PP student.

But in this case, would the "student" be able to log PIC time as is
normally authorized?

A pre-PP student can never log PIC time except when flying solo. With a PP
(or sport or recreational) license, you can log PIC time whenever you're the
sole manipulator of an aircraft for which you're rated. But you don't have
to be rated for the flight conditions; so you don't need an instrument
rating to log PIC time in IMC.

CFIs always need an instrument rating.

That's not the way I read the regulations:
§ 61.183 Eligibility requirements...
Doesn't that '_or_' in '(2)' above mean there is an alternate way to
comply with instructor requirements sans an instrument rating?

The wording of 61.183b2 is notoriously unclear. But my understanding is that
it's meant to require an instrument rating (or else equivalent ATP
privileges) for the appropriate class and category of aircraft.

--Gary