On Sun, 9 Dec 2007 15:18:36 -0600, "Maxwell"
wrote:


"Larry Dighera" wrote in message
.. .

Of course, in the event of simulated IMC (hood work) the safety pilot
(usually the CFI) is a required crew member.

Granted a safety pilot is often a CFI, but do the FARs even require this
persons to be certificated?


Think of it this way. If the PIC is flying blind in VMC, how can he
comply with the see-and-avoid regulations? If the safety pilot is not
does not hold an airmans certificate, how can he be expected to comply
with the see-and-avoid regulations? How would you feel about sharing
the skies with non-certificated aircraft operators?


http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text... .1.3.10.2.4.5
§ 91.109 Flight instruction; Simulated instrument flight and
certain flight tests.

(a) No person may operate a civil aircraft (except a manned free
balloon) that is being used for flight instruction unless that
aircraft has fully functioning dual controls. However, instrument
flight instruction may be given in a single-engine airplane
equipped with a single, functioning throwover control wheel in
place of fixed, dual controls of the elevator and ailerons when—

(1) The instructor has determined that the flight can be conducted
safely; and

(2) The person manipulating the controls has at least a private
pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings.

(b) No person may operate a civil aircraft in simulated instrument
flight unless—

(1) The other control seat is occupied by a safety pilot who
possesses at least a private pilot certificate with category and
class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown.

(2) The safety pilot has adequate vision forward and to each side
of the aircraft, or a competent observer in the aircraft adequately
supplements the vision of the safety pilot; and

(3) Except in the case of lighter-than-air aircraft, that aircraft
is equipped with fully functioning dual controls. However,
simulated instrument flight may be conducted in a single-engine
airplane, equipped with a single, functioning, throwover control
wheel, in place of fixed, dual controls of the elevator and
ailerons, when—

(i) The safety pilot has determined that the flight can be
conducted safely; and

(ii) The person manipulating the controls has at least a private
pilot certificate with appropriate category and class ratings.

(c) No person may operate a civil aircraft that is being used for
a flight test for an airline transport pilot certificate or a class
or type rating on that certificate, or for a part 121 proficiency
flight test, unless the pilot seated at the controls, other than
the pilot being checked, is fully qualified to act as pilot in
command of the aircraft.