On 6 Sep 2003 17:55:47 -0700, (Doug) wrote:

Client is an instrument rated pilot with his own tailwheel, instrument
equipped airplane. Client is current on tailwheel, but lacks currency
in IFR.

Instructor is CFII and current, but lacks a tailwheel endorsement.

Client wants to take off in VFR, and open an IFR flight plan (on the
instructors qualifications), and fly the IFR flight plan.

Can the instructor file an IFR flight plan and open it in the air
(after takeoff) fly the IFR flight plan and cancel IFR before landing
with the agreement that the client is PIC for takeoff and landing?

It seems to me that the question is "is it necessary to be acting as
PIC in order to open and accept an IFR clearance?" because the CFII
cannot act as PIC in a tailwheel aircraft, yet he does have "catagory
and class" ratings necessary to accept an IFR clearance. But I will
have to admit, I really don't know.

I'll stick my head out and say NO ... because:

Someone has to be PIC.
In instrument conditions, the PIC must have an instrument rating.
To be PIC in a tailwheel a/c, one must have a tailwheel endorsement.

Neither pilot in the above scenario meets the requirements.


Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)