question: can I usefully log it?

You can log instrument time for that part of the flight that
you fly solely by reference to instruments in actual or simulated
instrument conditions. The words "sole manipulator" do not appear
in the instrument logging rules nor is their a requirement to have
any particular rating (instrument or for the aircraft).

Interesting. So did all the time above 18,000 count as instrument
conditions, even though we could see the horizon some of the time? Or
is it only the time we were in IMC?

On May 7, 6:41 am, Ron Natalie wrote:
You can log instrument time for that part of the flight that
you fly solely by reference to instruments in actual or simulated
instrument conditions. The words "sole manipulator" do not appear
in the instrument logging rules nor is their a requirement to have
any particular rating (instrument or for the aircraft).

wrote:
Interesting. So did all the time above 18,000 count as instrument
conditions, even though we could see the horizon some of the time? Or
is it only the time we were in IMC?

The FAA is pretty lenient in what constitute loggable instrument
conditions. If the horizon is indefinite enough to require
instruments (dark night, legally VFR but hazy, etc...) they
will allow it. Just being in the class A, I don't think so.