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GFPT as copilot?
twb
Topic Author
twb created the topic: GFPT as copilot?
Hi,
we are planning a x-country trip outside of the training area with a PPL (not instructor rated) as PIC. Cessna 172, day VFR, no other passengers. We have a couple of questions.
1. Is a GFPT pilot permitted to operate the controls when outside the training area?
2. Can the PPL (PIC) occupy the right seat? (full dual control aircraft and instructor would normally act as PIC from the right seat in this aircraft).
I have not been able to clearly establish the rules on this and would be grateful if someone could point me in the right direction.
As far as I am aware, a GFPT holder who has not yet converted it to the new RPL, would under the Part 61 rules, not be allowed to operate the aircraft (or even carry a non-instructor passenger) unless actually under instruction since they are still technically a student pilot.
Assuming even the old rules applied, the GFPT holder would be operating outside of their privileges (restricted to the training area, flights authorised by an instructor). To leave the training area an instructor would need to be on board or have authorised the GFPT student for a solo nav.
The PPL holder can however occupy the right seat of a C172 as PIC but only if the PPL holder feels confident of flying from that side. If the GFPT holder is sitting left seat they (ahem...ahem...) can't operate the controls at all, and they definitely cannot log any time.
Thanks for that Richard, we came to much the same conclusion.
We did the flight at the weekend. gfpt took off from home base and landed at an aerodrome in the training area. Then swapped on the ground to PPL in the left seat.
Did the nav exercise with PPL as PIC operating all controls. Flew back to the aerodrome within the training area and swapped back on the ground to gfpt flying the return leg to home base.
All worked out well and we stayed within all the regs. Navigating while not actually flying the aircraft is so much easier than the usual juggling act of trying to do both at the same time. It turned out to be a very valuable exercise.
Cheers
Trevor
