Night Currency

[mastermags]

As long as your acting as an instructor, I see nothing wrong with it. (stole this from one of Rframe's post).

61.57(b)

(b) Night takeoff and landing experience. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, no person may act as pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers


There are a couple letter of interpretations from the FAA on this. Here's a snippet from one from Rebecca MacPherson (Assistant Chief Counsel).


We agree that, for purposes of section 61.57(b), an authorized instructor providing instruction in an aircraft is not considered a passenger with respect to the person receiving instruction, even where the person receiving the instruction is acting as PIC. (The instructor must be current, qualified to instruct, and hold a category, class and type rating in the aircraft, if a class and type rating is required.) The instructor is not a passenger because he is present specifically to train the person receiving instruction. Neither is the person receiving instruction a passenger with respect to the instructor. This training may take place, even though neither pilot has met the 61.57(b) requirements.

Isn't this what we're discussing? MidlifeFlyer, are you saying that any currency (tailwheel, night, single-engine day) fulfills this requirement of giving dual at night without being night current?

 

[MidlifeFlyer]

The "instructor must be current" refers to instructor currency, not pilot currency. The bottom line of the opinion with respect to "landing currency: is that part that says that neither instructor nor passenger is considered a passenger with respect to each other.

 

[djackd]

I understand the regulatory reason why. What I don't understand is HOW the FAA came to the conclusion that it would be OK for a CFI to provide any kind of dual (as long as they're not acting PIC or as a required crew member) without out a medical? What's reasoning behind the exception?

Why does the FAA think it's ok to allow a CFI with out a medical to hop in a plane with a pilot who could have possibly not flown in 24 calendar months to give a flight review? Yet, it's NOT ok to let a certified private pilot (with out a medical) act as a pair of eyes to a another pilot in simulated IMC conditions? Yes, I know the "crewmember" thing... But WHY? From a safety standpoint it really doesn't make any sense....

It could be actually because of the "eyes". The FAA wouldn't want a pilot acting as a safety pilot if they couldn't get a medical because they don't meet the vision requirements.