How to Log Flight Time in Line Training: SIC, Dual, PICUS or Nothing?
Training flights are where logbooks most often go wrong. Which time to log depends on where you sit and why you’re there. It can be either PIC, SIC, DUAL, PICUS or nothing at all. Below are six scenarios pilots run into during line training.
Scenario 1: Trainee FO on the jump seat
You on Jump Seat, Captain on the left seat, another FO in the right seat.
Answer: don't log it.
An observer isn't a crew member, so there's no flight time. Sitting on the jump seat and watching the operation is valuable training, but it doesn't go in your logbook as flight time.
Scenario 2: Trainee FO on the right seat
Line Trainer in the left seat, you on the right seat in training.
Answer: SIC.
You are part of operating crew and you have your type rating already, you therefore log this time as SIC.
Exception: If you are doing base training, that would be DUAL as this is instruction for the purpose of obtaining license/rating.
Scenario 3: FO on the jump seat
Captain Instructor in the left seat, you as Safety Pilot on jump seat
Answer: same as Scenario 1, not logged.
The exception is augmented crew. If you're on board as relief crew, whether and how that time is credited depends on your authority and operator.
Scenario 4: FO performing PICUS from the right seat
Captain or Line Trainer on the left seat. You on the right seat
Answer: PICUS only.
No SIC and no Dual on top. You only log PICUS.
You must actually perform PIC duties, under a supervision scheme your authority accepts. PICUS time is valuable because it can count towards the PIC experience required for an ATPL, which is exactly why it has to be done properly. Most authorities also require these flights countersigned by the captain. With Logger you can do this either in person or remotely with remote signatures.
Scenario 5: Trainee Captain on the left seat
Line Trainer on the right seat, you on the left seat
Answer: it depends on the type of training.
Rating or base training: Dual. The instructor is PIC.
Command upgrade under an accepted scheme: PICUS.
PIC: only once you're actually the nominated commander of the flight.
Sitting on the left seat doesn't make you PIC. What matters is the purpose of the flight and who is nominated commander.
Scenario 6: Line Checker/Trainer on the jump seat
Answer: not logged, same as Scenarios 1 and 3.
The exception is if you're relief crew.
Cheat sheet
Jump Seat: nothing
Training for a licence or rating: Dual
Operational flying as co-pilot: SIC
PIC duties under supervision: PICUS
And the one rule that applies everywhere: never double-log the same time in two function columns.
Check your own rules
This is the EASA perspective. Rules vary by authority and operator, and your operator's training scheme can change the answer for scenarios like PICUS and relief crew.
Always confirm with your National CAA and your airline before filling in your logbook.
