If you’re currently in Pilot Training or thinking about starting, you might have come across the term “Student Pilot-in-Command” (SPIC). So what is SPIC, and when do you need to log it?
We’ve put together everything you need to know about how to log Student Pilot-in-Command correctly in your student Pilot logbook.
The conditions of Student Pilot-in-Command
The first step is to find out if you should be logging SPIC hours or not.
EASA FCL states that Student Pilot-in-Command (SPIC) can be logged when a student pilot acts as commander of the aircraft on a flight with an instructor (FI). The instructor must not influence or control the flight of the aircraft.
So if you’re training to be a pilot, you can log hours as SPIC on any flights where you are assumed the commander, under instructor supervision; this would usually be the case on flight tests such as PPL & CPL.
How do I log Student Pilot-in-Command?
You can log Student Pilot-in-Command in the Pilot in Command (PIC) column of your logbook, as shown below. Whenever logging SPIC, you must get the flight entry in your log signed by the instructor present on the flight.
The image below shows where the PIC columns are on an Aileron logbook; it should be similar on whichever logbook you are using.
The image below shows where the PIC columns are on an Aileron logbook; it should be similar on whichever logbook you are using.
What’s the difference between Student Pilot-in-Command (SPIC) and Pilot in Command Under Supervision (PICUS)?
PICUS is flight time that can be logged in a multi-pilot flight where the Co-Pilot acts as commander of the aircraft under the supervision of the true commander.
Student Pilot-in-Command is specifically reserved for a student pilot under the supervision of an instructor.
In either case, if logging the time in your Pilot Logbook, you must have the flight entry signed by the instructor or commander.
Student Pilot-in-Command is specifically reserved for a student pilot under the supervision of an instructor.
In either case, if logging the time in your Pilot Logbook, you must have the flight entry signed by the instructor or commander.
Is there a good logbook specifically for Student Pilots?
The Aileron logbook was designed with student pilots in mind. It has appropriate instruction to guide any student pilot by filling out their first logbook. The book has 1600 spaces for flight entries, so it will be suitable to see any student pilot through the first 5-10 years of their career.
The book is hand-bound with quality leather or recycled leather and can be personalised with your name or initials.
What’s more, with this student pilot logbook, you will have access to the Aileron support team to help with any of your logging needs.
The book is hand-bound with quality leather or recycled leather and can be personalised with your name or initials.
What’s more, with this student pilot logbook, you will have access to the Aileron support team to help with any of your logging needs.