Carl, i sent your explanation regarding Safety pilot time to my instructor and here is what he responded to; Safety pilot time is still not great time building at least for large portions. This guy is trying to sell a product. Remember as the airlines get more competitive the quality of your flight time will matter. It is confusing!!!!
Total flight time is a requirement to meet hiring minimums. Quality flight time is what employers prefer. For example, a pilot with 1000 flying as a pilot in command in a turbojet is more likely to get hired than a person who has 3000 flying a single-engine piston. Similarly, flying as PIC in actual instrument conditions is preferred over acting as a safety pilot. I hope this helps. If you or your instructor would like further help or a review of your logbook please reach out at: www.aviationcareerspodcast.com/coaching/
I’m a newly minted Instrument pilot. My logbook doesn’t have a column to specify if my VMC cross-country flights are “in the system”. Is this just something I specify in the comments for my flights?
By "flying in the system" I am referring to filing and flying under IFR in the Air Traffic Control System. I recommend a note in your comments such as "Filed IFR". Of course, log all the time you fly in actual instrument conditions. As you gain experience, you will realize most of the time you log will be VMC.
