Legal Question in Aviation Law in Florida

SIC vs PIC Seat assignments in Cockpit

Is there any FAR or NTSB ruling that States that a Pilot in command must sit in the left seat.


Asked on 7/08/09, 4:56 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Hunter Chamberlin Chamberlin Butler & Crowe, P.A.

Re: SIC vs PIC Seat assignments in Cockpit

No. In fact, the issue as to who is the pilot in command is often murky, such as when a private pilot is getting instruction from an IFR instructor. Simply being in the left seat does not make one the pilot in command. Another example is a student pilot. Although sitting in the left seat, they are not a pilot, and thus cannot be a pilot in command.

I am curious as to the particular factual situation underpinning your question. If you would like to discuss this further, please do not hesitate to contact me at your convenience.

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Answered on 7/08/09, 5:02 pm


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