Do you log your Cirrus flights as complex? I am told because the prop control is automatic flights cannot be logged as complex. Any comments?
In reply to:
Do you log your Cirrus flights as complex? I am told because the prop control is automatic flights cannot be logged as complex. Any comments?
I hope not, since I don’t even have a complex endorsement!
Actually, here’s the relevant FAR (FAR 61.31 (3)(e)):
(e) Additional training required for operating complex airplanes. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, no person may act as pilot in command of a complex airplane (an airplane that has a retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable pitch propeller; or, in the case of a seaplane, flaps and a controllable pitch propeller), unless the person has –
(i) Received and logged ground and flight training from an authorized instructor in a complex airplane, or in a flight simulator or flight training device that is representative of a complex airplane, and has been found proficient in the operation and systems of the airplane; and
(ii) Received a one-time endorsement in the pilot’s logbook from an authorized instructor who certifies the person is proficient to operate a complex airplane.
So, according to the bolded text above, since the Cirrus does not have retractable gear, it’s not complex. As to whether the prop is considered “controllable pitch”, that’s a good question but it doesn’t really matter for this purpose, since the gear is fixed.
Do you log your Cirrus flights as complex?
A complex aircraft requires retractable gear in addition to adjustable prop and flaps. Since Cirrus does not have retractable it cannot (legally) be logged as complex.
I just read Steve’s post, (use the flat presentation) so ignore this one since it says the same thing.
Steve and Art already answered the question based on the gear not being retractable. As for the prop control, FWIW the academic answer is that it IS considered a “controllable pitch propeller”. HOW the prop is controlled is not addressed in the regs and therefore is irrelevent.
When are we going to be able to log time in TAA, is that ever going to happen(Mike?), and can we backlog it after it is implemented? Not important, just curious.
In reply to:
When are we going to be able to log time in TAA, is that ever going to happen(Mike?)…
Jim,
Well, “ever” is a long time, but safe to say “not anytime soon”. One of the main working premises of the Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) group is that we have to find ways to work within current FAA regulations - a recognition of the fact that changing FAA rules is a monumental, and very long, task. We did discuss the creation of a “TAA Rating”, but it was ruled out pretty quickly.
Perhaps some other group will attempt this at some point.
- Mike.