I have a ton of options if they don't. 91-109 isn't clear on their medical and currency requirements as I read it, just that they need at least a private pilot certificate and category and class rating in the plane used. Others have insisted that they do , in fact, need a current medical and current biennial flight review. Sadly, I have several friends that have lost their medicals that would be more inclined to go fly with me if they felt like they were contributing and not being given a ride out of pity.

My take based on the below from FAR 61.3...

Since the safety pilot requirement per 91.109 is "The other control seat is occupied by a safety pilot who possesses at least a private pilot certificate with category and class ratings appropriate to the aircraft being flown"...I would interpret that pilot would be considered a required crewmember.

From FAR 61.3...

(c) Medical certificate. (1) A person may serve as a required pilot flight crewmember of an aircraft only if that person holds the appropriate medical certificate issued under part 67 of this chapter, or other documentation acceptable to the FAA, that is in that person's physical possession or readily accessible in the aircraft. Paragraph (c)(2) of this section provides certain exceptions to the requirement to hold a medical certificate.

Just my thoughts. I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

JB

I do not think he a required flight crew member. Many years ago I took an accelerated (10 day) IFR course. One of the guys doing check rides did not have a current medical. He could only do this if the person under hood was a current pilot.

I asked the owner of the operation about this and he said it just fine.

Tim

CFIs don't need current medicals as long as the PIC is current. Is a CFI a required crewmember? Not unless the student hasn't passed their private/rec/sport check ride yet.

I'm quite certain that if the pilot is under the hood, even if he is considered PIC, the safety pilot becomes a required crew member and therefore needs a medical.

Chris

John Yodice says medical is required.

http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All- ... fety-pilot

Thanks all. I think I've got the picture now .