On Sat, 09 Dec 2006 23:01:53 +0100, Mxsmanic wrote:

Suppose you're PIC with a pilot friend on a long flight. You decide
that to save time, one of you can nap while the other continues the
flight. The aircraft requires only one pilot. Is this legal? In
particular, can the pilot in command sleep during the flight? Or does
the active pilot become the pilot in command while the other pilot
sleeps?

The PIC is the licensed pilot that the two of you agree will be the one in
charge for that flight (or flight segment). As far as I know, there is no
regulation preventing the PIC from napping.

However, under the circumstances you describe (non-instructional flight;
one pilot required), the napping (or non-flying) PIC will NOT be able to
log PIC time. The only person legal to log PIC time would be the pilot
flying (manipulating the controls) even if that person were not ACTING as
PIC. The "real" PIC could only log time, as a non-flying pilot, if two
pilots were required for the flight.

(The FAA in their wisdom, differentiates the concept of ACTING as PIC from
that of LOGGING PIC time).


Does anyone actually do this on long flights?

Yes

I suppose the need for a toilet stop might make it a rare situation.

It can be a limiting factor. Although large bladders and/or various on
board containers can mitigate this.

In cars, though, I know
that it's perfectly common for several drivers to share driving
duties, with one napping while the other drives.

Along the same lines ... what is the major limiting factor on range
and flight duration for small GA planes?

For me, it's bladder capacity, and the desire to get out and stretch.

Is it fuel? The
availability of suitable weather along one's route? The need to land
and find a restroom or sleep?

There was a dermatologist who circumnavigated the world in his 1965 Mooney
M20E. His last leg was 25 hours from Hawaii to Des Moines.

--ron