From: furtaw@comm.mot.com (Bob Furtaw)
Subject: Re: VFR Pilot Files IFR !!!
Organization: Motorola
Distribution: na
Date: Thu, 16 Apr 1992 23:02:02 GMT

In article <m12566.53.0@mitre.org>, m12566@mitre.org (Skip Guild) writes:

> How should/must a non-IFR certified pilot complete Block 14 
> (Pilot's name, etc) on the FAA Flight Plan for an actual 
> IFR flight...

If it's an actual IFR flight (not necessarily in IMC) then 91.173 applies.

.. when he will be flying under the hood with a 
> CFII or instrument-rated safety pilot?  Obviously the 
> instrument student needs to file the flight plan for 
> practice but does he use his name or the name of the CFII 
> in Block 14?...

The PIC's name goes here. See 91.169(a)(1) which refers to 91.153(a)(3).

 ... I was told by several CFIIs to use the name of the 
> instrument-rated pilot in Block 14 as "only instrument-
> rated pilots can file IFR flight plans."  This I do when 
> filing verbally through an FSS and no one is the wiser.
> 
> Now the kicker.  I also like using DUAT and usually file 
> VFR flight plans computer-to-computer as it is easier and 
> faster.  Unfortunately DUAT (at least Contel's version) 
> automatically inserts the DUAT subscriber's name into Block 
> 14 and this is the one item in the Flight Plan their 
> computer will not let you override...

There is an option to change all the defaults on the form that's filed.
I don't think the account logon name necessarily is forced.  It can be
overridden.  

.. My reply to a question on this matter from Contel included 
> a statement that "on training flights it is not necessary 
> for the instructor's name to be put in the name field...  

I would not consider Contel to have any authority on the question.  
They are a data carrier and not part of the gov't. I don't mean to
trivialize their job and I personaly appreciate their part played 
so far. :-)
 
.. you want, you can put 'TRNG FLT PIC lname' in the remarks 
> field where lname is the last name of the instructor.  FYI: 
> Name fields are never transmitted as a part of the flight 
> plan to the ARTCCs.  They are kept locally in the DUAT 
> system as a matter of record only used for detailed event 
> reconstruction for SAR."
> 
> Does this sound right to net-land?  Granted this is an 
> artificial and hopefully temporary situation (until 
> becoming instrument rated myself), but it bugs me not to 
> be able to use DUAT for instrument training flights the 
> way I have been instructed with regard to verbal filing to 
> the FSS (namely, using CFII's name).  As a result of the 
> Contel reply, I researched and can find no statement in the 
> FARs or AIM which specifically requires the instrument-
> rated pilot to actually file the flight plan.  For that 
> matter, is it necessary to ever mention the instrument-
> rated pilot anywhere on the form?  Note Block 14 
> specifically calls for "Pilot's Name", not PIC.  They are 
> not the same.

One could argue that 91.173 does not say PIC either. But I would rebut that 
this does imply PIC since if each of you "operated " the controls, you 
would each have to file a plan for the same flight.  Rediculous!
> 
> Answers please quote specific FAR/AIM requirements and not 
> "this is what my CFII says."  
> 
Another interesting point is that an IFR flight plan is NOT required 
if the flight is conducted in Non-Controlled airspace, implied by 91.173, 
but considering 91.177 (Minimum IFR altitudes), there isn't much of that 
airspace around. 

Bob Furtaw