> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.waderaviation.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://support.waderaviation.com/reference/picus-time.md).

# PICUS Time

**PICUS** — Pilot in Command Under Supervision — is a co-pilot performing the duties of a PIC on a multi-pilot flight, under the supervision of a qualified PIC. It is an EASA concept, used mainly to build the PIC experience needed for an ATPL and a command upgrade.

## How Wader handles it

Select **PICUS** as the function on the flight form. Wader then:

* counts that flight time towards your **PIC total**
* keeps the PICUS label on the entry so the source of the time stays visible

This follows the regulation rather than being an app preference — under EASA, PICUS **is** PIC time.

{% hint style="warning" %}
PICUS time must be **countersigned by the supervising PIC** to be valid. Without that endorsement it cannot be credited as PIC.
{% endhint %}

## The regulatory basis

**AMC1 FCL.050** lists PICUS among the pilot functions to be recorded, alongside PIC, SPIC, co-pilot, dual, FI and FE. It may be logged by a co-pilot acting as PICUS on an aircraft requiring more than one pilot — by type certification or by operational requirement — provided the time is countersigned by the PIC.

For **ATPL(A)** issue, PICUS counts towards the PIC experience: an applicant needs 1 500 hours total, including 500 hours as PICUS, or 250 hours as PIC, or 250 hours of which at least 70 as PIC and the remainder as PICUS.

## If you need to track PICUS separately

Some operators track PICUS apart from full command time. Wader has no "PICUS as SIC" option, so if you need this:

1. Log the flight with the **SIC** function.
2. In **Remarks**, note `PICUS – supervised by [Captain name]`.

{% hint style="warning" %}
Only do this for internal tracking. If you intend to use the time towards an EASA licence or rating, log it as **PICUS** as the regulation requires.
{% endhint %}

## FAA pilots

PICUS does not exist under FAA rules. **14 CFR § 61.51(e)** separates *acting* as PIC from *logging* PIC time, and a co-pilot on a multi-crew aircraft logs **SIC** — or **PIC** if they are the sole manipulator of the controls and rated for the aircraft.

|                        | EASA                        | FAA                                      |
| ---------------------- | --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| PICUS as a function    | Defined in Part-FCL         | Does not exist                           |
| Co-pilot in multi-crew | PICUS, counted as PIC       | SIC                                      |
| Countersignature       | Required for PICUS and SPIC | Not required                             |
| Two pilots logging PIC | Yes (PIC + PICUS)           | Possible (sole manipulator + acting PIC) |

## Quick reference

| Situation                                             | Log as           | Counts as PIC? |
| ----------------------------------------------------- | ---------------- | -------------- |
| EASA co-pilot performing PIC duties under supervision | **PICUS**        | Yes            |
| Same, but tracked separately for your operator        | **SIC** + remark | No             |
| FAA multi-crew, required crewmember                   | **SIC**          | No             |
| FAA sole manipulator, rated for the aircraft          | **PIC**          | Yes            |

## References

* [EASA Easy Access Rules for Flight Crew Licencing (Part-FCL)](https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/document-library/easy-access-rules/easy-access-rules-flight-crew-licensing-regulation-eu-no-11782011) — AMC1 FCL.050, FCL.510.A
* [14 CFR § 61.51 — Pilot logbooks](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-61/subpart-A/section-61.51)