SPL operate a regular aircraft when PPL is PIC

Posted by imitt12@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 8 comments

Another hypothetical question in a similar vein as my others.

Pilot A (me) will have SPL and Class B, C, D endorsement. Pilot B (friend) has PPL and IR. Hypothetical scenario is Pilot A wants to take a trip with his spouse and Pilot B. Spouse is a passenger, Pilot B will be PIC and will have rented a normal GA aircraft, probably a 172. After previous perusal of the FARs I understand that it is legal for any person to fly the plane, pilot license or not, as long as a properly rated pilot is acting as PIC. For the purposes of this trip, Pilot A will not be acting as PIC or logging any flight time as Pilot B is not a CFI, but legally is there anything that would disallow Pilot A from taking controls for any portion of the trip? As far as I can tell there isn't, but I may be wrong.

Secondary/part 2 question, based on what I have seen, PIC does not necessarily refer to the pilot at the controls of the aircraft. It is a designation for whoever has primary responsibility for the safety of the aircraft and occupants. Am I correct?