Logging passenger time - why?

[Dave Homewood]

I have noticed in many wartime and the few postwar Air Force flying logbooks I've had the privilege to view that it seemed to be a requirement to log time flown as a passenger, as well as pilot in charge.

Not just as the second chap in a two-seater during instruction nd what-have-you, but also as a passenger in a transport like a C-47 Dakota.

Does anyone know why that sort of flying needs to be logged and added to the pilot's personal total of hours? (is it included in the tally? I have not checked that)

Is this for medical reasons? Or for record keeping of movements? Or for the sheer hell of recording a flight in a specific type? It would not contribute to a pilot's flying experience or airmanship as such, surely.

Does anyone know why this is done?

(I don't think it's a bad thing, I think it's great a pilot can look up and see the date and time he had a ride in a Dakota or a Liberator, etc).

[avenger]

Dave, unable to completely answer your query but I have a mid 1950's logbook, (RNZAF F 414) and there was a separate column for logging of "passenger" time. I do recall though, this and Instr/cloud flying (also separate columns) not to be added to the grand total.
Also note I logged no pax time ever.

[Dave Homewood]

Thanks for that.

[flyjoe180]

Maybe it was just an 'interest' column? Handy for proof later in life when people doubt you travelled in something fantastic or historical.

[greaneyr]

If you're paying enough attention, you can learn a lot just by watching. I wouldn't undersetimate its value - I've only got about 0.5 hours rotary time and even less fixed wing, and have learnt everything I know about aviation from observing from the sidelines rather than from doing it. Also, I'd imagine without the added workload of having to handle the aircraft, you'd notice things that you otherwise wouldn't too.

Of course, the value of this time is largely subjective and depends on individual circumstances (eg one passenger may have been jumpseating with a headset on, while another may have been asleep in the cabin) which may be one reason why they removed it.