Training and Safety Tip: When instrument time is 'actual'

That certainly counts, but there are other instances when logging actual instrument flight time is appropriate.

For a VFR flight, you are required to maintain VFR visibility and cloud clearances per the airspace requirements. If you can’t maintain VFR, you must operate with an IFR clearance (or at least a special VFR clearance, potentially). Consider logging actual instrument flight time whenever you operate on an IFR clearance and cannot maintain prescribed VFR weather minimums.

It gets more confusing when you break out of “the clouds” on an instrument approach. Being clear of the clouds doesn’t mean you can’t log actual IFR conditions.

For instance, when you break out on the approach with two miles visibility in Class E, D, or C airspace, you must continue operating on your IFR clearance, and thus you can log actual instrument flight time. The same is true if you find yourself 200 feet below the clouds with 10 miles forward visibility while flying the approach.

Think of it this way: If you cannot legally operate VFR, you default to flying in actual IFR conditions.

Remember that when you break out on an instrument approach and aren’t fully in VFR conditions, you shouldn’t cancel your IFR clearance until you can maintain VFR cloud and visibility clearances. Alternatively, you might ask for a contact approach, which only requires you to remain clear of clouds, have one statute mile of flight visibility, and reasonably expect to continue to the airport in those conditions. Don’t forget, though, to close your IFR flight plan after landing.