Can a private pilot without an instrument rating log actual IMC PIC time?

A private pilot without an instrument rating cannot log actual Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) Pilot-in-Command (PIC) time because they are not legally permitted to operate in IMC unless they hold that specific rating. To fly in IMC, pilots are required to have an instrument rating as it signifies that they have received the necessary training and demonstrated proficiency in flying solely by reference to instruments.

While a private pilot can technically act as the sole manipulator of the controls under the supervision of an authorized instructor, this situation does not grant the private pilot the qualification to log PIC time in IMC. The act of logging PIC time is reserved for scenarios where the pilot is meeting all the legal and regulatory requirements to operate in those conditions, which include holding the appropriate instrument rating. Thus, this perspective on the regulations reinforces the understanding that having an instrument rating is a prerequisite to logging actual IMC time.