Pilot Logbooks

Pilots log their flights to record their aeronautical training as well as demonstrate currency and proficiency.

Pilot Logbooks

Introduction to Pilot Logbooks

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Pilot Logbooks

Pilot Logbooks Key Highlights

  • Pilot logbooks document flight experience, training, endorsements, and operational qualifications required by FAA regulations.
  • Pilots record flight time in specified categories such as pilot in command, second in command, dual instruction, cross-country, and instrument time.
  • Accurate logbook entries support certificate applications, currency verification, insurance requirements, and employment qualifications.
  • FAA regulations specify required information for logging flight time, training endorsements, and practical test eligibility.
  • Electronic and paper logbooks are both commonly used to maintain pilot flight records and training history.
  • Flight instructors provide endorsements in pilot logbooks for solo operations, knowledge tests, practical tests, and specialized training.
  • Pilots should maintain organized, accurate, and current logbook records to demonstrate regulatory compliance and operational qualifications.
  • Incorrect or incomplete logbook entries can create certification delays, regulatory issues, or operational qualification problems.
  • Backup copies of electronic or paper logbook records improve protection against loss or data corruption.
  • Understanding pilot logbooks improves regulatory compliance, training documentation, and overall operational preparedness.
Pilot Logbooks

Logging Requirements

  • There is no formal requirement to maintain a logbook of every flight.
  • However, each person must document and record the following time in a manner acceptable to the FAA:
    • Training and aeronautical experience used to meet the requirements for a certificate, rating, or flight review.
    • The aeronautical experience required for meeting the recent flight experience requirements for their intended operation.
  • Logbooks may be maintained digitally or physically. []
  • ASA Standard Pilot Master Logbook
    Amazon, ASA Standard Pilot Master Logbook
  • ASA Standard Pilot Master Logbook
    Amazon, ASA Standard Pilot Master Logbook
Pilot Logbooks

Flight Time Defined

  • Under 14 CFR § 1.1, flight time means:
    • Pilot time that commences when an aircraft moves under its own power for the purpose of flight and ends when the aircraft comes to rest after landing; or
    • For a glider without self-launch capability, pilot time that commences when the glider is towed for the purpose of flight and ends when the glider comes to rest after landing.
Pilot Logbooks

Night Defined

  • Night is defined differently according to the operation and conditions of flight.
  • Night is generally understood as the time between sunset and sunrise.
    • FAR 91.209, in describing use of aircraft lights, uses this definition with the caveat that in Alaska, sunset/night is during the period a prominent unlighted object cannot be seen from a distance of 3 statute miles or the Sun is more than 6° below the horizon.
    • FAR 91.157, special VFR (Visual Flight Rules) weather minimums, uses this definition with the caveat that in Alaska, the Sun must be more than 6° below the horizon.
  • FAR 1.1 defines night as "the time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the Air Almanac, converted to local time."
  • The Aeronautical Information Manual defines civil twilight as "beginning in the morning, and to end in the evening when the center of the Sun is geometrically 6 degrees below the horizon."
    • Use this definition when logging night flight time toward certificate requirements.
    • FAR 107.29, operation at night, defines civil twilight as the 30 minutes after official sunset and 30 minutes before official sunrise, with the caveat in Alaska as civil twilight is as defined in the Air Almanac.
  • Regarding recency of experience, FAR 61.57 states, "no person may act as pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise, unless within the preceding 90 days that person has made at least three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise."
    • Treat the regulatory passenger-carrying currency requirement as a minimum rather than a complete measure of night proficiency; if meaningful night experience is lacking, establish more conservative personal minimums or regain proficiency before carrying passengers after dark.
  • When recording night flight time, first apply the flight-time definition in 14 CFR § 1.1:
    • Pilot time begins when an aircraft moves under its own power for the purpose of flight and ends when it comes to rest after landing.
    • For a glider without self-launch capability, pilot time begins when the glider is towed for the purpose of flight and ends when it comes to rest after landing.
  • Twilight times can also be found from sources such as AirNav.
  • Sunset and sunrise times may be found at the Naval Observatory Website at https://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/RS_OneYear.
General DefinitionApplies to: position lights; nighttime special VFR restrictions for aircraft other than helicopters.
Night
FAR 1.1 Definition of NightApplies to: regulatory night for logging night time and night VFR equipment.
Civil twilightNightCivil twilight
Part 107 Night ConsiderationsApplies to applicable Part 107 night operations.
30 minNight30 min
Night Passenger CurrencyApplies to conducting three takeoffs and three full-stop landings in the preceding 90 days for night passenger currency.
First hourNightLast hour

Civil-twilight times vary by date and location. Alaska has specific exceptions for position lights, special VFR, and Part 107 civil twilight. Check local times and the applicable rules: 1.1, 91.157, 91.205, 91.209, 61.57, and 107.29.

  • Night (dictionary): “The period between sunset and sunrise, especially the hours of darkness.” The American Heritage Dictionary.
  • Civil twilight: In the morning, the period from when the Sun’s center is 6° below the horizon until sunrise; in the evening, the period from sunset until the Sun’s center is 6° below the horizon. FAA Aeronautical Information Manual.
  • Night (FAR 1.1): “The time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the Air Almanac, converted to local time.” 14 CFR 1.1.
Pilot Logbooks

Logbook Entries

  • When logging a flight, each person must enter the following information for each flight or lesson logged:

    • General Information:

      • Date
      • Total flight time or lesson time
      • Location where the aircraft departed and arrived, or for lessons in a full flight simulator or flight training device, the location where the lesson occurred
      • Type and identification of aircraft, full flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device, as appropriate
      • The name of a safety pilot, if required by 91.109 of this chapter.

    • Type of Pilot Experience or Training:

      • Solo.
      • Pilot-in-Command.
      • Second in Command.
      • Flight and ground training received from an authorized instructor
      • Training received in a full flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device from an authorized instructor.

    • Conditions of Flight:

      • Day or Night.
      • Actual instrument
      • Simulated instrument conditions in flight, a full flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device
      • Use of night vision goggles in an aircraft in flight, in a full flight simulator, or in a flight training device
Pilot Logbooks

Logging of Pilot Time

  • Solo Flight Time:

    • A pilot may only log solo flight time when the pilot is the sole occupant of the aircraft.
      • Additionally, a student pilot performing the duties of pilot in command of an airship requiring more than one pilot flight crewmember may also log solo flight time.
      • Note that if you have anyone else in the aircraft with you, you're no longer solo, regardless of their aeronautical experience, if any
    • Logging solo time is intended to demonstrate meeting the requirements for certificates and ratings and therefore many logbooks may not even have a space designated as "solo"

  • Pilot-in-Command Flight Time:

    • PIC time is a sensitive subject with many facets.
    • It is important to note that acting as PIC and logging PIC are two separate topics that deserve individual attention.
      • Before logging time when more than one pilot is aboard, determine what each pilot is rated or privileged to fly, who is acting as pilot in command, who is manipulating the controls during each segment, and whether aircraft certification or a regulation actually requires the additional crewmember; an insurance or contractual requirement alone does not create loggable flight time.

    • Acting as PIC:

      • There is only ever 1 acting PIC
      • FAR Part 1 defines the pilot-in-command as the person who:
        1. Has the final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight;
        2. Has been designated as pilot-in command before or during the flight; and
        3. Holds the appropriate category, class, and type rating, if appropriate, for the conduct of the flight
      • Part 91.3 expands those comments making it clear that anything that happens during the flight is the sole responsibility of the pilot-in-command.

    • Logging PIC:

      • Pilots may log pilot in command flight time for flights when any of the following is true:
        1. When the pilot is the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which the pilot is rated, or has sport pilot privileges for that category and class of aircraft, if the aircraft class rating is appropriate;
        2. When the pilot is the sole occupant in the aircraft;
        3. When the pilot, except for a holder of a sport or recreational pilot certificate, acts as pilot in command of an aircraft for which more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted; or.
        4. When the pilot performs the duties of pilot in command while under the supervision of a qualified pilot in command provided:
          • The pilot performing the duties of pilot in command holds a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate and aircraft rating (i.e., instrument) that is appropriate to the category and class of aircraft being flown, if a class rating is appropriate;
          • The pilot performing the duties of pilot in command is undergoing an approved pilot in command training program that includes ground and flight training on the following areas of operation.
            • Preflight preparation;
            • Preflight procedures;
            • Takeoff and departure;
            • In-flight maneuvers;
            • Instrument procedures;
            • Landings and approaches to landings;
            • Normal and abnormal procedures;
            • Emergency procedures; and.
            • Postflight procedures;
          • The supervising pilot in command holds:
            • A commercial pilot certificate and flight instructor certificate, and aircraft rating that is appropriate to the category, class, and type of aircraft being flown, if a class or type rating is required; or.
            • An airline transport pilot certificate and aircraft rating that is appropriate to the category, class, and type of aircraft being flown, if a class or type rating is required; and.
          • The supervising pilot in command logs the pilot in command training in the pilot's logbook, certifies the pilot in command training in the pilot's logbook and attests to that certification with his or her signature, and flight instructor certificate number.
      • According to the Williams Legal Interpretation, the pilot must be in a position to take controls to log PIC
    • If rated to act as pilot in command of the aircraft, an airline transport pilot may log all flight time while acting as pilot in command of an operation requiring an airline transport pilot certificate
    • A certificated flight instructor may log pilot in command flight time for all flight time while serving as the authorized instructor in an operation if the instructor is rated to act as pilot in command of that aircraft
    • A student pilot may log pilot-in-command time only when the student pilot:
      • Is the sole occupant of the aircraft or is performing the duties of pilot of command of an airship requiring more than one pilot flight crewmember;
      • Has a solo flight endorsement as required under FAR 61.87 of this part; and
      • Is undergoing training for a pilot certificate or rating
    • Common examples where one may be acting, but both log PIC is during a flight review, or receiving a new endorsement
    • For more, visit: Pilot-in-Command and read Walker Legal Interpretation regarding solo flight

  • Second-in-Command Flight Time:

    • A person may log second-in-command time only for that flight time during which that person:
      • Is qualified in accordance with the second-in-command requirements of FAR 61.55, and occupies a crewmember station in an aircraft that requires more than one pilot by the aircraft's type certificate; or
      • Holds the appropriate category, class, and instrument rating (if an instrument rating is required for the flight) for the aircraft being flown, and more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is being conducted
    • A pilot acting as a safety pilot that doesn't qualify to log PIC time can log SIC when the appropriately rated pilot is under the hood

  • Logging Instrument Time:

    • A person may log instrument time only for that flight time when the person operates the aircraft solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions
      • An IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) clearance or weather below VFR (Visual Flight Rules) minimums does not by itself make all flight time actual instrument time.
        • Log actual instrument time only while actual conditions require operating solely by reference to instruments.
      • Instrument flight may be simulated through the use of training devices such as Foggles, Hoods, or Overcasters
    • An authorized instructor may log instrument time when conducting instrument flight instruction in actual instrument flight conditions
    • For the purposes of logging instrument time to meet the recent instrument experience requirements of FAR 61.57(c), the following information must be recorded in the person's logbook:
      • The location and type of each instrument approach accomplished (see InFO 15012); and
      • The name of the safety pilot, if required
    • For instrument experience toward a certificate or rating in an approved training device, an authorized instructor must observe the session and sign the logbook or training record under 14 CFR 61.51(g)(4).
      • For instrument recency experience, 14 CFR 61.51(g)(5) does not require an instructor to be present.
      • The recency record must identify the device, time, and session content, including the location and type of each approach.

  • Logging Instrument Approaches:

    • A pilot may log an instrument approach procedure (IAP) for currency or training when these conditions are met:
      • When the aircraft or authorized flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device is flown solely by reference to instruments.
        • In an aircraft, this requires actual or simulated instrument flight conditions.
      • Fly each required approach segment and continue to minimum descent altitude (MDA) or decision altitude/decision height (DA/DH), subject to the actual-weather and safety-related exceptions below.
        • See also: FAA Chief Counsel Legal Interpretation to Daniel Murphy, June 30, 2009.
        • Except when being radar vectored to the final approach course, or otherwise directed through an appropriate air traffic control (ATC) clearance to a specific IAP, pilots must execute the entire IAP commencing at an initial approach fix or associated feeder route and fly the initial segment, the intermediate segment, and the final segment of an IAP [AIM (Aeronautical Information Manual) 5-4-7 (e)].
          • A safety pilot, authorized flight instructor or designee may simulate ATC radar vectoring.
        • Radar vectors change where you join the approach, but the remaining approach-logging conditions still apply.
      • For a simulated instrument approach in an aircraft or authorized training device, simulated instrument conditions must persist until reaching MDA or DA/DH.
        • In an aircraft, an approach may still be logged if a safety-related deviation—such as avoiding traffic—is necessary after passing the final approach fix (FAF).
    • In actual instrument conditions, becoming visual on the final approach segment before minimums does not disqualify the approach.
      • If actual conditions end before final and you fly the entire final segment visually without a view-limiting device, do not count the approach for currency.
    • A qualifying approach counts whether you land or go missed.
      • When transitioning to visual conditions, land in accordance with FAR 91.175.
      • If the required visual conditions are not met, execute a missed approach at the missed approach point (MAP) or DA/DH, as applicable.
      • A missed approach does not count as a second approach.
    • In an aircraft, a view-limiting device [Amazon] blocks outside visual references to simulate instrument conditions.
      • Simulated instrument flight in an aircraft requires a safety pilot.
      • For ordinary simulated-instrument practice, the safety pilot must sit in the other control seat and hold at least a private pilot certificate with the appropriate category and class ratings.
        • The safety pilot must meet applicable medical requirements, including BasicMed when eligible, and the visibility and control requirements of 14 CFR 91.109(c).
    • For instrument-currency records, record the location and type of each approach, the actual or simulated instrument time, and the safety pilot’s name when required.
      • Even when the approach counts, log only the time flown solely by instruments.
    • Use training devices within their FAA authorization.
      • A full flight simulator (FFS), flight training device (FTD), or aviation training device (ATD) must represent the appropriate aircraft category and be approved for the credit sought.
      • An unapproved home simulator earns no regulatory instrument-experience credit.
      • Log device time separately from aircraft flight time and PIC flight time.
      • Identify the device, session time, and content in the logbook or training record.
      • For device experience toward a certificate or rating, an authorized instructor must observe and sign the record.
        • An instructor is not required solely for instrument-recency experience.
    • Serving as safety pilot does not earn instrument time or approach credit.
      • Any eligible PIC or second-in-command time is logged separately.

  • Logging Training Time:

    • Log training received from an authorized instructor in an aircraft, full flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device.
    • The logbook entry must be legibly endorsed by the instructor and include:
      • Training description and lesson duration.
      • The instructor's signature and certificate number.
      • The instructor's certificate expiration date or recent experience end date, as applicable under § 61.197.

  • Presentation of Required Documents:

    • Persons must present their pilot certificate, medical certificate, logbook, or any other record required by this part for inspection upon a reasonable request by:
      • The FAA;
      • An authorized representative from the National Transportation Safety Board; or
      • Any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer
    • A student pilot must carry the following items in the aircraft on all solo cross-country flights as evidence of the required authorized instructor clearances and endorsements:
      • Pilot logbook;
      • Student pilot certificate; and
      • Any other record required by this section
    • A sport pilot must carry his or her logbook or other evidence of required authorized instructor endorsements on all flights
    • A recreational pilot must carry his or her logbook with the required authorized instructor endorsements on all solo flights:
      • That exceed 50 nautical miles from the airport at which training was received;
      • Within airspace that requires communication with air traffic control;
      • Conducted between sunset and sunrise; or
      • In an aircraft for which the pilot does not hold an appropriate category or class rating
    • A flight instructor with a sport pilot rating must carry his or her logbook or other evidence of required authorized instructor endorsements on all flights when providing flight training
    • Lost or stolen certificates can be replaced and a temporary certificate issued through the FAA's Airmen Online Services web portal

  • Aircraft Requirements for Logging Flight Time:

    • For a person to log flight time, the time must be acquired in an aircraft that is identified as an aircraft under 61.5(b), and is:
      • An aircraft of U.S. registry with either a standard or special airworthiness certificate;
      • An aircraft of foreign registry with an airworthiness certificate that is approved by the aviation authority of a foreign country that is a Member State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation Organization
      • A military aircraft under the direct operational control of the U.S. Armed Forces; or
      • A public aircraft under the direct operational control of a Federal, State, county, or municipal law enforcement agency, if the flight time was acquired by the pilot while engaged on an official law enforcement flight for a Federal, State, County, or Municipal law enforcement agency

  • Technically Advanced Airplanes:

    • The FAA defines a technically advanced airplane in FAR 61.129 as one equipped with:
      • An electronic Primary Flight Display (PFD) that includes, at a minimum, an airspeed indicator, turn coordinator, attitude indicator, heading indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator;
      • An electronic Multifunction Display (MFD) that includes, at a minimum, a moving map using Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation with the aircraft position displayed;
      • A two axis autopilot integrated with the navigation and heading guidance system; and.
      • The display elements described in paragraphs (j)(1) and (2) of this section must be continuously visible.
    • Pilots should identify time logged in a TAA where appropriate, likely the remarks section
    • TAA time can be used to build toward a commercial rating per 61.129.

  • Logging Night Vision Goggle Time:

    • A person may log night vision goggle time only for the time the person uses night vision goggles as the primary visual reference of the surface and operates:
      • An aircraft during a night vision goggle operation; or
      • A flight simulator or flight training device with the lighting system adjusted to represent the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise
    • An authorized instructor may log night vision goggle time when that person conducts training using night vision goggles as the primary visual reference of the surface and operates:
      • An aircraft during a night goggle operation; or
      • A flight simulator or flight training device with the lighting system adjusted to represent the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise
    • To log night vision goggle time to meet the recent night vision goggle experience requirements under 61.57(f), a person must log the information required under 61.51(b)
Pilot Logbooks

Logging Ground Training

  • Ground-training records are not limited to flight instructor applicants.
    • Under 14 CFR 61.51, training used to meet a Part 61 certificate, rating, or flight-review requirement must be documented.
    • Distinguish instructor-provided ground training, an allowed home-study course, and the separate endorsement confirming eligibility or readiness for a test.

  • Requirements by Certificate or Rating:

    • Sport, recreational, private, and commercial pilots: the aeronautical-knowledge rules allow either logged ground instruction or completion of a home-study course.
      • Sport: 14 CFR 61.309 permits the home-study option, but 14 CFR 61.311 separately requires logged ground and flight training on the applicable areas of operation.
      • Recreational: 14 CFR 61.97 permits the home-study option, but 14 CFR 61.98 separately requires logged ground and flight training on the applicable areas of operation.
      • Private: 14 CFR 61.105 permits the home-study option, but 14 CFR 61.107 separately requires logged ground and flight training on the applicable areas of operation.
      • Commercial: 14 CFR 61.125 permits the home-study option, but 14 CFR 61.127 separately requires logged ground and flight training on the applicable areas of operation.
      • Completing an online or other home-study course therefore does not eliminate the separate proficiency-training ground log.
    • Instrument rating: 14 CFR 61.65(a)(3) and (b) allow logged instructor-provided ground training or a home-study course for the applicable aeronautical knowledge.
      • An applicant using the home-study option does not have to represent independent study as instructor-provided ground time.
      • The required instructor endorsements and logged aircraft or approved-device training remain separate requirements.
    • Flight instructor certificate and additional instructor ratings: 14 CFR 61.185 and 14 CFR 61.187 require logged ground training applicable to the instructor rating sought.
      • There is no general home-study substitution for this required ground instruction.
      • The fundamentals-of-instructing exceptions in 61.185(b) do not waive the other applicable ground-training requirements.
      • For an added instrument instructor or other instructor rating, apply 14 CFR 61.191 and the applicable training requirements rather than assuming that an existing instructor certificate removes them.
    • Flight instructor with a sport pilot rating: 14 CFR 61.407 and 14 CFR 61.409 require logged ground instruction in the applicable knowledge and proficiency areas.
      • The fundamentals-of-instructing exceptions do not remove the remaining required ground training.
    • Additional aircraft category, class, or type ratings: apply the specific pathway in 14 CFR 61.63 or, at the airline transport pilot level, 14 CFR 61.157.
      • A waiver of another knowledge test or a specified minimum training time does not mean that training actually used for the rating can go undocumented.
      • For type ratings under 61.157(b), ground and flight training must be logged unless the approved-program training-record exception in 61.157(c) applies.
    • Airline transport pilot (ATP): 14 CFR 61.155 does not impose a general instructor-ground-log prerequisite for knowledge-test preparation.
      • For the airplane multiengine knowledge test, 14 CFR 61.156 requires completion of the ATP Certification Training Program (ATP CTP), including at least 30 hours of classroom instruction, documented by the authorized provider's graduation certificate.
      • ATP type-rating and approved training-program record requirements still apply where relevant.
    • Ground instructor certificates and basic, advanced, or instrument ratings: 14 CFR 61.213 does not require logged instructor-provided ground training as a prerequisite for initial certification.
      • Applicants must meet the eligibility and applicable knowledge-test requirements, including the fundamentals-of-instructing test unless an exception applies.
    • Remote pilot with a small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) rating: 14 CFR 107.61 and 14 CFR 107.63 require evidence of the applicable knowledge-test or eligible Part 61 pilot training-course pathway, rather than a conventional instructor-signed ground-training log.
      • Keep the applicable test report or course-completion certificate and the required evidence of eligibility.

  • Recording Ground Lessons:

    • Record ground instruction separately from flight time, identifying the date, lesson duration, subjects covered, and instructor.
      • Describe the actual topics or cross-reference an identifiable syllabus lesson so the record shows which requirements the training addressed.
      • Obtain the instructor's signature and certificate details, including the applicable certificate expiration or recent-experience end date where required.
      • 14 CFR 61.189(a) specifically requires a flight instructor to sign the logbook of each person receiving flight or ground training from that instructor.
    • A knowledge-test endorsement does not replace a required training record.
      • Retain home-study completion evidence when using an allowed home-study pathway.
      • Do not record independent reading or an unattended course as instruction received from an instructor who did not provide it.
    • For an approved Part 141 course, the school maintains a separate chronological training record under 14 CFR 141.101.
      • The student's logbook alone does not satisfy the school's recordkeeping obligation.
      • Request a copy of the school training record, particularly when transferring or completing training.
Pilot Logbooks

Endorsements

Pilot Logbooks

Electronic Record Keeping

  • Advisory Circular 120-78B provides FAA standards and guidance for electronic signatures, electronic recordkeeping systems, and electronic manuals.
    • Regardless of the format used, pilots remain responsible for regulatory compliance
  • Electronic signatures, records, and manuals used under Parts 61, 63, 65, 91—excluding Part 91K—129, or 137 do not require formal FAA approval, acceptance, or authorization
Pilot Logbooks

Pilot Logbooks Knowledge Check

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Pilot Logbooks

Pilot Logbooks Interactive Scenario

Pilot logbook opened for recording flight experience.

Advanced Fillable Scenario

The Virtual Logbook: Flight Records and Instrument Approaches

Complete the applicable columns in a virtual pilot logbook. Each entry is based on a specific duty, qualification, lighting boundary, or future use. Enter every displayed field—even when the correct value is zero—then commit the complete record. Then evaluate instrument approach credit in actual conditions, hood practice, and approved training devices, including required records.

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Pilot Logbooks

Pilot Logbooks Conclusion

  • Approach credit alone does not establish instrument currency.
    • For airplane instrument recency, 14 CFR 61.57(c) also requires holding procedures and tasks, and intercepting and tracking courses, within the applicable six-calendar-month period.
    • Eligible aircraft and approved-device experience may be combined.
    • See currency requirements for lapse and instrument proficiency check requirements.
  • Note that logging of flight time may be done by any "person" who receives training from an authorized instructor, meaning there is no prerequisite for logging flight time
  • Although only required to log those flights that demonstrate compliance, it is a good habit to log all flights to be able to reference later
  • The topic of acting vs. logging PIC is not easy to understand and there are many "what-if" scenarios
    • More than once person may log pilot in command, but only ever one person is acting
    • Many forums discuss these situations and can be found in locations such as here and here.
  • Note that if flying with the use of an autopilot/flight management system, the logging of flight time remains unchanged, as the FAA still considers this to be manipulating the controls
  • Guidance on replacing lost or stolen logbooks can be found in FAA Order 8900.1
  • When logging the date on a date change (for example, past midnight), log both dates (i.e., 12/31/1999-1/1/2000) but recognize the takeoff and landing, for the purpose of currency, are on different days.
    • Use the notes section as needed to avoid ambiguity.
  • Rated, by FAA interpretation, means that the pilot has the appropriate category, class, and type (if required) privileges on his/her pilot certificate for the aircraft being operated
  • Consider the use of an electronic logbook, such as Logbook Pro [Affiliate Link] to not only log flights, but back them up to the cloud
Pilot Logbooks

Pilot Logbooks References