Flight log EASA and FOCA Rules
Correctly documenting flight times is mandatory for private and commercial pilots. Therefore a properly kept logbook is particularly important. It shows your personal flying experience. In addition it is required for licences, ratings and examinations.
At the same time the flight logbook serves as official proof. Therefore authorities require complete and clear entries. Without this information many applications are not possible.
ROTAIR FlightLog supports you in this. In the process all flights are recorded clearly, securely and in accordance with the rules. On this page you will find a simple explanation of the most important rules according to EASA and FOCA.
Why pilots must keep a logbook
According to EASA FCL.050 you must document every flight time. In the process all details must be correct. Just so they are considered valid.
In addition the logbook serves as proof for flight schools, examiners and employers. Therefore clean guidance is particularly important.
Without a correctly kept flight logbook licences cannot be renewed. Likewise new authorisations are then not possible.
International EASA requirements at a glance
The legal basis is the EU Regulation 1178/2011. In it clear rules are laid down for pilots. Above all Part-FCL applies to flight log management.
Important contents are
- FCL.050 for recording flight times
- AMC1 and GM1 FCL.050 with further details
- Authorisation for digital logbook entries
So that EASA determines which data is required. In addition digital logbooks are expressly permitted.
National rules in Switzerland (FOCA / FOCA)
The same basic rules apply in Switzerland. Because The FOCA fully adopts the EASA requirements. Additionally it publishes its own notes.
Particularly relevant are:
- FOCA GM/INFO „Logging of Flight Time“
- FOCA GM/INFO „Accepted Logbook Formats“
That makes it clear: Digital logbooks are permitted. Provided, all mandatory fields are available and an export is possible.
Mandatory information in the logbook
According to AMC1 FCL.050, certain information must be included. Only then a flight log is considered complete.
These include:
- Date of the flight
- Take-off and landing site, ideally with ICAO code
- Aircraft type and registration
- Name of the pilot or instructor
- On-board role, for example PIC, Dual or Instructor
- Flight times for total time, day, night and IFR
- Number of landings by day and night
- Comments on training courses or examinations
So that all important information is clearly recorded.
Correctly record electronic logbook entries
Digital logbooks are permitted. However certain rules apply. Therefore some points must be fulfilled.
These include:
- Complete mandatory fields
- unchangeable entries
- Export as PDF, CSV or Excel
- Clear chronological order
- Responsibility of the pilot for the data
So your flight logbook remains traceable at all times.
How ROTAIR FlightLog supports you
ROTAIR FlightLog fulfils all legal requirements. In addition the app offers many practical functions.
For example:
- Automatic totals for PIC, IFR, night and landings
- Support for helicopters, aeroplanes and gliders
- Simple plausibility checks
- Export as PDF, Excel or CSV
- Synchronisation between Windows, iOS and Android
- Integrated backup functions
Thereby you save time and avoid mistakes.
Practical tips for everyday logbook work
- Enter your flights directly after landing
- Use ICAO codes consistently
- Always choose the right castor
- Use remarks for important notes
- Create regular backups
- Check your sums before applying for a licence
So you are always well prepared.
Legal notice
This page is for general information only. It does not replace binding information. Only the official rules of EASA (FCL.050) and FOCA.
Learn more about ROTAIR FlightLog
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FlightLog - your modern digital flight logbook
ROTAIR FlightLog documents your flight times simply, safely and clearly. Thanks to fields, automatic analyses and flexible exports, the app is suitable for a wide range of applications. for all pilots, from recreational to professional pilots.