You can record your flight times either in a classic paper logbook or in a digital logbook. Both variants are fully authorised according to EASA and FOCA. In this comparison, you will find out which differences are really relevant - and when a digital logbook offers clear advantages.
What do the legal requirements say?
EASA FCL.050 permits both paper logbooks and digital logbook systems. The FOCA confirms this and accepts digital entries as long as they are complete, traceable and exportable.
- Paper and digital are completely equivalent
- Entries must be correct, complete and chronological
- Digital systems must be exportable (PDF / Excel)
- The pilot is always responsible for the correctness
Advantages and disadvantages of paper logbooks
Advantages
- Classic, proven and accepted worldwide
- Does not require any technical equipment
- Clear and simple structure
Disadvantages
- High susceptibility to errors in totals, times and rolls
- Complete loss of data in the event of damage or loss
- No automatic evaluation (IFR, night, landings)
- Subsequent corrections quickly become confusing
Advantages of digital logbooks
Digital flight logbooks offer you more convenience, safety and overview, especially for frequent flights or more complex mission profiles.
- Automatic totals for PIC, IFR, night and landings
- Plausibility checks for error-free entries
- Synchronisation between multiple devices
- Backups protect your entire flight recordings
- Statistics and analyses in real time
- Export for flight schools, examiners and authorities
- Entries are entered more quickly and easily
Practical differences in everyday pilot life
- Digital entries only take a few seconds
- Times such as IFR, night or block time are calculated automatically
- You can immediately pass on exports to examiners or schools
- Paper logbooks are often impractical in the cockpit
- Digital systems prevent transposed digits and totalling errors
When a digital logbook is particularly useful
- If you fly IFR or fly at night
- If you make several landings per flight
- If you use multiple aircraft or helmet types
- When you are preparing for exams
- If you are pursuing professional goals (CPL / ATPL)
- If you value overview and data security
How ROTAIR FlightLog supports you
ROTAIR FlightLog offers you all the advantages of a modern digital flight logbook and is ideal for helicopter and aeroplane pilots.
- Very fast and intuitive flight input
- Automatic calculation of all relevant times
- Clear visualisation of your entire flight experience
- PDF, Excel and CSV export
- Runs on Windows, iOS and Android
- Secure data synchronisation and backups
FlightLog - your digital logbook for the modern pilot
ROTAIR FlightLog is the ideal digital flight log for all pilots who value precision, safety and efficiency. With automatic calculations, clear statistics and secure backups, you always have an overview.