The Keep flight logbook is one of the most important duties of every pilot. It doesn't matter whether you are a helicopter or fixed-wing pilot. Nor does it matter whether you are still in training or already flying professionally.
The logbook also documents your entire flying experience. It also serves as official proof for licences, ratings, examinations and authorities and is therefore particularly important. It is therefore important that all entries are correct and traceable.
In this article, you will learn step by step how to keep your logbook correctly. You will also find a clear explanation of the most important rules, terms and typical errors.
1 Legal basis: What do EASA and the FOCA prescribe?
Both variants are legally permissible. In practice, however, there are clear differences. It is therefore worth comparing both variants more closely. There is therefore little room for manoeuvre. In principle, you must calculate your flight times according to EASA FCL.050 fully documented. All information must be traceable and correct.
The FOCA adopts these rules. It therefore accepts both paper logbooks and digital logbook systems.
The important thing is:
- EASA FCL.050 defines all mandatory fields
- FOCA Accepts digital and paper-based entries
- Digital logbooks must be exportable
- Mandatory fields such as date, launch site, landing site, times and roles are clearly defined
2. digital flight logbook or paper? A clear comparison
Both variants are legally permissible. In practice, however, there are clear differences. It is therefore worth comparing both variants more closely.
Advantages of the paper logbook
- Classic, simple and recognised worldwide
- Does not require any technology
- Clearly structured
Disadvantages of the paper logbook
- High susceptibility to errors in totals and times
- No backup - loss means total loss
- No automatic analyses
Advantages of digital logbooks
- Automatic calculation of all times
- Plausibility checks for error-free entries
- Backups protect your data
- Fast exports for audits and authorities
- Statistics available in real time
3. flight log terms explained clearly
However, many terms are often used incorrectly in the logbook. Therefore, you will find the most important definitions explained briefly and clearly here:
- PICResponsible pilot
- PICUSPIC under the supervision of a trainer
- Dual: Flight with instructor
- Co-Pilot (SIC)Second pilot in multi-pilot operation
- IFR timeFlight according to instrument flight rules
- IMCWeather conditions below the VFR minima
- Night flight time: Between the civic twilight phases
- Landings: Separated by day and night
4. keep the flight logbook correctly: The most important points
Before the flight
- Clarify role: PIC, Dual, Co-Pilot, PICUS
- Define VFR, IFR or night flight
- Prepare ICAO codes for take-off and landing site
After the flight
- Record flight times immediately
- Correctly separate night and IFR
- Enter landings separately
- Use the comments field sensibly
Check regularly
- Check totals of all times
- Compare block time and flight time
- Ensure that licence requirements are met
5. the most common errors in the flight log
Despite clear rules, many pilots make similar mistakes - often unknowingly. The most common include
- Incorrect assignment of the on-board function
- Place names instead of ICAO codes
- Night flight time calculated incorrectly
- IFR and IMC mixed up
- Unaudited totals
- Missing data backups
Why FlightLog is the ideal digital flight log for you
ROTAIR FlightLog was specially developed for helicopter and aeroplane pilots. This automatically avoids many sources of error. At the same time, you can keep track of your flight times at all times.
In addition, the most important advantages include
- Automatic totalling
- Clear recording of all roles such as PIC, dual and co-pilot
- Support for IFR, night flight and special exercises
- Exports for auditors and authorities
- Synchronisation between Windows, iOS and Android
- Secure backups and high data stability