A logbook is an official document and plays a central role in licences, ratings and examinations. Nevertheless, pilots make many typical mistakes - often out of habit, time pressure or ignorance. This overview shows you which errors are particularly common and how you can reliably avoid them with ROTAIR FlightLog.
Incorrect or unclear on-board functions
One of the most common sources of error is the incorrect selection of the on-board function. PIC, dual and co-pilot have different meanings and legal implications.
- Only select PIC if you are the pilot in command
- Use Dual for flights with a flight instructor
- Enter co-pilot only in multi-pilot mode
- Always note PICUS in detail in the comments field
Incomplete information on aerodromes
Many pilots enter place names instead of ICAO codes, which leads to problems during inspections and exports.
- Always use ICAO codes if available
- Avoid handwritten place names
- Check spellings carefully
- Record laps or touch-and-go in the comments field
Night times incorrectly documented
Night flying time is clearly defined and does not simply begin „after sunset“. Many entries are therefore incorrect or incomplete.
- Use FOCA definition of civic twilight
- Enter night landings separately
- Note night starts in the comments field
- Check whether night time has actually started during the flight
IFR and IMC mixed up
IFR describes rules, IMC describes weather conditions. Many pilots mistakenly enter IMC as IFR.
- Record IFR time only during actual IFR phase
- Use IMC only for weather conditions, not for rules
- Add IFR approaches in the comments field
- Document changes between IFR and VFR correctly
Totals not regularly checked
Unchecked totals lead to errors in licences, especially when examinations or renewals are due.
- Check PIC, dual, IFR and night times regularly
- Control landings separately for day and night
- Compare block and flight time
- Ensure that sums are sufficient for ratings
Missing data backups
The loss of a logbook - whether digital or on paper - can have serious consequences. Paper logbooks are particularly susceptible to water, fire or loss damage.
- Create regular backups
- Save exports in multiple secure locations
- Use cloud synchronisation for maximum security
- Keep paper logbooks in a safe place
Duplicate or missing entries
Manual entries are prone to careless errors. A digital logbook helps you to recognise discrepancies at an early stage.
- Compare your last entries regularly
- Check flight times and aircraft registration numbers
- Check whether landings have been counted correctly
- Use digital plausibility checks
Conclusion: Error-free through clean habits
With clear routines and precise documentation, you can avoid all common flight log errors. Digital tools such as ROTAIR FlightLog help you to work in a structured and reliable manner - regardless of the aircraft type.
FlightLog - Error-free flying, clean documentation
ROTAIR FlightLog reliably helps you to avoid errors in your flight log. Thanks to automatic totals, plausibility checks and clear exports, you retain full control over your flight experience at all times.