A clean and correctly maintained logbook is crucial for licences, examinations and renewals. With this checklist, you can ensure that all entries are complete, traceable and legally compliant. The list is based on the requirements of EASA, FOCA and proven best practices.
Before the flight: preparation
- Make sure you know the correct aircraft or helicopter registration
- Check whether the flight is operated under VFR, IFR or mixed
- Clarify whether you are registered as PIC, dual or co-pilot
- Plan whether night flights or special exercises are planned
- Prepare ICAO codes for take-off and landing sites
After the flight: enter entries immediately
Direct recording in the flight logbook prevents errors and enables exact time information.
- Enter date, take-off and landing site
- Record the total flight time precisely
- Separate times for day, night and IFR
- Enter your on-board function correctly
- Record the number of day and night landings separately
- Note any special exercises or tests in the comments field
Select on-board functions correctly
- Select PIC if you are the pilot in command
- Enter dual if you are flying with an instructor
- Use Co-Pilot if you are travelling in multi-pilot mode
- Document PICUS if you are flying under supervision
Document night and IFR times correctly
Night and instrument flight times are decisive for many authorisations and therefore a correctly kept flight logbook is essential.
- Document IFR time only during actual IFR phase
- Use the comments field for IFR approaches
- Mark night flight time correctly between twilight phases
- Enter night landings separately
Use the comments field sensibly
- Notes on test flights such as skill tests or proficiency checks
- Enter special exercises such as autorotations or stall exercises
- Note PICUS flights in detail
- Document special weather conditions such as IMC
Check totals and statistics regularly
- Check PIC, dual and IFR times
- Check day and night landings
- Check block and flight time deviations
- Validate whether your entries are sufficient for licence renewals
Securing and backing up the logbook
- Create regular digital backups (can be exported as EXCEL in ROTAIR FlightLog at any time)
- Save export files in several secure locations
- Use cloud synchronisation for maximum security
- Keep paper logbooks protected from water and fire
Flight log printouts for authorities and flight schools
Many authorities accept digital logbooks, but require printouts or exports for verification.
- Make all entries available as PDF
- Add inspection notes in the comments field
- Provide statistics or totals overviews with
- Use export functions for examiners or schools
Summary
A correctly maintained logbook saves time, reduces errors and is essential for all licences. With clear roles, traceable times and complete entries, you fulfil all legal requirements.
FlightLog - your digital flight log for a better overview
ROTAIR FlightLog helps you to record your flight times quickly, safely and clearly. Automatic calculations, clear mandatory fields and flexible exports make the entire entry process easier for you. That's why it makes sense to keep a correct flight log.