A pilot logbook is required by the FAA to record each flight. The logbook contains information such as the date, time, weather conditions, airport name, aircraft type, and other details.
Pilots are required to complete a flight logbook before they take off. This is to ensure that the pilots are aware of the requirements of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Pilots should also check their logbook after every flight.
The pilot must keep his or her logbook in good condition. It is recommended that you have your logbook inspected at least once per year. If you notice any damage, it is important to report this right away.
This post will explain everything you need to know about the logbook and how to fill it in correctly and safely each time you do it. This information will be extremely useful to you when you need it most.
The Basic Overview Of The Logbook
If you’ve just started flying, the neatly organized log book may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of things in no time!
One of the main problems, more frequently than it seems, is that the many abbreviations and complexities of the number of flying hours aren’t adequately explained, which can cause problems because your flying logbook is important to making sure both yourself and your pilot license remain safe.
The CAA issues fines and/or suspensions if you fail to complete a logbook correctly. This is quite simple to do. Just follow these instructions.
Logging Those Hours Down
Among the first factors to consider when establishing a fresh pilot logbook is whether you will enter your hours in hours and minutes or decimals. Both strategies have their own set of benefits.
The first entry is made much easier by monitoring in hours and minutes; for example, a journey of 1 hour 40 minutes is simply recorded as 1:35.
It does, however, make totaling each sheet significantly harder (unless you’re using a special calculating device, of course.)
Since minutes must be translated into hundredths, a 1 hour 40 minute flight becomes 1.58, or 1.6 based on the number of decimal places you opt for (the majority of sources recommend a couple of options), so you’ll be needing that calculator.
However, it makes totaling at the end from each page a lot easier.
Now it’s up to you to decide, what constitutes flying time, whether measured in decimals or minutes?
“Flight time is recorded: for airplanes, touring motor gliders, and aircraft that are powered, from the moment that the aircraft initially moves to take off until just at the end of the trip, it eventually comes to a halt.,” according to Part-FCL.
Throughout the PPL, we read this to mean from the time the brakes are eased during the lift-off roll, until the engine is turned off.
Many CFIs have now told me that it is permissible to log time on the apron with the brakes off.
Although it may not appear to be a significant difference, if you are traveling from a large or busy airport, the cab time might quickly add up.
Hours are defined as Command Time or Dual Time depending on whether you’re using an actual clock or not. There are also different types of hours (P1, P2, etc.) and sub-types of each type.
The Command Time Better Known As P1
The desire to accumulate Command Time is strong among pilots. However, it is important to note that they need to be careful about logging too much.
For example, if you’re a university student pilot, you can only log your time as PIC if you are flying solo. Otherwise, lessons should be logged as P/U(T) meaning that you are being supervised by an Instructor Pilot.
Pilots are responsible for the safety of passengers and crew aboard the aircraft. They must know how to handle emergencies and be trained to do so.
A pilot-in-command should also be the most experienced pilot in the aircraft.
Pilot-In-Command Under Supervision is a term used by pilots when a second pilot is flying an aircraft under the direct control of the first pilot.
This is done for various reasons such as testing new equipment, training, or if there is a problem with the primary pilot.
In this case, the pilot-in-charge is supervising the other pilot while he/she performs the responsibilities and procedures of the pilot-in-charge. A pilot must be certified before he/she can fly solo.
There are two types of pilots: commercial and private. Commercial pilots work for airlines. Private pilots fly their own planes. Private pilots need to pass a test called the Knowledge Test (KT).
First, they take a written test. Then, they get behind the controls of a plane and fly around for about 20 minutes. Finally, they do a check ride. After passing both tests, they become a private pilot.
The Dual Time Better Known As P2
Co-pilots are the second pilots on an aircraft. Co-pilot time can only be logged if the aircraft is required to have two pilots, and if the pilot is allowed to fly as a co-pilot.
Pilots who choose to fly as co-pilots must hold an appropriate license to do so.
The pilot must also agree to take responsibility for any mistakes made during the flight. P/UT can be put to use when receiving training of multiple different kinds.
This is determined under dual time, and therefore must be recorded in the dual time column.
Additional Columns
There is a few additional Flight Hour things worth mentioning as well.
Night is defined by the standardized European rules of the air. Civil twilight ends and night begins when the sun reaches 6 degrees below the horizon. So, the night sky is dark except for stars and planets.
The use of instruments on the flight deck is something that pilots do when flying. It is defined as the time during which a pilot controls an aircraft exclusively using instruments.
It is possible to record air hours that won’t contribute to your current rating and license. For example, hours flown in a single-piloted aircraft with an additional pilot. These hours are not eligible for credit!
You Could Get Asked About Your Logbook At Anytime
Even if you’re a recreational pilot, be aware that the CAA may want to see your logbook at any time.
Therefore, it’s vital that you adhere to CAC convention, including utilizing the correct ICAO designator. Use the ICAO designation when filling out aircraft type, arrival airport and departure airport, and when entering altitudes.
Taking Off And Landing
Touch-and-gos do count as landings and take-offs. The FAA does not require a full stop after every landing, but there is no rule stating that a touch-and go doesn’t count either.
In fact, the majority of pilots agree that a touch-and gos count as landings and takes offs
Summary
As a pilot, you need to know how to fly a plane. You also need to know about the rules and regulations of flying.
This is important because if you break the rules or regulations, then you could get into trouble. Make sure that you write down what you learned today. The logbook is your best friend!
I decided to create this source of knowledge from my own experiences, in the hopes of helping budding pilots to get through their training.
So, if you’re thinking about becoming a pilot or are in the middle of your training, I hope that this website and my knowledge comes of some benefit to you. I’d love to think that my website made your experience a little less stressful and a lot more fun!
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