Logbook Entries

The importance of proper logbook entries for flight training cannot be overstated. Accurate and thorough documentation is vital not only for ensuring compliance with FAA regulations but also for facilitating the validation process during checkrides. Every practical test has eligibility requirements that require the applicant to comply with the appropriate sections of the part that apply. This includes receiving and logging flight training and ground training along with the aeronautical experience.

Effective logbook entries focus on documenting regulatory requirements. Entries that denote “what was completed” using non-regulatory language do not serve much purpose beyond that of simple recordkeeping. Through precise documentation, the logbook will demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements efficiently - simplifying the validation process on checkride day.

§ 61.51 Pilot logbooks.

(a) Training time and aeronautical experience. Each person must document and record the following time in a manner acceptable to the Administrator:

1. Training and aeronautical experience used to meet the requirements for a certificate, rating, or flight review of this part.
2. The aeronautical experience required for meeting the recent flight experience requirements of this part.

According to § 61.51, pilot logbooks serve two purposes:

1. Documenting required training (which includes both flight training and ground training) and aeronautical experience towards certification or flight review; and
2. Documenting recent flight experience.

Below is a breakdown of how instructors can effectively use logbook entries to meet the requirements to document training and aeronautical experience towards certification:

1. Training Documentation

Training encompasses both flight and ground components.

Key Elements for Effective Documentation:

Clear Regulatory References: Logbook entries should either specify the regulatory references that correspond to the training being conducted or use the exact language contained in the regulation. This ensures clarity for both the instructor and the examiner.

Examples of Inadequate Entries:

• "FRAT Forms, airport signs, radio calls for the traffic pattern."
• “GPS operations”
• “Checkride Prep”
• “Mock Oral”
• “61.107(b)(1)”

Why Are They Ineffective: These entries simply list what was covered without referencing the exact regulatory requirement OR specifying which areas of operation were addressed. They do not show completion of any requirement and will not assist in validating requirements on checkride day.

Examples of Effective Entries:

• "61.107(b)(1)(vi)”
• “Ground Reference Maneuvers”

Why Are They Effective: These entries either state the regulatory reference or the exact phraseology used in the requirement, ensuring that the training is aligned with the necessary requirements. They remove any ambiguity.

2. Ground Training Documentation

Ground training, though it doesn’t require flight time, must still be recorded to fulfill the regulatory requirements for aeronautical knowledge and often flight proficiency. Applicants are often required to receive both ground training and flight training for the areas outline in the flight proficiency section of a given certificate or rating. Ideally, the applicant receives ground instruction on the maneuver and then performs the maneuver in the aircraft. As such, a ground record and a flight record must be made for each portion to satisfy the “receive and log” requirement.

Inadequate Examples:

• "Takeoffs and landings."
• “Pattern entries”

Why Are They Ineffective: They are too vague. They do not specify the regulatory reference, or the depth of the topic covered. Were go-arounds performed?

Effective Examples:

• "61.105(b)(2)” 
• “Accident reporting requirements of the National Transportation Safety Board.”
• “61.107(b)(1)(vii)”
• “Navigation”
• “61.107(b)(1)(vi - viii)”
• “61.107(b)(1)(i, ii, iii, and vii)”

Why Are They Effective: These entries include specific regulations and references for the applicable area of operation. Again, flight proficiency items often require both ground and flight training to be logged.

3. Flight Training Documentation

Flight training involves specific maneuvers and procedures that must be documented precisely. Instructors record these activities in the remarks section of a flight record in the logbook to meet the flight training requirement of the flight proficiency regulation. 

Inadequate Examples:

• "Takeoffs and landings"
• “Pattern work”

Why Are They Ineffective: These entries lack detail and do not specify the types of takeoffs or landings covered. Was it a soft-field landing, normal takeoff, or another specific maneuver?

Effective Example:

• "61.107(b)(1)(iv)”
• “Takeoffs, landings, and go-arounds."

Why Are They Effective: The entry includes the regulatory reference or specifies the exact language used in the regulation, ensuring that all aspects of the training requirement are documented. While the instructor must ensure that all tasks within the area where actually accomplished, the record will meet the regulatory requirement.

Instructors are encouraged to complete all tasks within an area of operation for any entry made within an applicant’s logbook. Alternatively, if an instructor prefers to log at the task level, i.e., “normal takeoff and climb,” extra care must be taken to ensure that all tasks for the area are included at some point in the logbook. If one task is left out, i.e., “slip to a landing”, the applicant has not met the requirement for that certificate or rating. Logging at the task level makes the validation process more difficult but may be desirable for some areas should an instructor not complete all tasks for an area during a given lesson.

4. Aeronautical Experience

Logging aeronautical experience involves documenting flight hours in specific categories (e.g., cross-country, night flying, dual time). For certain requirements, such as § 61.109(a)(5)(iii), additional detail is needed to validate compliance.

Inadequate Example:

• "3 landings"

Why It's Ineffective: This entry doesn't specify whether the landings were to a full stop, at an airport with a control tower, or if the other required conditions were met.

Effective Example:

• "3 TOLs per §61.109(a)(5)(iii)."

Why It's Effective: This entry clarifies that the landings were performed in accordance with the regulatory requirements, leaving no ambiguity.

5. Part 141 Considerations

Instructors at Part 141 flight schools are strongly encouraged to ensure that the logbooks still contain detailed and specific entries even though graduates of Part 141 programs may be deemed to have met the applicable experience and knowledge requirements under § 61.71. Students who transfer to Part 61 before completing their training may lack sufficient documentation and may need to repeat training at significant cost.

Summary:

• Precision is Key: Logbook entries should be as precise as possible, including the specific areas, or tasks, completed. Regulatory references leave no doubt.
• Avoid Ambiguity: Entries should eliminate any ambiguity regarding what was covered in training. This includes specifying the areas of operation, the tasks involved, or the regulatory requirements being satisfied.
• Organize by Requirements: Consider organizing training logs into a table by the regulation being satisfied, such as grouping ground training entries by the applicable regulatory references. Instructors then need to simply complete the table as each area is completed. This makes the validation process simple.
• Document Experience Clearly: When logging aeronautical experience, ensure that all conditions (e.g., full-stop landings, control tower operations) are clearly met.

By following these principles, flight instructors can help their students maintain logbooks that will pass scrutiny on checkride day and provide a clear record of all required training and experience.