In addition, 14 CFR 61.51(e) discusses when a person may log PIC time: 14 CFR 1.1 has a general definition that includes the person who bears overall responsibility for the flight of an aircraft. The FAA uses the term Pilot In Command more than one way. USAF “Primary” time is not the same as the FAA or Airline “Pilot in Command” (PIC) time. With that little rant complete, let’s get down to business: If you’re a greybeard feeling the pain of not having kept a logbook, do something for the young people in your squadron and make sure they don’t reapeat your mistakes. If that’s the case, sorry, but do it anyway! Please, please don’t listen to them! You may need to wait until you’re securely alone in a bathroom stall to pull out your phone and enter your flight into your logbook app. Some communities act like keeping a “civilian” logbook shows a lack of focus or patriotism. It was nice not having to worry about explaining confusing conversions between my military and personal records. I gave them a signed print-out from my logbook and they were happy. When I went to my interview, I didn’t even bring my military flight records…that flying was all in an electronic logbook.

However, how much of a vested interest does the 18-year old who has to wade through stacks of flight records every day have in making sure your records are perfect for your future airline career in 10-20 years? Yep…keep your own logbook. If you want to trust your future to someone else that’s fine. You may believe that as a “zipper-suited sun god,” you’re entitled to have someone else log your flight time for you. If you’re young enough that it isn’t a huge pain, start keeping a logbook now! There are some great programs and apps out there that store your logbook securely in the cloud and let you log flights and edit your logbook on your smartphone. If you need help translating that, send me a message or ask a friend.įirst off: If you’d logged all your own flight time during your career, you wouldn’t have to worry about any of this. Finally, this post is written by an Air Force pilot using (mostly) Air Force terminology. Some may be more strict or lenient than I am in some areas. This could include the source documents or a lawyer who deals with aviation. However, if you’re not sure about some part of it, consult someone who knows better.

I base a lot of it on articles I’ve read and discussions with other instructors over the years.

How to fill out logbook pilot