Accurate Flight Time Logging: Why It Matters
Logging flight time is more than a technicality—it’s your pathway to career advancement and meeting certification requirements. However, new and seasoned pilots alike are susceptible to errors. Here, we’ll break down the top mistakes pilots make when logging flight time, and how to stay on track.
Mistake #1: Incorrectly Entering Flight Time
The Hobbs vs. Tach Time Dilemma Misrecording Hobbs or Tach time is one of the most frequent errors, often due to confusion between the two readings. Hobbs time reflects actual flight hours, while tachometer time measures engine revolutions, more relevant for maintenance.
How to Avoid It:
- Double-check the Hobbs meter at the start and end of each flight.
- Know the difference: Use Hobbs time for logging and teach time for maintenance
Mistake #2: Not Logging Time Right After the Flight
Don’t Rely on Memory Forgetting to log your flight time immediately after landing can lead to incorrect entries or missing records entirely.
How to Avoid It:
- Make it a habit to log hours right after you land.
- Keep your logbook or device handy to quickly capture the details.
Mistake #3: Inconsistent Use of Digital and Paper Logbooks
Avoiding Discrepancies Between Logbooks Using both digital and paper logbooks can lead to discrepancies if one isn’t updated.
How to Avoid It:
- Synchronize your logbooks regularly.
- If primarily using a digital logbook, back it up and check it periodically against your paper records.
Mistake #4: Failing to Record All Necessary Details
Incomplete Log Entries Can Impact Certification Omitting essential details like the type of flight, role performed, or aircraft’s registration number results in incomplete records.
How to Avoid It:
- Use a post-flight checklist to capture all essential details for your logbook entries.
Mistake #5: Logging Time for Unqualified Flights
Avoid Inflating Your Hours with Unqualified Time Some pilots mistakenly log PIC time when they aren’t actually acting as the pilot in command.
How to Avoid It:
- Review FAA regulations for what constitutes PIC time, SIC time, and other flight categories, logging only qualified time.
Mistake #6: Over-Estimating Flight Time
The Temptation to Round Up Rounding up flight time can lead to inaccuracies in your logbook, which may be scrutinized later.
How to Avoid It:
- Record flight time down to the nearest minute or tenth of an hour based on the Hobbs meter.
Mistake #7: Incorrectly Logging Simulator Time
Keeping Simulator and Actual Flight Time Separate Simulator time is often logged differently and may not count towards certain certification requirements.
How to Avoid It:
- Distinguish between flight time and simulator time in your logbook, understanding how each counts towards total hours.
Mistake #8: Not Backing Up Your Logbook
Protecting Your Logbook from Loss A logbook is an official record of your experience, and losing it can be catastrophic.
How to Avoid It:
- Back up digital logbooks regularly, and consider scanning or photocopying paper logbooks.
Mistake #9: Misunderstanding Time Sharing and Cost Sharing Rules
Knowing the Rules for Time and Cost Sharing Logging shared flight time incorrectly or violating FAA regulations can lead to legal issues.
How to Avoid It:
- Familiarize yourself with FAA regulations on time sharing and cost-sharing and log only qualified time with proper documentation.
Mistake #10: Forgetting Non-Flying Time
Logging All Qualifying Time Many pilots overlook time spent on pre-flight checks, taxiing, and other qualifying activities.
How to Avoid It:
- Log all eligible time from the moment the aircraft moves under its power, including pre-flight, taxiing, and post-flight tasks.
Conclusion
Keep Your Logbook Accurate and Compliant
Avoiding these common mistakes helps you maintain a logbook that accurately reflects your experience and is fully compliant with FAA standards. A meticulous logbook is your career’s foundation—handle it with care and diligence, and it will serve you well.