Pilots must maintain currency for the operation they will be performing and are therefore required to demonstrate compliance if so requested by the Federal Aviation Administration
Pilots will typically utilize logbook entries to satisfy this requirement
Pilot time that commences when an aircraft moves under its own power for the purpose of flight and ends when the aircraft comes to rest after landing; or
For a glider without self-launch capability, pilot time that commences when the glider is towed for the purpose of flight and ends when the glider comes to rest after landing
Logging Requirements:
Amazon, ASA Standard Pilot Master Logbook
There is no formal requirement to maintain a logbook of every flight
However, each person must document and record the following time in a manner acceptable to the FAA:
Training and aeronautical experience used to meet the requirements for a certificate, rating, or flight review
When logging a flight, each person must enter the following information for each flight or lesson logged:
General Information:
Date
Total flight time or lesson time
Location where the aircraft departed and arrived, or for lessons in a flight simulator or flight training device, the location where the lesson occurred
Type and identification of aircraft, flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device, as appropriate
The name of a safety pilot, if required by 91.109 of this chapter
Simulated instrument conditions in flight, a flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device
Use of night vision goggles in an aircraft in flight, in a flight simulator, or in a flight training device
Logging of Pilot Time:
Solo Flight Time:
A pilot may only log solo flight time when the pilot is the sole occupant of the aircraft
Additionally, a student pilot performing the duties of pilot in command of an airship requiring more than one pilot flight crewmember may also log solo flight time
Note that if you have anyone else in the aircraft with you, you're no longer solo, regardless of their aeronautical experience, if any
Logging solo time is intended to demonstrate meeting the requirements for certificates and ratings and therefore many logbooks may not even have a space designated as "solo"
Pilot-in-Command Flight Time:
PIC time is a sensitive subject with may facets
It is important to note that acting as PIC and logging PIC are two separate topics that deserve individual attention
Acting as PIC:
There is only ever 1 acting PIC
FAR Part 1 defines the pilot-in-command as the person who:
Has the final authority and responsibility for the operation and safety of the flight;
Has been designated as pilot-in command before or during the flight; and
Holds the appropriate category, class, and type rating, if appropriate, for the conduct of the flight
Part 91.3 expands those comments making it clear that anything that happens during the flight is the sole responsibility of the pilot-in-command
Logging PIC:
Pilots may log pilot in command flight time for flights when any of the following is true:
When the pilot is the sole manipulator of the controls of an aircraft for which the pilot is rated, or has sport pilot privileges for that category and class of aircraft, if the aircraft class rating is appropriate;
When the pilot is the sole occupant in the aircraft;
When the pilot, except for a holder of a sport or recreational pilot certificate, acts as pilot in command of an aircraft for which more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is conducted; or
When the pilot performs the duties of pilot in command while under the supervision of a qualified pilot in command provided:
The pilot performing the duties of pilot in command holds a commercial or airline transport pilot certificate and aircraft rating (i.e., instrument) that is appropriate to the category and class of aircraft being flown, if a class rating is appropriate;
The pilot performing the duties of pilot in command is undergoing an approved pilot in command training program that includes ground and flight training on the following areas of operation
Preflight preparation;
Preflight procedures;
Takeoff and departure;
In-flight maneuvers;
Instrument procedures;
Landings and approaches to landings;
Normal and abnormal procedures;
Emergency procedures; and
Postflight procedures;
The supervising pilot in command holds:
A commercial pilot certificate and flight instructor certificate, and aircraft rating that is appropriate to the category, class, and type of aircraft being flown, if a class or type rating is required; or
An airline transport pilot certificate and aircraft rating that is appropriate to the category, class, and type of aircraft being flown, if a class or type rating is required; and
The supervising pilot in command logs the pilot in command training in the pilot's logbook, certifies the pilot in command training in the pilot's logbook and attests to that certification with his or her signature, and flight instructor certificate number
If rated to act as pilot in command of the aircraft, an airline transport pilot may log all flight time while acting as pilot in command of an operation requiring an airline transport pilot certificate
A certificated flight instructor may log pilot in command flight time for all flight time while serving as the authorized instructor in an operation if the instructor is rated to act as pilot in command of that aircraft
A student pilot may log pilot-in-command time only when the student pilot:
Is the sole occupant of the aircraft or is performing the duties of pilot of command of an airship requiring more than one pilot flight crewmember;
Has a solo flight endorsement as required under FAR 61.87 of this part; and
Is undergoing training for a pilot certificate or rating
Common examples where one may be acting, but both log PIC is during a flight review, or receiving a new endorsement
A person may log second-in-command time only for that flight time during which that person:
Is qualified in accordance with the second-in-command requirements of FAR 61.55, and occupies a crewmember station in an aircraft that requires more than one pilot by the aircraft's type certificate; or
Holds the appropriate category, class, and instrument rating (if an instrument rating is required for the flight) for the aircraft being flown, and more than one pilot is required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under which the flight is being conducted
A pilot acting as a safety pilot that doesn't qualify to log PIC time can log SIC when the appropriately rated pilot is under the hood
Logging Instrument Time:
A person may log instrument time only for that flight time when the person operates the aircraft solely by reference to instruments under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions
Instrument time may be logged when unable to maintain cloud clearances, and not just in the clouds (must also be on an IFR clearance when unable to maintain VFR)
Instrument flight may be simulated through the use of training devices such as Foggles, Hoods, or Overcasters
An authorized instructor may log instrument time when conducting instrument flight instruction in actual instrument flight conditions
For the purposes of logging instrument time to meet the recent instrument experience requirements of FAR 61.57(c), the following information must be recorded in the person's logbook:
The location and type of each instrument approach accomplished (see InFo 150/12); and
The name of the safety pilot, if required
A person can use time in a flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device for acquiring instrument aeronautical experience for a pilot certificate, rating, or instrument recency experience, provided an authorized instructor is present to observe that time and signs the person's logbook or training record to verify the time and the content of the training session
Logging Instrument Approaches:
A pilot may log an IAP for currency or training when the pilot accomplishes the IAP in accordance with the following conditions:
When conducted in an aircraft, flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device, the pilot must operate that aircraft or authorized training device solely by reference to instruments [FAR 61.51(g)(1)];
When conducted in an aircraft, flight simulator, flight training device, or aviation training device, the pilot must be established on each required segment of the IAP to the minimum descent altitude (MDA) or decision altitude/decision height (DA/DH);
See also: FAA Chief Council Legal Interpretation to Daniel Murphy, June 30, 2009
When conducted in an aircraft simulating instrument flight conditions, a flight simulator, a flight training device, or an aviation training device, the simulated instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) must continue to MDA or DA/DH;
During simulated instrument flight in an aircraft, it may be necessary to deviate from the final approach segment for safety reasons (e.g., in order to avoid traffic or other hazards). In these cases, the pilot may still log the IAP, provided the aircraft has passed the final approach fix (FAF)
When conducted in an aircraft, the flight must be conducted under actual or simulated instrument flight conditions [FAR 61.51(g)(1)]
A pilot cannot log an IAP for currency in an aircraft without also logging actual or simulated instrument time
Simulated instrument conditions occur when a pilot uses a view-limiting device in an aircraft to prevent the pilot from seeing outside visual references
Consequently, a flight conducted under simulated instrument conditions requires a safety pilot
A safety pilot must possess a current medical certificate, occupy the other control seat, and be appropriately rated in the category and class aircraft flown [FAR 61.3(c), 61.51, 61.57(c) and 91.109]
The pilot operating under simulated instrument conditions must also log the name of the safety pilot
When conducted in an aircraft maneuvering in IMC, and the aircraft transitions from IMC to visual flight conditions on the final approach segment of the IAP prior to or upon reaching MDA or DA/DH
Except when being radar vectored to the final approach course, or otherwise directed through an appropriate air traffic control (ATC) clearance to a specific IAP, pilots must execute the entire IAP commencing at an initial approach fix or associated feeder route and fly the initial segment, the intermediate segment, and the final segment of an IAP [AIM 5-4-7 (e)]
A safety pilot, authorized flight instructor or designee may simulate ATC radar vectoring
If the pilot completes these segments, or receives vectors to the final approach course, he or she may log the IAP
The FAA does not require the ceiling to be at MDA or DA/DH during a flight in IMC
When an aircraft is flying an IAP in IMC, two outcomes are possible:
The aircraft will transition from IMC to visual meteorological conditions that allow a landing in accordance with FAR 91.175; or
The aircraft will remain in IMC and execute a missed approach at the missed approach point (MAP) or DA/DH
In either case, a pilot may log the IAP
Logging Training Time:
A person may log training time when that person receives training from an authorized instructor in an aircraft, flight simulator, or flight training device
The training time must be logged in a logbook and must:
Be endorsed in a legible manner by the authorized instructor; and
Include a description of the training given, the length of the training lesson, and the authorized instructor's signature, certificate number, and certificate expiration date
Presentation of Required Documents:
Persons must present their pilot certificate, medical certificate, logbook, or any other record required by this part for inspection upon a reasonable request by:
The FAA;
An authorized representative from the National Transportation Safety Board; or
Any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer
A student pilot must carry the following items in the aircraft on all solo cross-country flights as evidence of the required authorized instructor clearances and endorsements:
Pilot logbook;
Student pilot certificate; and
Any other record required by this section
A sport pilot must carry his or her logbook or other evidence of required authorized instructor endorsements on all flights
A recreational pilot must carry his or her logbook with the required authorized instructor endorsements on all solo flights:
That exceed 50 nautical miles from the airport at which training was received;
Within airspace that requires communication with air traffic control;
Conducted between sunset and sunrise; or
In an aircraft for which the pilot does not hold an appropriate category or class rating
A flight instructor with a sport pilot rating must carry his or her logbook or other evidence of required authorized instructor endorsements on all flights when providing flight training
Lost or stolen certificates can be replaced and a temporary certificate issued through the FAA's Airmen Online Services web portal
Aircraft Requirements for Logging Flight Time:
For a person to log flight time, the time must be acquired in an aircraft that is identified as an aircraft under 61.5(b), and is:
An aircraft of foreign registry with an airworthiness certificate that is approved by the aviation authority of a foreign country that is a Member State to the Convention on International Civil Aviation Organization
A military aircraft under the direct operational control of the U.S. Armed Forces; or
A public aircraft under the direct operational control of a Federal, State, county, or municipal law enforcement agency, if the flight time was acquired by the pilot while engaged on an official law enforcement flight for a Federal, State, County, or Municipal law enforcement agency
Night Flight Time:
Night is the time between the end of evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the American Air Almanac, converted to local time
These times can be found from a variety of sources such as Airnav.com
For the sake of night landing currency, however, pilots must follow FAR 61.57 which states, no person may act as pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise, unless within the preceding 90 days that person has made at least three takeoffs and three landings to a full stop during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise
Logging Night Vision Goggle Time:
A person may log night vision goggle time only for the time the person uses night vision goggles as the primary visual reference of the surface and operates:
An aircraft during a night vision goggle operation; or
A flight simulator or flight training device with the lighting system adjusted to represent the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise
An authorized instructor may log night vision goggle time when that person conducts training using night vision goggles as the primary visual reference of the surface and operates:
An aircraft during a night goggle operation; or
A flight simulator or flight training device with the lighting system adjusted to represent the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise
To log night vision goggle time to meet the recent night vision goggle experience requirements under 61.57(f), a person must log the information required under 61.51(b)
Technically Advanced Airplanes:
The FAA defines a technically advanced airplane in FAR 61.129 as one equipped with:
An electronic Primary Flight Display (PFD) that includes, at a minimum, an airspeed indicator, turn coordinator, attitude indicator, heading indicator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator;
An electronic Multifunction Display (MFD) that includes, at a minimum, a moving map using Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation with the aircraft position displayed;
A two axis autopilot integrated with the navigation and heading guidance system; and
The display elements described in paragraphs (j)(1) and (2) of this section must be continuously visible
Pilots should identify time logged in a TAA where appropriate, likely the remarks section
TAA time can be used to build toward a commercial rating per 61.129
Endorsements:
Private Pilot Endorsements:
Aeronautical Knowledge Test: See FAR 61.35(a)(1), 61.103(d), and 61.105
Flight Proficiency / Knowledge Test: See FAR 61.103(f), 61.107(b), and 61.109
Instrument Pilot Endorsements:
Aeronautical Knowledge Test: See FAR 61.35(a)(2), 61.65(a) and (b)
Flight Proficiency / Knowledge Test: See FAR 61.65(a)(6)
Commercial Pilot Endorsements:
Aeronautical Knowledge Test: See FAR 61.35(a)(1), 61.123(c) and 61.125
Flight Proficiency / Knowledge Test: See FAR 61.123(e), 61.127 and 61.129
Instructor Pilot Endorsements:
Fundamentals of Instructing Knowledge Test: See FAR 61.183(d) and 61.185(a)(1)
Spin Training: See FAR 61.183(i)(1)
Flight Instructor Ground and Flight Proficiency / Practical Test: See FAR 61.183(g) and 6.187(a) and (b)
Flight Instructor Certificate with Instrument - Category and class - Rating / Practical Test: See FAR 61.183(g) and 61.187(a) and (b)(7)
Electronic Signatures, Recordkeeping, and Manuals:
Advisory Circular (AC) 120-78 "approval" or "acceptance" guidelines for electronic signature, electronic recordkeeping, and electronic manual systems/programs
Pilots are still responsible to comply with applicable FARs
While generally not applicable to General Aviation, this AC provides guidance on what is expected at the professional level
The use of an electronic signature, electronic recordkeeping system, or electronic manual system under part 61, 63, 65, 91 (excluding 91K), 137, or 183 does not require formal FAA approval, acceptance, or authorization
Conclusion:
The topic of acting vs. logging PIC is not easy to understand and there are many "what-if" scenarios
More than once person may log pilot in command, but only ever one person is acting
Many forums discuss these situations and can be found in locations such as here and here
Note that if flying with the use of an autopilot/flight management system, the logging of flight time remains unchanged, as the FAA still considers this to be manipulating the controls
Guidance on replacing lost or stolen logbooks can be found in FAA Order 8900.1
When logging the date on a date change (for example, past midnight), log both dates (i.e., 12/31/1999-1/1/2000) but recognize the takeoff and landing, for the purpose of currency, are on different days
Use the notes section as needed to avoid ambiguity
Rated, by FAA interpretation, means that the pilot has the appropriate category, class, and type (if required) privileges on his/her pilot certificate for the aircraft being operated
, Hoods
, or Overcasters
