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4 Answers

“Official” Way to Write Aircraft Type in Logbook

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Student Pilot

There must be a guidance somewhere that specifies how to write the aircraft types in the logbooks. In the end, as long as the FAA knows what aircraft you flew, it shouldn't be a problem (to-may-to, to-mah-to), but if there is a right way, I'd like to do it the right way (I'm a semi-perfectionist and it would look nice in the logbook to have all the entries to look alike).

Quick example: I've seen different instructors write "C172S", "CE-172 SP", and I'm sure a couple other variations all for the Cessna 172 Skyhawk Nav III. Is it just a "C" or "CE"? Should it be an "S" or "SP"? Is there a hyphen? Is it just me or are there minute differences between how the FAA, manufacturer, and operator identifies the same aircraft--and how should I write it in my logbook? 

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4 Answers



  1. John D Collins on Nov 13, 2014

    Any way you want to, ideally one that you can explain to yourself and any interested party if it matters.

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  2. Best Answer


    Kris Kortokrax on Nov 13, 2014

    In most cases, I use the abbreviations found in FAA Order 7340.2E. These are the codes to be used on flight plans.

    For a 172, I just use C172 because there isn’t a big enough difference between any of the models (for me).

    For the different models of WACO i have flown, I do use the individual models instead of just WACO.

    Do whatever works for you. There is no official method prescribed by the FAA.

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  3. John D Collins on Nov 14, 2014

    Kris, for most aircraft, 7340.2E works, but there are omissions and errors. Examples are the Cessna Corvalis and its variations, the G36 Bonanza and G58 Baron. An online tool that I have used to determine the aircraft type codes for filing a flightplan can be found at http://duats.com/static/actypesearch.php

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  4. Kris Kortokrax on Nov 14, 2014

    Yep,

    That’s why I said “in most cases” and that in other cases, I make up my own.

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