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4 Answers

Digital logbooks during primary training

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Flight Instructor, Student Pilot

Since AskACFI is sponsored by Dauntless Aviation, I want to ask whether digital logbooks are commonly used during flight training? What are the primary benefits and/or limitations of digital logbooks experienced by CFIs and DPEs? Would you recommend a primary student to use a digital logbook?

Thanks!

Antoni 

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4 Answers



  1. Nascr1Arrival on Mar 23, 2016

    I have never used any of the electronic log programs. What I know is that I have to be able to sign a logbook when I write your endorsements. My previous flight school made our students buy a normal logbook so we could put our endorsements in it. The whole point of the programs is to have a backup anyway right? It’s nice to start early with a program so you don’t have to go back and enter every flight, but I still need something I can sign.

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  2. Best Answer


    Mark Kolber on Mar 23, 2016

    There are a number of digital logbooks that claim compliance with the FAA guidelines set out in AC 20-76B. While there are others, the main issue is the authentication and verification of instructor signatures.

    This is a purely personal perspective so take it with the proverbial grain of salt:

    I have been using a digital logbook for about 20 years. Originally it was a backup for my paper log. About three years ago, my digital log became primary and I stopped recording my own flight in my paper logbook. But I continue to record flights with instructor endorsements in my paper logbook.

    Primary benefit is easy calculation, search, and loss prevention.

    Primary drawback is acceptability. Digital logs are gaining more and more acceptance but they are still new enough I can envision some issues with some Examiners (and perhaps even some CFIs).

    Bottom line is, the discussion you should be having on this subject is with =your= CFI.

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  3. Mark Kolber on Mar 23, 2016

    LOL! 😀 If you look at Nascr1Arrival’s answer, you will see exactly what I mean about widespread acceptability and the druthers of examiners and instructors 🙂

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  4. Mark Kolber on Mar 23, 2016

    BTW, the AC reference should be AC 120-76B

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