In aviation, precision and compliance are paramount. One of the most essential tools a pilot possesses is not in the cockpit—it’s the pilot logbook. As per DGCA AAC 7 of 2018, the logbook is not just a record—it’s legal evidence of your flying experience, training, and recency of operations.
🛠 What Is a Pilot Logbook?
A pilot logbook is a structured record of a pilot’s flying hours, aircraft types, roles (PIC, Co-Pilot, Instructor), routes, instrument time, and more. It is required under Rule 67A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and compliance is monitored by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
📜 DGCA Rules on Logbooks (As Per AAC 7 of 2018)
- Mandatory for All Flight Crew
- Every flight crew member holding or applying for a license must maintain a logbook.
- This includes CPL, ATPL, and Type Rated pilots.
- Format of Logbook
- Can be physical or electronic.
- Must include:
- Date of flight
- Aircraft registration
- Aircraft type
- Name of PIC
- Total flight time
- Role performed (PIC, Co-Pilot, Dual, etc.)
- Certification Requirements
- Entries made in a logbook must be authenticated by an instructor, examiner, or employer.
- Self-certified entries without verification may not be accepted for licensing purposes.
- Preservation and Responsibility
- Pilots are responsible for safe custody of their logbooks.
- Loss or damage must be reported immediately to the DGCA with an affidavit and reconstructed records.
- Use in License/Renewal
- DGCA will refer to the authenticated logbook entries when verifying eligibility for issuance or renewal of licenses and ratings.
💡 Why Maintaining an Accurate Logbook Matters
- ✅ License Issuance & Renewal: Incomplete records can delay or even block your CPL/ATPL issuance or renewal.
- ✅ Type Rating Validation: Flight hours and simulator time are scrutinized during checks.
- ✅ Career Progression: Employers may cross-verify your flying experience from your logbook.
🔄 eGCA and Digital Logbooks
With the launch of eGCA, pilots are encouraged to digitally upload flight log details. While paper logbooks are still accepted, going digital:
- Simplifies license application
- Ensures backup and access
- Allows faster DGCA processing
✈️ Final Thoughts
Your logbook is your professional identity. Treat it as your flying résumé, your compliance proof, and your career record. As DGCA rightly emphasizes, logbook discrepancies can jeopardize your license and your future. Maintain it regularly, verify entries, and shift to eGCA if possible.