Ask FLYING Pilot Proficiency

Does the FAA Punish Pilots for Logbook Mistakes?

From ink color to endorsements, here's what you need to know.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 02:45 PM ET

Verified

Edited By: tccjeremy

According to the FAA, they do not require a specific ink color for a paper logbook. [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA generally does not pursue pilots or CFIs for accidental logbook entry mistakes, dispelling common "tribal knowledge."
While FAR 61.51 outlines required logbook entries and AC 61-65(H) guides endorsements, there is flexibility regarding ink color, logging simulator time (if categorized correctly), and the physical placement of endorsements.
Mistakes, especially math errors, are common in logbooks; the FAA provides no specific guidance on correction methods, allowing pilots to choose their preferred style (e.g., crossing out or using white-out).

See a mistake? Contact us.

Question: I am a freshly minted CFI. What happens if I make a mistake in my logbook? I hear stories about CFIs who are worried about getting a call from the FAA in the event they accidentally mess up an entry in a logbook. Does the FAA really go after pilots and CFIs for improper logbook entries?

Answer: The short answer is no. But unfortunately there’s a lot of “tribal knowledge” surrounding logbooks and what can happen. FLYING contacted the FAA for the correct information.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.