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."
Pilots and CFIs must adhere to FAR 61.51 for documenting training and aeronautical experience, including specific flight/lesson details, and CFIs should follow AC 61-65 (H) for proper endorsements.
The FAA allows flexibility in logbook practices, such as ink color, logging AATD time (with proper categorization), and customizing columns; minor errors can be corrected by the pilot's chosen method (e.g., crossing out, white-out) as the FAA has no specific guidance.

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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.