Is My Aircraft Logbook Invalid If Entries Are Written in Cursive?

FAA does have rules when it comes to how this information should be handled. 

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Does it matter if maintenance information is written into the logbook in cursive? [Credit: Suzy Omegna]

Key Takeaways:

Aircraft maintenance logbook entries must be legible and in English, regardless of whether they are printed, handwritten (including legible cursive), or preprinted stickers.
The format of logbook entries is flexible, as long as the records provide continuity, include all required content, allow for new entries and signatures, and are intelligible.
The critical aspects for logbook validity are the proper wording of endorsements and the legibility of the mechanic's certificate number, not the specific writing style used.

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Question: Are there rules regarding how entries need to be put into aircraft maintenance logbooks? I just purchased an airplane, and going back through the logbooks, I see some entries are printed while others are written in cursive, and for the last few years, the A&Ps used preprinted stickers instead of writing in the logbooks. Because cursive isn’t being taught anymore (in some states), does that mean my logbooks will become illegal as they are illegible? It looks like a foreign language to me.

Answer: This is a multipronged question. Per 14 CFR Part 65, aviation mechanics must demonstrate English proficiency and be able to “read, write, speak, and comprehend the English language” to earn an FAA certificate.