Are CFI Signatures Required for Logging Dual Time?

[jtidmore]

I have been using Logbook Pro as a backup to my paper logbook for about 2 years now. I really like Logbook Pro and have decided to purchase a MGOent binder, the custom paper and the endorsement forms. I would like to find a way to quit using my paper logbook all together.

It is easy to handle the endorsements using blank paper or endorsement stickers, but I am not sure how to handle dual flights where an instructor signature is required (or at least where I think an instructor signature is required). For example, from time to time I will fly with an instructor to log some approaches to maintain IFR currency. Or I may grab an instructor to go fly in some actual IFR when I have not done it in a while.

I have gotten some feedback saying that instructor signatures may not be required for dual flights. I have always thought they were and it seems to me that the FARs (61.51 and 61.189) support in this.

So, two questions:

1) Do you have to have an instructor sign a logbook entry that contains dual time?

And if so,

2) Any ideas how to handle this with Logbook Pro?

Thanks in advance.

 

[PropsForward]

You only need the endorsement for ratings. What I have done is keep a blank page or two at the end of the logbook specifically for when the instructor needs to sign. I then enter it as I normally would in Logbook Pro. When it came time for a checkride. I just brought the hand signed pages with me. The pointed out what I had done and the examiner just looked at my regular logbook and was fine with it.

I also made copies of my endorsements using Excell and keep them at the back of my logbook. Good for Flight Reviews, etc.

 

[jtidmore]

PropsForward,

Thanks for the info. Are you saying that for each flight that you logged dual you had the instructor hand write an entry on the blank pages and sign it?

If so, what information did they include?

Thanks.

 

[PropsForward]

You can print a blank logbook page, just run a couple off. This page ends up only having the flights where you got a signature. It will still show the time, landings, dual, pic, etc. The CFI will sign whereever (remarks area, etc). Then I also log the flight in Logbook Pro as a typical flight. I will type in the instructors name, cert #, exp in the remarks along with whatever else he said. When the checkride comes you have the hand written pages to show the wet-ink signature. When the checkride is over, and the hand written page no longer needed, then you can file it away or whatever.

 

[PropsForward]

Here ya go.


http://www.proaviator.com/flightinfo/blanklbpage.pdf

 

[jtidmore]

PropsForward,

Thanks for the info. Since I am not planning on any more ratings it sounds like a non-issue for me, but still good to know.

 

[jtidmore]

Thanks for the PDF too. That is perfect.

 

[avbug]

A flight instructor is required by regulation to sign the logbook of anyone to whom he provides flight instruction or ground instruction. This applies weather or not that flight instruction is used toward a certificate or rating. The regulation presently provides no relief for this requirement.

As propsforward has noted, you may have the instructor sign the logbook other than the line item area where you've entered the flight, but if the instructor signs the back of your logbook, you should make a note specific to the instruction received that enables a reviewer to reference back to the line item in the logbook.

You're always wise to keep a regular logbook as well as your electronic version. In that event, have the instructor merely sign the book as usual, and make a note in your electronic version that the signatures are on file in your other logbook.

Document everything.

 

[jtidmore]

Avbug,

That is what I thought. Can you point me to the FARs that you know of that require the instructor to sign off on every dual flight?

Thanks again.

 

[jtidmore]

PropsForward,

Here is what I am thinking about doing.

I am going to use a page similar to the PDF you sent me. Once the page is full, I will scan it and have it in digital format to be printed whenever I need.