Logging time in a plane withouta Hobbs?

[pilotsh]

If you're flying an airplane without a Hobbs meter, what is the prescribed method on LEGALLY logging that time? Is it legal to note engine start time and shutdown and use that for time logged?

 

[VNugget]

There is no place in the FARs that says what kind of time-measuring device you can and can't use. Our school has a bunch of planes without a hobbs and we use the method you described. (and have been for half a century with no problem)

 

[b350capt]

That is correct. From the time the aircraft's engine(s) are started for the purpose of flight to shutdown is loggable time. As you advance in your career the Hobbs meters in the aircraft you will be flying will only be running when the aircraft is airborne. Therefore taxi time is alloted to your logged time.

 

[pilotyip]

Incorrect, Block time starts when the aircraft moves under its own power for the intent of flight. Normally the difference in small airplanes between the start and taxi is so short that it is insignificant. And ends when the airplane is parked at the end of a flight.

 

[b350capt]

well yip is correct, its block in to block out time. Usually approx. the same time unless there is a ground stop or TEB cleared you to start too early, in which case you roll the plane forward a few feet and your clock has started, ha ha.

 

[midlifeflyer]

If you're flying an airplane without a Hobbs meter, what is the prescribed method on LEGALLY logging that time? Is it legal to note engine start time and shutdown and use that for time logged?

With or without a Hobbs, the "legal" method of calculating time for logging purposes is:

==============================
Flight time means:
(1) Pilot time that commences when an aircraft moves under its own power for the purpose of flight and ends when the aircraft comes to rest after landing
(FAR 1.1)
==============================

So the "block to block" time that others mentioned is the only "real" legal way. Hobbs is really just an approximation. I know that a lot of FBOs that have aircraft without a Hobbs multiple tach time by 1.1 or 1.2 (or something in between)

The differences between an approximation and "real" time are pretty insignificant and I doubt the FAA cares (if it did, it would have done something about it by now).

 

[MauleSkinner]

That is correct. From the time the aircraft's engine(s) are started for the purpose of flight to shutdown is loggable time. As you advance in your career the Hobbs meters in the aircraft you will be flying will only be running when the aircraft is airborne. Therefore taxi time is alloted to your logged time.

...and then you get into airplanes without Hobbs meters again, and you do the same thing you're doing now

Fly safe!

David