1. Logging Simulator Time towards Total Time
Under EASA simulator sessions must be recorded separately and should not be included in your total time.
The same is normally true for function times, landings and multi-pilot time.
2. Incomplete Sim Entries
When logging simulator sessions, ensure that entries include both the simulator type and qualification number. Additionally, the type of exercise performed (e.g., operator proficiency check, revalidation, IR upgrade) should be documented in the remarks.
Incomplete simulator records can be flagged during audits or submissions for ratings and proficiency validations.
3. Logging Landings as Pilot Monitoring
Under EASA, number of landings by day or night should only be logged when pilot flying
4. Logging PICUS together with SIC
Pilot‑in‑Command Under Supervision (PICUS) and Second‑in‑Command (SIC) are distinct categories and should not be logged simultaneously for the same flight segment.
A co‑pilot may log time as PICUS only if they performed the duties of PIC and the intervention of the designated PIC was not required, and this time must be countersigned by the PIC.
5. Incomplete Flight Records
Each flight entry should contain all required information: flight date, departure/arrival, aircraft type and registration, total flight time, and pilot function.
Common mistakes are:
Missing signatures for PICUS and SPIC function times
Missing PIC name
Missing details in remarks section for flight training, skill tests and proficiency checks
Missing signature of instructor if flight is part of an SEP or TMG class rating revalidation
6. Logging Unqualified Time
You should only log flight time — in any category — when you are appropriately rated, endorsed, and legally qualified for the aircraft and operation.
The most common mistake is logging total time and function time when as safety pilot, supernumerary, or line checker on the jump-seat.
The same mistake can arise when you are safety pilot (in seat) on a single pilot aircraft - this time should not count towards your totals.
7. Incorrect Logging of Instructor Time
Instructor time should be logged when you are providing formal instruction toward a licence, rating, or qualification, and only if you are authorised to do so under the applicable regulatory framework.
Under EASA, flight instruction time is logged as part of PIC when the instruction is toward a licence or rating
Operational teaching roles such as Line Trainer, Line Checker, TRI, TRE, or company training duties do not automatically qualify as instructor time toward a licence or rating unless they involve formal instruction under regulatory definitions.
8. Incorrect Night Time Calculations
Night time shall be calculated from the end of civil twilight in the evening to the beginning of civil twilight in the morning. This approximates to sun disc being 6 degrees below horizon.
When logging on paper this may be difficult to establish, especially when mid-flight.
Logger is of great help here as it calculates the night time with a minute precision.
How Can Logger Help?
Logger has a Flight Audit feature which scans your entire logbook and flags common mistakes in 16 different scopes identifying miss-matches, invalid or incomplete entries.
When you identify these, it is very easy to edit either single or multiple entries at once.
On top of that, Logger automatically hides certain fields when logging sim, so that you cannot attribute sim time towards total time by mistake.
