My first two logbooks with about 830 documented hours, disappeared during my move from PBI to ATL. Recreating my time took many, many hours. I was recently asked about the missing entries during a regional interview. Fortunately, I came prepared with documentation of how I recreated my logbook.

I ordered a copy of every one of my airman, medical and Part 135 authorization forms so I could approximate my hours at the time each one was filed. The problem is that like so many pilots, I sometimes entered only the basic flight requirements for the rating or certificate I was applying for.

All of my training after PVT-SEL was received at 141 schools, so there were records available. Some of the instructors had file copies of my endorsements. I was able to obtain aircraft dispatch records from three of six schools where I either trained or instructed.

In the end, I probably shorted myself about 30 hours of ME and 200 hours of various other flight time in my recreated logbook. I suppose it's better to err on the conservative side.

I now photocopy every logbook endorsement. All other my logbook entries are kept in LogTen Pro with multiple backups. LogTen Pro for iOS devices allows your CFI or check airman to sign your electronic logbook.