the quote was taken from another thread about logging multi in the backseat. my question is there a length of time you have before you must put flights into your log book?:confused:

"Respondents argue that they intended to complete the flight
entries and sign the logbook to indicate when instruction was
given, but that they were behind in their paperwork." http://ntsb.gov/alj/alj/O_n_O/docs/aviation/4008.PDF

The only thing you have to log is proof of currency, and that can be done on a cocktail napkin.

I'm not asking for WHAT but WHEN do you need to have a record of flights? sorry if i wan't clear.

There is no expiration on your flight times.

A good friend of mine interviewed with me and when he showed up to his interview he had 3 years worth of flying at ATA not logged in his logbook. He just had the printout from the company was was trying to catch up. LOL In the interview thay asked him why he didn't keep it updated. His response was " I never thought I would be going to another interview. Besides, without it I still have 12,000 hours Jet PIC 5000 hours Heavy Jet PIC and if it comes down to someone having more time than me so be it."

I normally filled mine out once a month. I have let it go as far back as 4 though.

You need to have a record when you apply for a rating/cert (8710), or if you need to prove currency.

Basically if you are flying, you must be able to prove that you have met all required currency...at a minimum this is a BFR, but might include landings, IFR, type, etc.

Since you do not have to carry your logbook with you while flying, I suppose you would be OK as long as you updated it before handing it over to the feds upon their request.

The risk is that if you are in a serious accident and they cannot find your currency in your logbook, you might get blamed for being out of currency.

Also you do not have to log all your flying...many old-time GA folks just log what's needed to show currency (for the feds and insurance).

This might be overkill but as soon as I get home from a trip, I update my logbooks and my logbook spreadsheet I have saved on a computer. I've always done this. I'd rather be up to date as opposed to trying to catch up.

thanks everyone. it looks like everyone waits a little before putting info into the log book other than luv2rotate(nothing wrong with that).

i usually waited for a few months to pass because i was on reserve and didn't get used all that much.

Usually what I do is when a page is full in the logbook I update my electronic logbook to make sure the totals match up at the end of the page. Last year after going back through 4 years of flying and having to audit it all to make my electronic match the written, made me go this route. It takes about 30min once a week.

This way when I see a job I want to apply for it doesn't take me two days to apply for it because I have to dig through and update the logbook. Instead I just cut and paste the current numbers into my resume.

I log my time immediately during post flight ops. From block in to block out according to the acards from dispatch. Sometimes I would look on our crew time system to make sure it was correct.