Drone Operators Logbook
Federal Aviation Regulations, COA, & Section 333 Exemption Compliant. This logbook has been specifically designed to be compliant with 14 CFR 61.51, Section 333 exemptions, and COA logbook requirements.
Easy COA Reporting. The FAA requires that commercial operators who have 333 exemptions and “blanket” COAs to file monthly reports. It is EXTREMELY annoying to log all this information and then send it in via email. If you do not have any takeoff or landing damage, equipment malfunctions, or lost link events, you could simply make scans of the pages for the month and email them into the FAA.
Disclaimer: Current FAA “blanket” COAs say “must submit the following information” and do not explicitly say scans are acceptable. The FAA could issue guidance in the future further clarifying the mode of report (text in email vs. scan in email).
The FAA or Law Enforcement Can Request Your Logbook. 14 C.F.R. § 61.51(i) says, “Persons must present their pilot certificate, medical certificate, logbook, or any other record required by this part for inspection upon a reasonable request by” the FAA, an authorized representative from the National Transportation Safety Board, or any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer. If your electronic logbook is on your device, do you really want to give law enforcement or the
FAA your device? Furthermore, how are you to get the data off that device?
Insurance. When you apply for insurance, they will ask you to fill out a form that is going to ask for all sorts of information. A logbook will assist you in filling out the form so you can receive the most accurate quote.
Marketing. Showing a completed logbook to a potential customer is a great marketing point. Like the old adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” a good logbook is worth a thousand flights. You can quickly demonstrate your flight experience by flipping through the pages. Furthermore, a well-kept and orderly logbook gives the impression that you are a professional.
Required in Other Countries. Other countries such as South Africa require the drone logbook to be in paper. Paper is the current industry standard.
Going for a Certificate/Rating. Individuals can use this logbook to apply their experience towards UAS certificates / ratings. While the FAA is still working on creating certificates and ratings, you can prepare for the future by logging everything now.
Less Cumbersome. If you are marketing to a potential client, you can scan pages of your logbook and send it to them. It is more cumbersome to get the data off a phone or website.
Very Little Problems. What happens if your phone is stolen, water damaged, battery dies, or there is poor cell phone signal? Paper does not need a cell signal or batteries.
No Data Theft. You don’t have to worry about data theft like you would with a website or an app.
Fidelity. Electronic logbooks can be changed while pen and paper is permanent.
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