FAA Guidance on Electronic Logbooks & Records

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) permits the use of electronic and cloud-based records, including electronic aircraft and pilot logbooks, provided required information is accurately recorded and can be made available upon request.

Advisory Circular AC 120-78B

The FAA has issued Advisory Circular (AC) 120-78B, titled “Electronic Signatures, Electronic Recordkeeping, and Electronic Manuals.”

AC 120-78B describes acceptable means, but not the only means, of maintaining electronic records in a manner the FAA considers reliable and usable.

Key Principles in AC 120-78B

• Record integrity — records should not be altered without detection
• Traceability — entries should be attributable to the individual making them
• Retention — records should be retained for required regulatory periods
• Accessibility — records must be retrievable and readable when needed
• Security — reasonable protections against loss or unauthorized modification

Electronic Logbooks Are Permitted

The FAA does not require logbooks to be maintained in paper form. Electronic logbooks and online storage systems are acceptable, provided all required information is properly recorded and preserved.

For most general aviation pilots and aircraft owners, no FAA approval is required to use an electronic logbook system. Certain commercial operations may require FAA acceptance as part of their operating specifications.

How This System Is Designed

• Secure storage of uploaded logbook documents
• Preservation of original records without silent modification
• Clear association of records with aircraft and users
• Retrieval of records for review or inspection

Users remain responsible for ensuring that all regulatory recordkeeping requirements are met.

Regulatory Note

AC 120-78B is guidance only and does not replace FAA regulations. Applicable regulations such as 14 CFR §61.51 and 14 CFR Part 43 remain controlling.