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5 Answers

Lost Logbook

Asked by: 990 views , , , ,
Commercial Pilot, FAA Regulations, Flight Instructor

Ok i know there are lots of Q&A in this topic. But here is my situation.

 

Lost logbook of course. 

I was flying until 2015. I resumed flying this year.

I have PPL and Instrument rating.

Flight School does NOT have the records from 2014. They changed system in 2018.

Back in 2014 my CFI filed a 8710 form. I have the unofficial copy with the total amount of hours (311)

I have the application ID and the FTN number. It was filed in 2014, as I attempted to take the commercial Single Engine Check ride. 

Flight school does not have the records

 

I contacted FAA but they cannot find the entry of the   Application ID 802964

FAA sent me the complete record but there is nothing regarding my hours. 

What does a DPE need to see in order to proceed with the check ride ?

To my understanding a simple affidavit of truth , signed and notarized would suffice. 

What else can i do ? 

The Unofficial copy of the 8710 form would not suffice. 

Any DPE who has faced this issue please respond, Your input would be appreciated, 

 

Nick L

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5 Answers



  1. Mark Kolber on Apr 01, 2023

    There’s a bit too much complexity for a straight answer. The general FAA guidance on lost logbooks is available at https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/DRSDOCID170645427920230104182548.0001.

    That’s mostly about hours. At most, once you pass the checkride, it can act as confirmation that you met the requirements. So, the 8710 for yoru instrument training is a baseline.

    That sounds different from your issue – loss before the checkride. A DPE not only has to verify hours, but that certain lessons were covered, that specific tasks were accomplished and logged. The old 8710 isn’t quite as useful for that.

    What may be needed is a discussion among you, your instructor, and the DPE who you plan to use. The guidance helps, but I think it takes a one-on-one discussion to determine what records might be available after this many years. Can you reach out to your old CFI? We usually keep our own records of instruction given, even if it just a logbook entry with your name.

    Practical question: how important is this? I take it that you had enough hours in 2014 for the commercial. How many of those were after the instrument rating. Plus, having not flown for 8 years, how many of the commercial tasks need to be relearned?

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  2. Nick L on Apr 01, 2023

    Thank you Mark for the very useful answer.
    Actually my old CFI is now DPE. The only records she has is the old 8710 and a picture of the logbook with the high performance
    I understand i will have to work with my CFI on all the maneuvers etc..
    The point is that i do not want to start doing all this crosscountry (it can turn expensive) in order to get the required hours for the Commercial Checkride. 250 hours.
    According to the FAA complete file i have 63.6 total hours (for the Private) and 40.8 (for the instrument) that is 104 roughly – until 250 , we are talking another almost 150 hours….thats a significant cost i am trying to avoid.

    What if i try to reach out the DPE who gave me the check ride back in 2014 ? Do you think he would have any records ?

    Thank you so much , sincerely for your advice.

    Nick

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  3. Mark Kolber on Apr 01, 2023

    The DPE? all you can do is try. Sorry it’s such a mess.

    I assume for the future you will do a digital log as either primary or backup or regularly scan your paper logbook.

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  4. Best Answer


    LTCTerry on Apr 21, 2023

    Nick – you mentioned not wanting to do the Cross Country flights over again. 61.65 requires 50 hours of Cross Country. You have an instrument rating. So, by definition you have 50 hours of XC experience.

    61.129 requires some specific cross country experience. “I have an instrument rating” won’t default to cover this – 2-hour, 100NM day and night dual flights, Plus the ten hours of solo or Performing the Duties of PIC hours.

    You have some hours to make up, too, since you can’t document.

    Here’s my suggestion. (Do Private add on, initial Commercial, and if inclined initial CFI in a glider. Great experience. Cheap(er) hours.) Go fly the required cross country flights with an instructor. This will get you generally proficient again. You can fly somewhere 101nm away in less than an hour. Fly some Commercial maneuvers for an hour to make the trip two hours long. Land. Eat dinner. Fly home after dark. Do some pattern work when you get home and rest night currently – you have to make the trip two hours anyway.

    Each landing on the day XC flights can be a power off 180. You can spiral down from cruise.

    Get all the detailed specifics completed. Long XC/etc. Then work on proficiency on the specific Commercial maneuvers. By the time you’ve completed the 61.129 specifics you’ll be flying pretty well. And can make for the most cost effective training.

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  5. Nick L on Apr 21, 2023

    Thank you Terry for the amazing answer and the nice plan.

    I honestly believe that following your suggestion will bring me to the commercial checkride effectively and quickly.
    I will share your input with my CFI.

    I am honestly grateful for the time you took to address my concern(s).

    Sincerely ,

    Nick L
    Spring TX

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