Are Electronic Pilot Logbooks Legal Under FAA and EASA Rules A Clear Guide for Modern Pilots

Introduction

In today’s digital cockpit world, pilots often ask: are electronic pilot logbooks legally accepted by aviation authorities like the FAA and EASA? This guide explores regulatory clarity in both jurisdictions and shows how modern solutions like the Wingman Pilot Logbook can help you remain compliant and efficient.

1. Legality of Electronic Logbooks in the FAA Jurisdiction

1.1 Regulatory Requirements

The FAA requires logbook entries under 14 CFR §61.51. It specifies what must be logged such as date, aircraft type, flight time, conditions, and endorsements. However, it does not prescribe the medium, meaning pilots can use either paper or electronic logbooks as long as records are accurate and accessible.

1.2 Insights from Pilots

A seasoned pilot shared:

“An electronic logbook is legal; the FAA will accept almost anything as an endorsement”

Another pilot added:

“The FAA does not care what medium you use to log your flights”

1.3 Strategic Approach

Many instructors still prefer signing endorsements on paper and then digitizing them. This provides a balance between traditional validation and digital convenience, ensuring both compliance and integrity.

2. Legal Standing Under EASA Regulations

2.1 Compliance with FCL.050

EASA regulations clearly recognize electronic records. Under FCL.050 and its AMC1 FCL.050, pilots may keep their logbooks in digital format, provided they include all required fields such as flight times, aircraft details, and endorsements.

2.2 Electronic Logbooks Acceptability

The regulation requires that records are reliable, accurate, and readily accessible for review by authorities. Pilots must ensure all entries are certified and verifiable in line with AMC1 FCL.050 standards.

2.3 Notes on Implementation

EASA further confirms that electronic documents, including logbooks, can be carried and accepted during inspections as long as their authenticity and integrity are preserved. National aviation authorities may still impose additional requirements in certain countries.

3. Common Pain Points and Solutions

Challenge	FAA Perspective	EASA Perspective	How Wingman Pilot Logbook Helps
Medium flexibility	Any medium allowed under 14 CFR §61.51	Digital format allowed under AMC1 FCL.050	✅ Ensures required fields and accessibility
Signature integrity	Instructors may prefer paper endorsements	Must be verifiable and traceable	✅ Supports printing logbooks for easy verification
Inspection accessibility	Records must be available on request by the FAA	Records must be accessible to EASA inspectors	✅ Provides export, print, and offline access
National nuances	Flexible, US-wide	Stricter in some EASA states	✅ Configurable by jurisdiction

4. Why Choose Wingman Pilot Logbook?

For professional pilots navigating both FAA and EASA frameworks, the challenge is not just logging flight hours but proving compliance during checks, audits, and license upgrades. The Wingman Pilot Logbook turns that challenge into confidence:

• Always compliant with 14 CFR §61.51 and AMC1 FCL.050, so you never worry about regulatory gaps.

• One-click endorsements let instructors or examiners sign digitally or through scanned uploads, keeping every entry legally valid.

• Instant audit reports exportable in FAA or EASA-ready formats, so your logbook is inspection-proof at any stage of your career.

• Seamless accessibility both online and offline, making sure your records are available whether you are on layovers or mid-rotation.

• Iron-clad backup with secure cloud storage and easy data migration if you switch airlines or jurisdictions.

With Wingman Pilot Logbook, your logbook is not just digital. It is a career-proof, regulation-ready companion that grows with you from student pilot to airline captain.

👉 Start using the Wingman Pilot Logbook today and take the stress out of compliance.

5. Best Practices for Digital Logbook Usage

1. Record all required fields as mandated by 14 CFR §61.51 and FCL.050.

2. Ensure endorsements are digitally traceable or scanned with metadata preserved.

3. Export or print logs periodically to stay inspection-ready.

4. Stay updated on national differences within the EASA system.

5. Use reputable and regulation-aligned logbook tools like Wingman Pilot Logbook.

Conclusion

Electronic logbooks are legal and recognized under both FAA and EASA rules. The FAA provides flexibility through 14 CFR §61.51, while EASA explicitly allows electronic formats under AMC1 FCL.050.

The Wingman Pilot Logbook bridges both worlds, offering compliance, convenience, and modern tools for pilots who want to log their hours confidently in a digital-first aviation environment.