EASA Logbook Requirements Explained: Ensuring Your Electronic Logbook Meets EU Regulations

Ensuring your electronic pilot logbook is EASA compliant is essential for every pilot operating under EU regulations. Understanding the exact requirements of AMC1 FCL .050 and related guidelines can save time, reduce stress during audits, and support your continuous professional development. This post explains what EASA expects from electronic logbooks and highlights how Wingman Pilot Logbook can help you stay compliant.

Understanding EASA’s Basic Logbook Requirements

The AMC1 FCL .050 regulation defines the minimum information every log entry must capture, including:

• Date of flight

• Departure and arrival times and locations

• Aircraft make, model, and registration

• Pilot function (PIC, co-pilot, instructor etc.)

• Flight conditions (day, night, IFR)

• Cross-country time for ATPL applicants

  
  

Beyond this, AMC1 FCL .050 also details how to record PIC, PICUS, dual instruction, series of flights, and flight simulator time with clear separation from actual flight time. Entries must be logged promptly. Paper entries should be in ink or indelible pencil, while electronic entries must use formats acceptable to the competent authority.

Electronic Logbook Requirements under EASA

2.1 Must-Have Electronic Features

Electronic logbooks under AMC1 FCL .050 must:

• Be in a format acceptable to the competent authority

• Contain all relevant items listed under AMC1 FCL .050

• Be certified by the pilot

• Be readily available for inspection upon request

  
  

2.2 Authority Guidelines and Legal Framework

EASA's Guidelines on the use of electronic documents, records, and signatures (May 2023) clarify digital record requirements, referencing the eIDAS Regulation (EU No 910/2014) for electronic signatures and seals. These requirements ensure:

• Use of qualified electronic signatures (QES) or seals (QESe)

• Audit trails, user authentication, and correction tracking

• System readiness for inspection by aviation authorities

  
  

2.3 Practical Considerations and Real-World Use

While EASA does not mandate official “logbook approval,” compliance is required. For example, some national authorities confirm that electronic logbooks are acceptable if they can be printed, signed, and delivered on request. The digital content must reflect EASA’s paper logbook structure to remain valid.

Benefits of Using an EASA-Compliant Electronic Logbook

• Legal recognition: Certified digital logbooks that align with AMC1 FCL .050 are fully acceptable in place of paper.

• Audit readiness: Digital format ensures quick access and seamless inspection.

• Data integrity: Validation features reduce entry errors and ensure reliable records.

• Time efficiency: Electronic systems save effort by automating data capture and reporting.

  
  

Common Pain Points and Practical Solutions

4.1 Is Certification Required?

No formal certification is mandated, but systems that align directly with AMC1 FCL .050 gain credibility and recognition from competent authorities.

4.2 What Must Be Submitted During Licensing or Audits?

Some national authorities, such as Ireland, require logbooks to adhere not only to AMC1 FCL .050 but also to national formats like PLAM 024. Pilots must provide certified pages and ensure PICUS entries are countersigned.

4.3 Block Time vs Airborne Time

EASA does not always require logging both block and airborne time. For private pilots, recording one may be sufficient. However, commercial operators may log both for maintenance and tracking purposes.

How Wingman Pilot Logbook Makes Compliance Easier

When compliance is critical, Wingman Pilot Logbook simplifies the process for EASA pilots:

• AMC1 FCL .050-aligned templates: All required fields are automatically included

• Validation and accuracy: Built-in checks reduce errors before submission

• Print and sign function: Ensures offline acceptability during inspections

• Audit-ready export: Reports align with authority formats such as PLAM 024

• Secure storage: Protects flight data and ensures retrievability

For example, if a pilot needs to present certified cross-country logs for an ATPL check, Wingman Pilot Logbook can instantly generate an export in EASA-compliant format ready for submission.

Summary Table: Key Requirements at a Glance

Requirement	EASA Expectation	Wingman Solution
Mandatory fields	As per AMC1 FCL .050	Pre-filled templates
Certification	Pilot-signed, traceable logs	Digital signatures and export formats
Authority compliance	Print-ready and inspection-ready	Audit-ready reports such as PLAM 024
Data integrity	Accurate, complete, consistent	Validation and secure digital storage
Approval readiness	Alignment with EASA guidelines	Export and inspection support

Final Thoughts

Adopting an electronic logbook does more than simplify flight tracking. It ensures you remain compliant with EASA standards, supports inspection readiness, and protects your professional records. Using a solution like Wingman Pilot Logbook ensures your records meet AMC1 FCL .050 and PLAM 024 requirements, while embedding digital security as required under the eIDAS Regulation.

With the right tools, staying compliant is no longer a challenge.