How to Log Multi-Sector Flights and Multi-Crew Time: A Guide for Indian and UAE Airline Pilots
- Wingman Log
- Aug 2
- 4 min read
For commercial airline pilots in India and the UAE, accurate logbook entries are not just a regulatory formality; they are crucial for career progression, audits, license renewals, and proving command proficiency. Logging multi-sector flights and multi-crew operations can be confusing due to varying practices across airlines and regulators like the DGCA and GCAA. This guide breaks it down step by step for maximum clarity and compliance.
Understanding Multi-Sector Flights
What are Multi-Sector Flights?
A multi-sector flight refers to operating more than one flight segment in a single duty period. For example, a Delhi–Mumbai–Hyderabad rotation is considered three sectors, even if completed within the same shift.
Why Sector Logging Matters
Required for license renewals
Validates recency requirements
Impacts fatigue duty tracking and simulator scheduling
Necessary for audit trails by DGCA (India) and GCAA UAE
Logging Multi-Sector Flights Correctly
A. Indian DGCA Guidelines
As per the DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements - Section 7, each leg must be entered as an individual line item:
Date | From | To | A/C Type | Regn | Flight Time | PIC Name | Remarks |
01/07/24 | DEL | BOM | A320 | VT-ABC | 01:55 | Self | Sector 1 |
01/07/24 | BOM | HYD | A320 | VT-ABC | 01:25 | Self | Sector 2 |
Each sector logged separately
Total flight time reflects only that segment
Duty period noted in airline systems or separately in pilot diary
B. UAE GCAA Guidance
The CAR PART II Chapter 6 mandates that all flights must be logged by sector, with clear entries for takeoff and landing points. UAE-based pilots must:
Use Zulu time (UTC)
Record Flight Number and Role (PIC, FO, cruise relief)
Retain supporting digital records for at least 5 years
What is Multi-Crew Long Haul (ULR) Time?
Multi-crew time refers to operations conducted under a multi-pilot certified aircraft requiring two or more pilots by the type certificate or regulations. For aircraft like the A320, B737, or B777, this applies by default.
Logging Multi-Crew Time: Common Challenges
1. Misclassification of Roles
Pilots often confuse actual flight time with operational duty. Only time spent at the controls (as PF or PM) under supervision qualifies as multi-crew.
PF (Pilot Flying): Actively manipulating the controls
PM (Pilot Monitoring): Managing radio, checklist, and monitoring duties
2. Overlapping Crew Duties
In some long-haul flights, multiple crew rotations occur. To log accurately:
Use the aircraft's Journey Log as the master record
Enter only the time you were occupying an operating seat
Format for Logging Multi-Crew Time
Here’s a recommended format following ICAO Annex 1 and GACAR Part 61:
Date | From | To | Regn | Aircraft Type | Role | Total Time | PIC/SIC |
10/07/24 | DXB | JFK | A6-XYZ | B737 | FO | 14:30 | 07:00 |
Real-World Long-Haul Logging Scenarios
Emirates Long-Haul Flight: DXB–LHR (B777-300ER)
Flight Info
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Route: Dubai to London Heathrow
Flight Time: 7h 45m
Crew: 4 (2 Captains + 2 First Officers)
Date | From | To | Regn | Aircraft Type | Role | Seat | Time at Controls | Block Time | Multi-Crew Time |
28/07/25 | DXB | LHR | A6-ENG | B777-300ER | FO | LHS | 3h 55m | 7h 45m | 3h 55m |
✅ Only the portion actually flown by the CAPT/FO is logged
✅ Rest periods and observer time are not included
✅ Role and seat are clearly mentioned
How to Log ULR (Ultra Long Range) Flights in Wingman Pilot Logbook
For flights involving multiple crews over ultra-long durations (such as DXB–SFO, DEL–YYZ, etc.), accurate split-duty logging is essential. Wingman Pilot Logbook supports this with a dedicated tool for ULR flights.
Quick Steps in Wingman Pilot Logbook:
Tap ‘+ Add Flight’
Select ULR / Split Duty option
Enter full block time of the flight
Input your actual time on controls (in seat)
Add remarks if applicable (e.g., Rest relief, PF shift)
Tap Save and sync
Full step-by-step guide: How to add ULR/Split-Duty flights in Wingman Pilot Logbook
Watch the tutorial here : https://youtu.be/WPXgYKcSY1w
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Logging full duty time when you flew only half the leg
Overlooking UTC time formats (especially in UAE)
Not distinguishing cruise relief from actual control time
Logging observer time as operational control
Wingman Pilot Logbook: Your Smart Logging Assistant
Whether you're flying triple sectors in IndiGo or operating long hauls with Emirates, Wingman Pilot Logbook simplifies your entries. It auto-imports your airline roster, splits multi-sector flights, and classifies multi-crew operations based on role and seat position.
✅ GCAA, GACA, and DGCA compliant
✅ Smart filters to highlight recency and validity
✅ Daily sync with crew portals
✅ Easily export summaries for audits and renewals
Compared to traditional solutions like Flylog.io or LogTen Pro, Wingman Pilot Logbook is regionally optimized, competitively priced, and visually modern—built with Middle Eastern and Indian pilots in mind.
Download Wingman Pilot Logbook and eliminate logbook errors for good.
Tips for Indian and UAE Pilots
Indian DGCA Pilots
Maintain both digital and physical logbooks
Ensure proper instructor signatures during training
Log each sector distinctly with time, registration, and route
UAE GCAA Pilots
Use UTC time consistently
Capture your exact seat duty during crew rotation
Retain airline rosters as supporting records
Multi-sector and multi-crew logging may seem tedious but are vital to proving compliance, skill progression, and fulfilling licensing requirements in both India and the UAE. With regional regulations tightening and audits becoming more data-driven, accurate digital logging is no longer optional.
Take charge of your career by logging it right, one sector at a time.
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