Digital Logbook Standards: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how commercial pilots in the Netherlands can use digital logbooks to meet legal requirements for recording flight hours.
These standards provide the rules for using digital tools to record your flying hours instead of using traditional paper books. This framework ensures that electronic records are accepted as valid proof of your professional activity.
Who it's for
This scheme is intended for all commercial pilots. If your professional status requires you to maintain a log of your flight hours, you fall under these regulations.
What you get
By following these standards, you gain legal compliance for your flight hour recordings. This means your electronic logs will be recognized as valid documentation of your flying history, helping you meet the mandatory professional requirements needed to maintain your status in the aviation industry.
What it costs you
While there is no direct government fee to access these standards, there is a cost associated with the tools required to use them. You will need to pay subscription fees to software providers that have been approved to meet these specific digital requirements. You should factor these recurring software costs into your professional expenses.
The catch to know
The most important thing to remember is that simply having digital data is not enough. In the event of an audit, you must be able to produce a hard copy or a certified digital export of your records. You should ensure that whatever software you choose allows you to easily generate these specific formats to avoid issues during a professional inspection.
How to apply
- Research and select a software provider that is approved to meet the required digital standards.
- Set up your digital account within the chosen software to begin managing your flight hours.
- Test the software's ability to generate a certified digital export or a physical hard copy.
- Regularly check that your digital records are being saved in a format that meets audit requirements.