Lost Logbook,... What do you do? What can you do?

[perpetual]

Heya all,..

As I was reading a post from the lavatory section of the forums,.. I saw that Lloyd had his car broken into.
Well someone mentioned the idea of having their logbook stolen etc. So in Short,.. I thought,..
well that could be pretty bad.

Now, the question:

If you do lose your log book, or happen to have it stolen ( either way you don't have it etc )... What do/can ya do?

( Lost meaning You also do not have an electronic backup/ photo copied version anywhere

Basically, I've only came to these thoughts:

A.) You're screwed

B.) Contact any/all of your previous Flight Trainers/Schools and hope they have a record of your last recorded Time

C.)Contact the FAA in hopes that any form of recorded 8710 will show the total accrued Flight time prior to the rating
being accomplished / sought and use that as your starting point for a "new" logbook entry.

Basically, A, B, and C, are related haha. Either way you are screwed out of any time/indication of your accomplishments
unless your current rating is an indication of any previous required flight time towards an additional rating has been fullfilled
( And )
if you haven't done any flying after your passing/ of an FAA Check/BFR/BFI etc..

(confusing?).. hmm..

Anyone have any Ideas?

and no,.. I haven't checkd the CFR's or AIM for any info ( yet) but I will.

Meanwhile,..does anyone have any ideas?

-Perpetual

[MidlifeFlyer]

[ QUOTE ]
If you do lose your log book, or happen to have it stolen ( either way you don't have it etc )... What do/can ya do?


[/ QUOTE ]
Personal FAQ:

Lost Logbooks

There are two FAA sources for the information of how to handle them

The first is FAA Order 8700.1 - General Aviation Operations Inspector's Handbook
Volume 2 (General Aviation Safety Inspector (Operations) Tasks And Responsibilities), Chapter 1, Section 10, Paragraph 21

==============================
21. LOST LOGBOOKS OR FLIGHT RECORDS. Aeronautical experience requirements must be shown for a person to be eligible for the issuance or to exercise the privileges of a pilot certificate. A pilot who has lost logbooks or flight time records should be reminded that any fraudulent or intentional false statements concerning aeronautical experience are a basis for suspension or revocation of any certificate or rating held. The pilot who has this problem may, at the discretion of the inspector accepting the application for a pilot certificate or rating, use a signed and notarized statement of previous flight time as the basis for starting a new flight time record. Such a statement should be substantiated by all available evidence, such as aircraft logbooks, receipts for aircraft rentals, and statements of flight operators.
==============================

The, second, which is a little more helpful and goes into more detail is FAA Order 8400.10 - Air Transportation Operations Inspector's Handbook. Volume 5 (Airman Certification And Designated Examiners), Chapter 9, Section 4, Paragraph 731

==============================
731. LOST LOGBOOKS OR FLIGHT RECORDS. Inspectors should advise airmen that they may reconstruct lost logbooks or flight records by providing a signed statement of previous flight time.
A. Proof of Experience. Airmen may use the following items to substantiate flight time and experience:
* Aircraft logbooks
* Receipts for aircraft rentals
* Operator records
* Copies of airman medical files
* Copies of FAA Form 8710-1, "Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application"
B. Obtaining File Copies. Airmen who have lost their logbooks or flight records may request copies of their files from the FAA by writing to the following:
FAA Airmen Certification Branch, AVN-460
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125

FAA, Aeromedical Certification Branch
P.O. Box 25082
Oklahoma City, OK 73125

NOTE: Inspectors should encourage pilots to complete the flight time sections of official record forms, even though it would not be required for that specific certificate. These records document a chronological development of flight time in case personal records become lost.
==============================

Obviously, the records used to reconstruct the logbook should be kept in a safe place. And it's not stated, but since the primary use of the reconstructed logbook will be to verify the information in the student's 8710-1, it would be a good idea to review what you did with the DPE who will be performing the practical test or with a local FSDO inspector.

[perpetual]

Hiya Midlife-Flyer ( Mark )

Thank you for the Super-dooper-quick™ response.

So, basically, I was "kinda" close eh?

I guess it comes down to making sure that we keep our things in order. And, if it comes down to it,
send all available info to the FAA so they can cross-check to what they have on their side of things for verification etc.

Maybe this info could help someone if they happen to have their logbook stolen/lost/burnt in a home fire/ lost in an aircraft accident/ etc...

Thanks again

-Perpetual

[TheFlyingTurkey]

I have an electronic logbook, and I have kept every reciept from every flight I have been on, either as a student or as a CFI. Just in case.

[MidlifeFlyer]

[ QUOTE ]

Thank you for the Super-dooper-quick™ response.

[/ QUOTE ] It's in my personal FAQ file for a reason.

[MrSandman]

It is always a good idea to photocopy your logbook, that way you have proof of your endorsements as well. I keep two sets of photocopies, both in entirely different locations for redundancy.

I also keep an electronic logbook as well, but such logbooks are, in no way, official documents.

One of the primary reasons the FAA asks for your flight time on your 8710s and medicals is just for lost logbooks. If you have hardly flown since you entered in that information, you will be in relatively good shape. But if you have flown hundreds, or even thousands, of hours, it can be a real bear.