Frequently asked questions
Common questions about aircraft logbooks — what they are, how to digitize them, and what to check before you buy.
- What is an aircraft logbook?
- An aircraft logbook is the official maintenance record for an aircraft. Most aircraft keep separate logs for the airframe, each engine, and the propeller, documenting every inspection, repair, alteration, and airworthiness directive (AD) over the aircraft's life.
- How do I digitize my paper aircraft logbooks?
- Upload photos or scanned PDFs of your airframe, engine, and propeller logs. Our AI transcribes each handwritten entry into structured, searchable maintenance records — with no manual data entry.
- How long do aircraft maintenance records need to be kept?
- Under FAA 14 CFR 91.417, routine maintenance records must be kept until the work is repeated or superseded, or for one year. Records of total time in service, current inspection and AD status, and the status of life-limited parts must be retained and transferred to the buyer when the aircraft is sold.
- Why do logbooks matter when buying an aircraft?
- The logbooks are the most important paperwork in a purchase. A complete, continuous history supports the aircraft value, while gaps, missing books, or unresolved damage history can sharply reduce value and make the aircraft harder to insure or finance.
- What happens if an aircraft has missing logbooks?
- Missing logbooks are one of the biggest devaluations in a used aircraft. They create uncertainty about past damage, major repairs, and AD compliance, so buyers, lenders, and insurers all discount heavily for them.
- Can the AI read handwritten logbook entries?
- Yes. The AI is built to transcribe handwritten maintenance entries — including older, hard-to-read logs — into searchable text you can query in plain English.
- Is Aircraft Logbook free to try?
- Yes. You can create a free account and start digitizing and searching your logbooks right away.
Want to go deeper? Read our aircraft logbook guides.