What is the function of a flight log?

The function of a flight log is to document flight hours, maintenance, and operational details of an aircraft, which is essential for both safety and regulatory compliance. Keeping an accurate flight log allows pilots and operators to track the total hours flown, ensuring that they remain in compliance with flight hour regulations and requirements for endorsements or certifications. It also serves as a record of maintenance activities, helping to ensure that aircraft are kept in a safe operational state and that routine maintenance is performed on schedule. Additionally, the overall operational details logged can assist in performance assessments and identifying any patterns that may require attention, such as recurrent issues or anomalies.

While other records might track weather conditions, pilot training sessions, or fuel consumption rates, these do not encompass the comprehensive scope that a flight log provides. The flight log combines essential data for operation, safety, and regulatory adherence, making it a fundamental tool for pilots and aircraft operators.