Logbook Question

[sdbills]

Here's one for Denny,
I got my Commercial and my CFI in 1969. I haven't flown since 1970. I am getting ready to start flying again but I have lost my original logbook with all my hours and endorsements. I know I have 400+ hours but have no way of proving this. What I want to do is to start a new logbook showing just the minimum hours for commercial and CFI training. I will have no logbook endorsements to verify this but I do have my Commercial and expired CFI certificates. How should I handle this to be legal for the FAA.

[Denny of Oakland]

There are several things you can do to reconstruct logbooks. I have copied the section from the Inspectors Handbook to assist you. This is a piece of cake. If you need futher assistance contact your local FSDO or airman records in Oklahoma at (405) 954-3261.

Aeronautical training and experience that is used by airmen to meet the requirements for a certificate or rating, or for recent flight experience, must be documented in a reliable record. This section provides guidance to operations inspectors on the requirement for airmen possession of logbook records and replacement of pilot flight experience records.

A pilot logbook is the primary evidence of pilot experience; however, inspectors may accept operator records in lieu of a personal pilot logbook.

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-46
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.

Reference material is FAA Order 8700.1 Volume 2, Chapter 9, Section 731

Denny