[Matthew Roung]

I was going over some old issues of UPAC news and I came across an article describing some incidents where a disgruntled neighbor started enforcement action against pilots flying from a nearby airstrip. It seems the neighbor was one of those types who just didn't like ultralights, and was just out to cause trouble. When the authorities get a complaint, they have to investigate, and they tend to believe the complaintant(guilty, until proven innocent). This brings me to the issue of logbooks. As pilots, we are required to keep one. As soon as we sign it, it becomes a legal do***ent, right? So, when an official requests it, you are obliged to pass it over. The information in the logbook can then be used against you, say, to prove you WERE flying at the time of the alleged complaint. And no, I havn't a complaint lodged against me, I get along well with my nieghbors! Personally, I like to keep a log, I can look back and see where I've been, weather flown in, etc. But should some vindictive, mean-spirited person target my flying for whatever reason would it be better not to have a logbook, to be used as ammo against me? I find the rules and regulations regarding ultralights pretty easy to get along with (I hope TC doesn't change them), but it bugs me that following the rules can also be used against me!
-Matt

[Matthew Roung]

what's with the asterisks in the word 'do***ent'?

[Dyceman]

Matthew -- when you said that "we are required to have a logbook" you kind of answered your own question.

But should some vindictive, mean-spirited person target my flying for whatever reason would it be better not to have a logbook

All holders of a pilot license - incuding UL - are required to maintain a personal log book. We don't have the option not too.

For those of you who have an AIP (the old binder type) the wording for this is found in AIP - LRA ANNEX C1-4. Or in CAR 401.08. All pilot log entries must have at least the following:

a) pilot name
b) date of flight
c) aircraft type and registration
d) whether flight was PIC, Dual or co-pilot
e)place of departure, arrival and any stopovers
f) total flight time

Of cousre, you don't have to include every specific detail of the flight - such as "exactly" where you were" Just the date, point of departure, point of landing (if other than departure) and fight time. That alone might be enough to substantiate a complaintant's gripe but it would be an offence under the Act if you chose not to keep a personal logbook - or worse -to falsify it.

The odds are very much in your favour that you will never have to produce your logbook to anyone. But if you did have to - and didn't have one - the penalty might be worse than what you were originally being cited for.

Dyceman