What is UAS flight log?
A UAS flight log records each drone flight: date, location, duration, conditions, and notable events. Not strictly required by FAA regulation but recommended for commercial pilots and required by some clients and insurance providers.
FAA Part 107 doesn't formally require pilots to maintain flight logs, unlike crewed aviation where logbooks are mandatory. However, several stakeholders do:
• Insurance companies — many require flight log documentation as part of underwriting • Commercial clients — some require certified hour totals • FAA investigations — log entries are critical evidence in any post-incident inquiry • Recurrent training — useful for self-assessment
What to log per flight: • Date and time of operation • Location (address or coordinates) • Duration • Aircraft (registration / serial) • Weather (METAR or summary) • Airspace (Class, LAANC ID if applicable) • Notable events (close calls, equipment issues, emergency landings)
Digital logbooks (AirData, DroneLogbook, Aloft) integrate with DJI flight controllers to log automatically. Manual logbooks (paper or spreadsheet) work for pilots with non-DJI hardware or simpler operations.
What this means for pilots
Even though logging isn't legally required, do it. Insurance underwriting, FAA investigation, and your own performance tracking all benefit. AirData and DroneLogbook are the most-used tools for DJI pilots.
FAQ
Is a flight log legally required?
No, not by Part 107. Some specific waivers (BVLOS, Category 4 over-people) may require operational records.
Are paper logs OK?
Yes — the form doesn't matter. The content does.
What's the easiest tool for a DJI pilot?
AirData. Free tier is sufficient for occasional flights; paid tier integrates with manufacturer telemetry.
Related terms
FAA regulations change. Verify current rules at faa.gov/uas before relying on this article for flight planning. Altoa is not the FAA.