Log in Should you log your drone flights? The FAA does not require a formal flight logbook for most Part 107 operations, but it does require you to produce certain records on request, and logging every flight is a best practice that protects your operation. This guide covers the real drone flight log requirements: what the FAA legally mandates, what to record on each flight, and how a good logbook supports safety, maintenance tracking, and Part 107 compliance. Watch the video below, then use the sections that follow as your reference.
Key Takeaways
- The FAA does not require most Part 107 pilots to maintain a log of every individual drone flight.
- Under 14 CFR § 107.7, pilots must produce applicable required documents and records when requested by the FAA.
- A useful flight log records the date, location, aircraft, flight time, pilot, airspace authorization and operational notes.
- FAA guidance recognizes both hardcopy and electronic formats for useful small-UAS recordkeeping.
- Logging flights can reveal maintenance trends, document aircraft usage and create a stronger operational history.
- Keeping voluntary flight logs for roughly 12–24 months is a practical business practice, not a universal FAA retention requirement.
Are Drone Flight Logs Required by the FAA?
The FAA does not require Part 107 pilots to keep a flight log, but under 14 CFR § 107.7, you must present required documents and records to the FAA or law enforcement on request.
That distinction is important. Part 107 does not contain a blanket rule requiring remote pilots to record every takeoff, landing or minute of flight time in a traditional logbook. Section 107.7 does, however, require remote pilots to have their Remote Pilot Certificate and identification readily accessible while exercising certificate privileges and to present them to authorized officials when requested.
Other records or documentation may also be required depending on the operation. These can include the aircraft’s FAA registration information, applicable airspace authorizations or waivers and information associated with Remote ID compliance.
A detailed per-flight log is therefore generally recommended rather than legally required for standard Part 107 operations. Keeping one can still make compliance, maintenance and operational documentation much easier.
What to Include in a Drone Flight Log
There is no FAA-mandated universal format for a standard drone flight log, which gives pilots flexibility to build a record that fits their operation. The most useful logs combine basic flight information with aircraft, airspace and maintenance details so you can reconstruct what happened long after a flight ends.
Start with the date and flight times, along with the location where the operation took place. Identify the drone by make, model, registration number and, when useful, serial number. Recording total flight duration can help you track aircraft usage and identify when components may need inspection or maintenance.
For controlled-airspace operations, record the airspace class and any applicable LAANC or FAA authorization number. Commercial operators with multiple pilots should also identify the remote pilot in command for each operation.
Battery identification is particularly useful when managing multiple batteries because it allows you to connect battery performance or abnormalities with specific flights. Finally, use a remarks field to document the flight purpose, unusual conditions, maintenance concerns, incidents or anything else worth preserving.
| Field | What to Record |
| Date and times | Flight date, takeoff time and landing time |
| Location | City and state, airport or operating site, or GPS coordinates |
| Aircraft | Make, model, FAA registration number and serial number |
| Flight duration | Total flight time for the operation |
| Airspace | Airspace class and applicable LAANC or authorization number |
| Pilot in command | Name of the remote pilot in command |
| Battery ID | Battery number or unique identifier used during the flight |
| Remarks/purpose | Mission purpose, weather observations, abnormalities, maintenance concerns or other useful notes |
Why Logging Every Flight Is Worth It
Even when it is not legally required, logging each flight creates an operational history that can make you a safer and more organized remote pilot.
One major benefit is trend spotting. Repeated notes about shorter battery life, unusual vibration or another small issue can reveal a developing problem before it becomes more serious. Connecting flight time with inspections and repairs also makes it easier to build a consistent remote pilot maintenance schedule.
FAA Advisory Circular 107-2A specifically notes the benefits of documenting maintenance, component time in service, repairs and inspections. A systematic record can provide evidence about the condition and history of the aircraft and its components.
Flight records can also be useful when responding to insurance claims, client questions or disputes about a particular operation. For professional pilots, they provide an organized way to track recent flying activity and operational experience.
A logbook does not replace any FAA-required certification or recurrent training, but it can demonstrate a consistent approach to safety, maintenance and professional drone operations.
Digital vs. Paper Drone Logbooks
A drone logbook can be digital or paper, depending on what works best for your operation. FAA Advisory Circular 107-2A expressly recognizes both hardcopy and electronic logbook formats as useful methods of small-UAS maintenance recordkeeping.
A digital log can make it easier to search flights, calculate aircraft hours, track individual batteries and back up records. Some pilots may prefer a spreadsheet or dedicated logging system, while others want a simple app-based workflow.
A printable paper log is straightforward, does not depend on software and can work well for pilots with a smaller number of flights. Whatever format you choose, keep entries clear, dated and easy to retrieve. If you maintain records that are specifically required under an FAA regulation, make sure the method you use also satisfies the requirements applicable to that particular record.
What Records the FAA Can Ask to See
Under Part 107, pilots should be prepared to provide applicable documentation when requested by authorized officials. This includes the pilot’s Remote Pilot Certificate and identification, along with documents, records or reports that FAA regulations require to be maintained. Depending on the operation, relevant documentation may include your aircraft registration, applicable airspace authorization or waiver and information needed to demonstrate compliance with Remote ID requirements. Pilots operating under Part 107 must also register their drone with the FAA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the FAA Require a Drone Flight Log?
No. For most standard Part 107 operations, the FAA does not require remote pilots to maintain a logbook documenting every individual flight. Pilots do, however, have to comply with applicable record and documentation requirements and produce required records or reports when requested under 14 CFR § 107.7.
What Should Be in a Drone Flight Log?
A useful drone flight log should include the date and time, location, aircraft make and model, FAA registration number, flight duration, remote pilot in command and flight purpose. Pilots may also record airspace authorization numbers, battery IDs, weather information, maintenance observations and unusual events.
Are Digital Drone Logbooks Acceptable?
Yes, digital recordkeeping is a practical option for voluntary drone flight logs, and FAA guidance recognizes both electronic and hardcopy formats for small-UAS maintenance recordkeeping. Digital logs can be especially useful because they are searchable, easy to back up and can simplify tracking aircraft hours, batteries and maintenance history.
How Long Should I Keep Drone Flight Records?
Part 107 does not establish a universal 12- or 24-month retention period for a voluntary flight-by-flight log. As a practical business practice, keeping flight records for at least 12–24 months can provide useful operational history, though specific records may have separate retention requirements. Under § 107.9, qualifying safety events must be reported within 10 calendar days; that rule should not be confused with a general logbook-retention requirement.
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