An RPAS Logbook Is Now Required
The new Part IX of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) states that:
901.48 (1) Every owner of a remotely piloted aircraft system shall keep the following records:
(a) a record containing the names of the pilots and other crew members who are involved in each flight and, in respect of the system, the time of each flight or series of flights (this is effectively the Journey Logbook); and
(b) a record containing the particulars of any mandatory action and any other maintenance action, modification or repair performed on the system (this is effectively the Technical Logbook), including
(i) the names of the persons who performed them,
(ii) the dates they were undertaken,
(iii) in the case of a modification, the manufacturer, model and a description of the part or equipment installed to modify the system, and
(iv) if applicable, any instructions provided to complete the work.
(2) Every owner of a remotely piloted aircraft system shall ensure that the records referred to in subsection (1) are made available to the Minister on request and are retained for a period of
(a) in the case of the records referred to in paragraph (1)(a), 12 months after the day on which they are created; and
(b) in the case of the records referred to in paragraph (1)(b), 24 months after the day on which they are created.
(3) Every owner of a remotely piloted aircraft system who transfers ownership of the system to another person shall, at the time of transfer, also deliver to that person all of the records referred to in paragraph (1)(b).
Logbook Templates
We have prepared a template for the combined Journey/Technical logbook for an RPAS. It is an Excel spreadsheet and there are no macros or any other automation. The only magic is the formula that calculates to total time and cell formatting. We’ve also included a blank pilot logbook. The two files are zipped together for easy download. Just subscribe to our email list and the download link will appear.
