Definition
The section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that governs how pilots must record and document their flight time and aeronautical experience. It specifies what flight time may be logged, who may log it, what entries the logbook must contain, and when a pilot must present logbook records to the FAA, an authorized representative, or law enforcement.
Plain English
This is the rule that tells pilots how to keep their logbook -- what flights count, what details to write down, and when they have to show it to someone official.
Context Anchor
Seen when checking whether a pilot’s logbook entries, training records, or instructor signatures meet FAA requirements.
Derivation
14 CFR' means Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the section of federal law covering aeronautics and space. 'Part 61' covers certification of pilots, instructors, and ground instructors. 'Section 61.51' is the specific rule within that part that deals with logging flight time. Knowing the structure helps you find related rules quickly -- everything in Part 61 is about pilot certification.
Why Pilots Care
Accurate logbook entries are required to meet currency rules, qualify for certificates and ratings, and demonstrate compliance during checks or audits.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just a page number or a casual reference. It is a specific FAA rule citation: Title 14, part 61, section 61.51.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor signed the student's logbook with an endorsement referencing 14 CFR part 61 section 61.51 to confirm the solo cross-country time was properly recorded.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots refer to 14 CFR part 61 section 61.51 when preparing to apply for an instrument rating to ensure all logged time is acceptable.