Definition
The section of the Federal Aviation Regulations that specifies how training time given by an authorized instructor must be logged. It requires the instructor to sign each entry in the student's logbook and to certify the type of training given, the length of the training session, and the student's name and pilot certificate number (if any).
Plain English
This is the rule that tells instructors and students exactly what has to be written down — and signed for — every time a flight or ground lesson is logged.
Context Anchor
Seen when an instructor explains how dual instruction, ground training, simulator training, or other required training must be recorded in a pilot logbook.
Derivation
14 CFR means Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the volume that contains all federal aviation rules. 'Part 61' is the chapter covering pilot certification. 'Section 61.51' is the specific rule about logging time, and '(h)' points to one paragraph within that rule. Reading the citation left to right takes you from the broad subject (aviation) down to one specific paragraph.
Why Pilots Care
Accurate logging under this rule ensures training time is valid for FAA certification, ratings, and currency requirements, avoiding rejected logbook entries during checkrides or audits.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as just a page reference. It is a specific FAA rule that controls whether training time is valid in your logbook.
Example Sentence 1
After the lesson, the CFI made a logbook entry that met the requirements of 14 CFR part 61, section 61.51(h), including signature and certificate number.
Example Sentence 2
Per 14 CFR part 61, section 61.51(h), only the time spent actively teaching instrument procedures was recorded as instrument training.