Aviation Law Articles
F.A.A. and Inaccurate Logbook Entries
A pilot or an A&P mechanic is subject to have his or her certificate suspended or revoked if entries in logbooks made by them are found to be invalid, whether the entries were wrong intentionally or accidentally. The F.A.R.s negatively sanction invalid logbook entries and, where such entries are made, there may be an allegation of “intentional falsification.”
Worse yet, although the F.A.A. theoretically has the burden of proof, it may be very difficult, if not impossible, to disprove suspected fraudulent entries. Of course, this can mean incurring significant legal expenses trying to save your certificate and could equate to some down time if your certificate is suspended or revoked, perhaps, on an emergency basis. Furthermore, if your livelihood is dependant upon your valid certificate, you could lose your bread and butter.
If you or an aircraft with which you are involved has inaccurate logbook entries and an incident or accident occurs (your logs are certain to be checked), it may lead to a finding of legal liability with grave consequences. Accordingly, it is simply not worth the potential risks to allow an invalid logbook entry.
by Richard T. Miller, Specialist in Aviation Law – (818) 994-8234
