Why Accurate Logging Matters
The HKCAD requires all commercial pilots to maintain the CAD 407 Personal Flying Log Book. An incomplete or incorrectly filled logbook can lead to delays in:
- License applications and renewals
- Type rating and command upgrades
- Airline internal checks and audits
Beyond compliance, a well-kept logbook demonstrates professionalism and gives you a clear record of your flying career.
Logging Rules for Captains (P1)
Line Flying
- Log the full block time for all sectors as P1 (Pilot-in-Command).
- Record instrument time as applicable (most sectors will be IFR).
Simulator (Recurrent / Proficiency Check)
- Typically 4 hours per session.
- Log full session under P1 (Simulator).
- Record half the time as instrument flying.
✅ Key takeaway for Captains: Always log full block time as P1, whether line flying or in simulator checks.
Logging Rules for First Officers (FO)
Line Flying (Without Augmented Crew)
- PF sector → Log as P1 U/S (Pilot-in-Command Under Supervision).
- PM sector → Log as P2 (Co-Pilot / SIC).
- Flight time → Log full block time.
Line Flying (With Augmented Crew)
- Log only the time physically spent in seat.
- PF → P1 U/S.
- PM → P2.
- Do not log full block time if you were resting.
- Record instrument time for time in seat only.
Line Flying Under Supervision (LFUS)
- PF → P1 U/S.
- PM → P2.
- Log full block time.
Base Training & Line Check
- PF → P1 U/S.
- PM → P2.
- Log full block time.
Recurrent Training Simulator
- Usually 4 hours per session.
- Log as Pilot Under Training (P U/T).
- Record full session as Dual.
- Instrument time → Half the session (≈2 hours).
Proficiency Check Simulator (with P1 Rating)
- Typically 4 hours.
- Log half the session as P1 U/S.
- Record half the session as instrument flying.
✅ Key takeaway for FOs: Distinguish PF vs PM carefully, and in augmented operations, log only time in seat.
Logging Rules for Second Officers (SO)
Line Flying (Augmented Crew)
- Log only time in seat.
- PF → P1 U/S.
- PM → P2.
- Record instrument time for seat time only.
Proficiency Check Simulator (with P2X Rating)
- Typically 2 hours.
- Log as SIC (P2X).
- Ensure the P2X field is marked in your logbook.
✅ Key takeaway for SOs: Never log full block time in augmented operations — only log your actual time in seat.
Quick Reference Checklist
- Captains → Always log full block time as P1.
- First Officers → PF = P1 U/S, PM = P2. Augmented crew = time in seat only.
- Second Officers → Log time in seat; P2X rules apply for proficiency checks.
- Simulators → Always note session duration, split time between training roles, and record instrument time correctly.
Make Logging Easy with Aviato
Keeping track of all these logging rules can be time-consuming and confusing — especially with different requirements for Captains, First Officers, and Second Officers under the HKCAD CAD 407 logbook.
That’s why we built Aviato.
Aviato is a digital logbook designed for airline pilots in Hong Kong. It automatically applies the correct logging rules based on your role, flight type, and scenario:
- ✅ Automatically separates PF vs PM sectors
- ✅ Handles augmented crew operations and logs only time in seat
- ✅ Splits simulator sessions into the right categories (Dual, P1 U/S, Instrument)
- ✅ Ensures your logbook always stays HKCAD-compliant
With Aviato, you don’t have to worry about making mistakes or second-guessing your entries — it’s all done for you automatically.
👉 Try Aviato today and let us take the complexity out of logging, so you can focus on flying.
