Does the Technical Logbook affect an aircraft's value?
by Klaus Kühl, K-aircraft Jets & Props
As the owner of K-aircraft Jets & Props, I have often noticed in my work as an aircraft broker that many owners of aircraft registered in Germany are unaware of the importance of a properly maintained Aircraft Technical Logbook. This report highlights why this documentation is essential and references the legal requirements and consequences of missing or incomplete records.
Importance of the Aircraft Technical Logbook
The Aircraft Technical Logbook documents the entire history, technical condition, as well as completed maintenance, retrofitted installations, and repairs of an aircraft. It is indispensable for proving airworthiness and preserving the aircraft's value. An incomplete Aircraft Technical Logbook can significantly reduce the value of the aircraft, as it raises doubts about its airworthiness and maintenance status. Missing or incomplete records may also lead to operational restrictions, high costs, and legal consequences. I estimate that approximately half of the aircraft in general aviation are operated with incomplete Technical Logbooks.
The Aircraft Technical Logbook documents the entire history, technical condition, as well as completed maintenance, retrofitted installations, and repairs of an aircraft. It is indispensable for proving airworthiness and preserving the aircraft's value.
Scope of the Aircraft Technical Logbook
A complete Aircraft Technical Logbook includes documents such as the certificate of registration, certificate of airworthiness, maintenance records, and log cards for components. The exact scope is defined in Regulation (EU) No. 1321/2014 and other legal provisions. Further details can be found on the websites of relevant authorities such as the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA).
ACAM Inspections and Actions for Deficiencies
The LBA conducts random ACAM (Aircraft Continuing Airworthiness Monitoring) inspections to ensure compliance with airworthiness requirements. ACAM is designed to verify that aircraft meet prescribed standards. In addition to reviewing documentation, the physical condition of the aircraft is also inspected. If critical records, such as an EASA Form 1 for a component, are missing, the document may need to be provided retroactively, or the component must be removed. Otherwise, the aircraft's airworthiness could be temporarily suspended.
Example: During an ACAM inspection, it may be discovered that the EASA Form 1 for an installed engine is missing. In such a case, the operator must either supply the missing document or remove the engine and replace it with a documented, airworthy component. These situations can cause significant costs, delays, and disruptions to the operation of the aircraft.
What happens to aircraft whose Technical Logbooks are found incomplete during an inspection? Owners should consider this question carefully, as it could jeopardize not only the operational approval but also the value and safety of their aircraft.
Legal Foundations
The maintenance of the Aircraft Technical Logbook is based on the following, among others:
Regulation (EU) No. 1321/2014
German Aviation Act (LuftVG)
German Aviation Licensing Ordinance (LuftVZO)
Further information and details are available on the websites of the respective authorities.
Conclusion
The Aircraft Technical Logbook is essential for securing the operating license and preserving the aircraft's value. Owners should ensure that the documentation is complete and up-to-date to avoid unnecessary risks and costs. An incomplete logbook can not only endanger operations but also significantly reduce the resale value of the aircraft. The answer to the question in the headline is: Yes, significantly!
This report was created with the support of AI. K-aircraft Jets & Props assumes no liability for the accuracy or completeness of this information.
References
Regulation (EU) No. 1321/2014: EUR-Lex
German Aviation Act (LuftVG): Gesetze-im-Internet
German Aviation Licensing Ordinance (LuftVZO): Gesetze-im-Internet
Information from the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA): LBA
Commercial Code (HGB): Gesetze-im-Internet
Fiscal Code (AO): Gesetze-im-Internet
Importance of the Aircraft Technical Logbook
The Aircraft Technical Logbook documents the entire history, technical condition, as well as completed maintenance, retrofitted installations, and repairs of an aircraft. It is indispensable for proving airworthiness and preserving the aircraft's value. An incomplete Aircraft Technical Logbook can significantly reduce the value of the aircraft, as it raises doubts about its airworthiness and maintenance status. Missing or incomplete records may also lead to operational restrictions, high costs, and legal consequences. I estimate that approximately half of the aircraft in general aviation are operated with incomplete Technical Logbooks.
The Aircraft Technical Logbook documents the entire history, technical condition, as well as completed maintenance, retrofitted installations, and repairs of an aircraft. It is indispensable for proving airworthiness and preserving the aircraft's value.
Scope of the Aircraft Technical Logbook
A complete Aircraft Technical Logbook includes documents such as the certificate of registration, certificate of airworthiness, maintenance records, and log cards for components. The exact scope is defined in Regulation (EU) No. 1321/2014 and other legal provisions. Further details can be found on the websites of relevant authorities such as the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA).
ACAM Inspections and Actions for Deficiencies
The LBA conducts random ACAM (Aircraft Continuing Airworthiness Monitoring) inspections to ensure compliance with airworthiness requirements. ACAM is designed to verify that aircraft meet prescribed standards. In addition to reviewing documentation, the physical condition of the aircraft is also inspected. If critical records, such as an EASA Form 1 for a component, are missing, the document may need to be provided retroactively, or the component must be removed. Otherwise, the aircraft's airworthiness could be temporarily suspended.
Example: During an ACAM inspection, it may be discovered that the EASA Form 1 for an installed engine is missing. In such a case, the operator must either supply the missing document or remove the engine and replace it with a documented, airworthy component. These situations can cause significant costs, delays, and disruptions to the operation of the aircraft.
What happens to aircraft whose Technical Logbooks are found incomplete during an inspection? Owners should consider this question carefully, as it could jeopardize not only the operational approval but also the value and safety of their aircraft.
Legal Foundations
The maintenance of the Aircraft Technical Logbook is based on the following, among others:
Regulation (EU) No. 1321/2014
German Aviation Act (LuftVG)
German Aviation Licensing Ordinance (LuftVZO)
Further information and details are available on the websites of the respective authorities.
Conclusion
The Aircraft Technical Logbook is essential for securing the operating license and preserving the aircraft's value. Owners should ensure that the documentation is complete and up-to-date to avoid unnecessary risks and costs. An incomplete logbook can not only endanger operations but also significantly reduce the resale value of the aircraft. The answer to the question in the headline is: Yes, significantly!
This report was created with the support of AI. K-aircraft Jets & Props assumes no liability for the accuracy or completeness of this information.
References
Regulation (EU) No. 1321/2014: EUR-Lex
German Aviation Act (LuftVG): Gesetze-im-Internet
German Aviation Licensing Ordinance (LuftVZO): Gesetze-im-Internet
Information from the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA): LBA
Commercial Code (HGB): Gesetze-im-Internet
Fiscal Code (AO): Gesetze-im-Internet
