Air Ministry and Ministry of Defence: Aircrews' Flying Log Books

AIR 4

1915-1983

A small representative selection of flying log books, mainly of Royal Air Force aircrew, but including some log books of Commonwealth and foreign personnel.

See also the flight log books in AVIA 1

Public Record(s)

English

249 files and volumes

Subject to 30 year closure unless otherwise stated

In 1959 the Particular Instance Paper Committee recommended the destruction, save for a few specimens, of log books remaining unclaimed in the Air Ministry despite announcements in the Press. Further announcements were then made through the Press and BBC stating that books not claimed by 15 September 1960 would be destroyed. Of the 6,400 shelf footage of log books, 20 feet were selected for preservation, aiming to illustrate: format of log bookstypes of flying training at home and abroadaircrew tradesflying experienceoperational flying experiencetheatres of war, campaigns and operations Also selected were: log books of distinguished pilots or members of distinguished squadrons, especially those detailing engagements with the enemy; of pilots with exceptional flying experience; and of foreign nationals flying with the RAF.

Members of the fighting services engaged in flying duties are required to keep a personal record of flights undertaken by them. These records, known as 'flying log books', are declared by the Regulations to be official documents but the compilers are allowed, on ceasing to be employed and after all official action has been taken, to claim their log books. In the event of the death of the compiler on service provision is made for the log books to be claimed by next of kin.