Add Aircraft Manually

When to Use Manual Entry

Use manual entry when your aircraft isn't found in the FAA database lookup:

• Experimental/Amateur-Built Aircraft - Custom-built aircraft with unique configurations
• Foreign-Registered Aircraft - Aircraft with non-US registration (C-XXXX, G-XXXX, etc.)
• Recently Registered Aircraft - New registrations not yet in the database
• Vintage/Antique Aircraft - Historic aircraft with incomplete records
• Ultralights and LSA - Some light sport aircraft may not appear in searches

Pre-Flight Checklist

Gather this information before starting:

• Aircraft registration number (tail number)
• Manufacturer name
• Model designation
• Serial number (from aircraft data plate)
• Current airframe total time
• Engine details: manufacturer, model, serial number, times
• Propeller details (if applicable): manufacturer, model, serial number, times

Manual Entry Process

Step 1: Start the Wizard

1. Tap the + button on the Aircraft List screen
2. In the Tail Number field, tap "Select..."
3. Type your registration number
4. If no results appear, you can still proceed—the wizard accepts manual entry

Step 2: Enter Aircraft Details

Fill in all fields manually:

• Manufacturer - Select from the list or type a custom name
• Model - Enter the exact model designation
• Serial Number - Enter from data plate
• Current Airframe Time - Total hours on airframe
• Number of Powerplants - How many engines (1 for most GA aircraft)
• Has Propeller - Toggle on for propeller-equipped aircraft

Step 3: Enter Powerplant Info

Manually enter engine details:

1. Select or type the Manufacturer
2. Enter the Model
3. Enter the Serial Number
4. Enter Current Tach Time
5. Enter Major Overhaul Time

Step 4: Enter Propeller Info (if applicable)

For propeller-equipped aircraft:

1. Enter Manufacturer
2. Enter Model
3. Enter Serial Number
4. Enter time information

Steps 5-6: Select Inspection and Maintenance Types

Continue through the wizard as normal:

• Select inspection types to track (Annual, 100-hour, etc.)
• Select recurring maintenance items (Oil Change, etc.)
• Tap Complete to finish

Foreign-Registered Aircraft

For aircraft with non-US registrations:

• Enter the full registration including country prefix (e.g., "C-GABC" for Canada, "G-ABCD" for UK)
• Inspection requirements may differ—select types appropriate for your regulatory authority
• All other fields work the same as US-registered aircraft

Experimental Aircraft Tips

• Use your kit manufacturer for the Manufacturer field (e.g., "Van's Aircraft", "Zenith")
• Include the model/kit designation (e.g., "RV-10", "CH 750")
• Condition inspections can be tracked using the Annual Inspection type
• Phase I flight test hours can be logged normally

After Manual Entry

Once your aircraft is added:

• Go to Aircraft Setup to review and edit details
• Log your most recent maintenance entries to establish compliance baselines
• Add any additional inspection or maintenance types you need to track
• Consider adding documents (POH, weight & balance, etc.) to the Documents section