What is the purpose of an aircraft logbook?

The purpose of an aircraft logbook is to maintain a detailed history of the aircraft's performance and repairs. This includes documenting routine maintenance, repairs, inspections, and any modifications made to the aircraft. Having a comprehensive logbook is essential for ensuring the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft, as it allows maintenance personnel to track the aircraft's condition over time and ensure that all necessary inspections and repairs have been completed according to regulatory standards. The logbook serves as an official record for the aircraft, which can be vital during resale or audits, providing transparency regarding its maintenance history.

In contrast, tracking passenger preferences and feedback, logging elevation changes, or tracking fuel consumption are important aspects of airline operations, but they are not the primary function of an aircraft logbook. These activities typically occur in separate systems designed for passenger service management or operational analytics, rather than in the maintenance documentation aspect represented by the logbook.