What should be included in a well-prepared flight log?

A well-prepared flight log should include essential operational details that ensure the flight’s navigation and communication are logged accurately. The inclusion of estimated times of arrival (ETAs), clearance details, and actual arrival times is crucial because these pieces of information help pilots track the progress of the flight, maintain situational awareness, and comply with air traffic control requirements.

Having ETAs allows pilots to communicate effectively with air traffic control and anticipate their arrival at various points, which is essential for safe and efficient flight management. Clearance details document approval for the flight route and any air traffic control instructions received, enhancing safety during the flight. Actual arrival times provide a record that can be useful for evaluating flight performance, ensuring that the route was followed as planned, and aiding in post-flight analysis.

While fuel levels, weather updates, and passenger weight information are all important for flight planning and safety, they are not as central to the ongoing navigation and communication record as the details regarding arrival times and clearances, which directly impact the flight's operation and management.