C-5
AFTO FORM 781
HANDBOOK
Jul 07
60 OSS/OST
Completing the AFTO 781
Flight time is very important to everyone. It can affect our pay, upgrade or career progression. While the
aircraft commander is ultimately responsible for the completion of the 781, everyone who helps complete the
form should be knowledgeable in completing the 781 correctly. Instructions for completing the 781 are in AFI
11-401 dated 7 Mar 2007 and in 11-2C-5 vol 3 with Travis Supplement. In an effort to improve everyone’s 781
knowledge and decrease the amount of mistakes, this guide will explain each block on the form and provide
examples for training and operational missions.
Purpose: The AFTO 781 provides maintenance, inspection, and flight operations records for the management
of each weapon system. It is the source document for recording and reporting the operational flight for each
individual authorized to take part on a mission. It is the primary record of personnel and aircraft flying hours.
Finally, it is the official, auditable basis for validating flight pay eligibility.
Responsibilities: Completion of AFTO 781 is a joint responsibility between maintenance personnel and the
pilot in command (PIC). The crew chief completes items 2 through 5 and the PIC dates and completes pertinent
flying information for all authorized personnel, i.e., flight orders.
SAMPLE 781
2
Item-by Item Description:
ITEM
ENTER
1
DATE: Use numerical digits for year, month and day. All dates and times on the 781 must be the
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) date. (20010530)
2
MDS: Found on 781F, item 3. (C-5A, C-5B)
3
SERIAL NUMBER: Last two digits of the year, followed by a dash, and then the last four digits of
the tail number. (89-0123)
4
UNIT CHARGED FOR FLY HOURS/HARM-CODE: Organization to which the aircraft is
assigned. Show command designation in parentheses and the four-letter code of the Host Aviation
Resource Management (HARM) which serves that organization (obtain from the unit HARM/SARM
Office). This is the HARM that processes and files the original forms. The HARM code is on the
cover page of the aircraft forms. (60 AMW (AMC) / XDAT)
5
LOCATION: The base the aircraft is assigned. (TRAVIS AFB, CA)
6
MISSION NUMBER: Mission number for each leg of the mission. Found on GDSS2 Mission
Papers, Form 59 or Flight Authorization. Ensure all 12 digits are included.
7
MISSION SYMBOL: Authorized mission symbol for each flight. Found on MIS, last page of
Wing Operations Plan (WOP), Flight Authorization (flight orders), and/or Form 59. Aircrew may
enter all flights on same GMT date on single AFTO Form 781. Mission symbol information
changes frequently. The current monthly Wing Operations Plan (WOP) contains a matrix from
which you can determine your mission symbol using your mission number. Be aware that the
mission number and mission symbol on the authorization is normally for the first leg only. A
common mistake is to use the same mission symbol for positioning, execution, and depositioning
legs.
8
FROM: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) code for the base or airport where the
aircraft takes off. If a flight is continued from a previous entry, enter "INFL."
9
TO: Base ICAO code for the base or airport where the aircraft lands. If a flight is terminated
without landing for a change in mission symbol, enter "INFL."
10
TAKE OFF TME (Z): 24-hour GMT clock time. The takeoff time is when the aircraft begins to
move forward on takeoff roll.
11
LAND TIME (Z): 24-hour GMT clock time. The landing is when the aircraft is on the ground
after being airborne and any of the following conditions occur:
(a) The engines are stopped and shutdown occurs at or before five minutes after touchdown.
(b) The aircraft has been on the ground for six minutes after touchdown.
(c) A change is made in the crew where a crewmember enplanes or deplanes. A series of practice
landings is considered one sortie; for a series of practice landings, close out the flight after five
minutes on the ground and begin a subsequent flight IAW item 10.
NOTE: When a flight starts before 2400 GMT and ends after GMT midnight (2400Z), record and report the
flight on the date of takeoff. A separate AFTO Form 781 is not necessary.
12
FLIGHT TIME: Subtract takeoff time from landing time, convert to hours and tenths and enter the
result. The conversion table for minutes to tenths of an hour is on the reverse side of the 781.
13
LANDINGS: Number of touch-and-go’s, full stops and total landings.
3
14
SORTIES: Number of sorties accomplished. A sortie covers a flight from first take off to landing
as described in block 11; however, if any flight entry is split (INFL), the sortie will be recorded on
the flight that lists final landing.
15
SPECIAL USE: Used for landing gear cycles. Normally the number of touch and go’s, full stop
landings, and go around’s added together. May also include cycles for maintenance troubleshooting.
16
OPERATING UNIT: Unit designated to perform the mission (MAJCOM option). (22AS)
NOTE: For AMP missions, place “AMP” in the gray shaded area. For sims, simply write “AMP Sim.”
17
FLYING ORGN: Four-digit unit number to which the crewmember is assigned/attached for flying.
Use leading zeros when the unit number has fewer than four digits. (0022)
18
SSN: Complete crewmember’s SSN. An error in this entry will result in time being lost or credited
to another crewmember.
19
LAST NAME: Crewmember’s last name (printed).
20
FLT AUTH DUTY CODE: Flight Authorization (FA) Duty Code assigned on the FA to the
crewmember for the mission. This code cannot be higher than the individual’s current qualification
or what the individual crewmember will be performing on the mission. For example, if the
individual is an IP, but is scheduled to perform MP duties on a mission, the individual will be listed
as an MP on the Flight Authorization.
NOTE: The only time the FA code will not match the scheduled duties on the FA is for extenuating
circumstances. The AC must document the reason in the remarks of the AFTO Form 781. For example, a pilot
was scheduled to perform IP duties in conjunction with upgrade training for a second pilot; however, the
upgrading individual was DNIF and did not fly, so the pilot only performed primary duties. MP is logged with
primary time and the AC documents the reason in the remarks section. When using the FA for more than one
day, log FA Duty Code actually performed and annotate in remarks if different from the FA. If an examiner is
listed with an EP duty code on the FA for the mission, he or she will log EP time on the AFTO Form 781 for the
duration of that mission. When the examination is complete, the examiner will log Instructor, Primary, or
Secondary time, as appropriate, and will have a duty position as appropriate. If someone coded EP only logs
instructor time, the duty code on the 781 should be IP with remarks on the back side of the 781 to explain why
evaluator duties were not performed. Refer to AFI 11-401 Table A2.3 for a complete list of duty codes.
21-26
FLIGHT TIME: Times in hours and tenths for each category as defined below. The total time in
item 26 cannot exceed the total in item 12. The total of items 21 through 25 cannot exceed item 26.
Logging Time
Primary Flight Time: Time logged by a member occupying a designated duty station and actively performing
the duty associated with their aircrew specialty. Only qualified aircrew members, aircrew members obtaining
qualification in the aircraft can log primary time when performing in-flight duties. Non-rated aircrew members
and operational support personnel who do not have an established crew duty station will only log primary time
when actually performing their in-flight duty.
EXCEPTIONS: Pilots in inactive status who are authorized to fly under the provisions of AFI 11-401
paragraph 2.16 and commanders and key supervisors under the provisions of paragraph 3.7.1 will log primary
time only when actually controlling the aircraft.
Pilots: Primary time is time actively controlling the aircraft excluding hands-on-time flown while instructing
and evaluating (log such time under instructor or evaluator). It is not predicated on which set of controls is
being used, or on the duty position indicated on the flight authorization. Pilots receiving instruction while
controlling the aircraft will log primary time.
4
Other aircrew specialties: Log primary flight time only when performing duties at a duty position established
for that specialty. Where more than one station is established for the same specialty, one member at each such
station may log primary time while actually performing the duties associated with that station. Except under
conditions in this paragraph, the total primary time for any specific aircrew specialty must not exceed the total
flight time.
Secondary Flight Time: Flight time logged by a crew member who is performing in-flight duties related to the
crewmember’s specialty, but who is not controlling the function of that specialty. Except as listed below, the
total secondary time logged in each specialty may not exceed the total flight time. When in excess to the crew
complement, a remark will be placed in the remarks of the AFTO Form 781 depicting the secondary duties
performed by additional aircrew. For FE’s logging a TERP sortie, Secondary time must be logged.
NOTE: The member must be maintaining or obtaining qualification in the aircraft to log secondary time.
Pilots: Log secondary time while occupying a duty position having a set of flight controls, yet not actively
controlling the aircraft, instructing or evaluating.
Other aircrew specialties: Log secondary time when actually performing in-flight duties of the specialty, but
not at the primary duty station established for that specialty, when dictated by mission requirements.
Annotate specific in-flight duties performed and circumstances that require additional crewmembers (in
additional to basic crew complement) to perform the mission in the remarks section of the AFTO Form 781.
Total secondary time logged in each specialty may not exceed the total flight time.
Instructor Flight Time: Flight time logged by a designated and qualified member while actively performing
authorized instructional duties (Includes "hands on" time during demonstration activities which are part of
instructional duties). The member does not have to be occupying a primary duty station established for that
specialty but must be actually performing instructor duties. Total instructor flight time for each aircrew
specialty may not exceed the total flight time.
NOTE: Member must be current and qualified in the aircraft to log instructor time.
Only the amount of time used to train a specific event may be logged as instructor time. If more than one
instructor of like specialty are on the aircraft, to provide simultaneous instruction of different specialties, both
instructors may log instructor time (e.g., two instructor pilots are on the same aircraft, one is instructing a jump
seat and the other is instructing NVG left seat). In this case, total instructor time logged may exceed total flight
time logged. A remark must be entered on the back of the AFTO Form 781 explaining rationale.
Two instructors of the same specialty may fly together and each log instructor time; however, total instructor
time logged may not exceed total flight time logged.
Qualified instructor pilots may log instructor time when participating in missions where AFI 11-202V1 senior
officer qualification and performance requirements apply.
Instructors will log primary, secondary, or other time, depending on their activity, when not performing
instructor duties.
Log simulator console time as instructor time if the crewmember is qualified as an instructor in the aircraft.
Evaluator Flight Time: Flight time flown by a designated and certified flight evaluator while actively
performing authorized flight evaluation duties (Includes "hands on" time if coincident with performance of
flight evaluator duties.). The member does not have to be occupying a primary duty station established for that
specialty, but must be actually performing evaluator duties. Evaluators will also log instructor, primary,
secondary, or other time, depending on their activity, when not performing evaluator duties.
NOTE: Member must be current and certified in the aircraft to log evaluator time.
5
Other Flight Time: Flight time flown by members who are on the flight authorization, but not occupying a
designated duty station or conforming to the requirements of primary, secondary, instructor, or evaluator time.
For example: additional or extra crewmembers taking part in the flight, required for the mission to augment the
crew, or perform mission-related observation or evaluator duties (not qualified in the aircraft).
NOTE: Crewmembers will log other time during periods of crew rest or sleep.
27
SORTIES: Total number of sorties for a crewmember. Entry is normally the grand total (14).
28-31
FLT CONDITIONS: Hours and tenths of time performed in night, instrument, or simulated
instrument conditions.
NOTE: Must be logged as defined below. This time can’t exceed primary time logged in block 21.
Night Time: That portion of primary, secondary, instructor, or evaluator flight time logged between the end of
evening civil twilight and the beginning of morning civil twilight, as published in the American Air Almanac.
See http://aa.usno.navy.mil/data/ for data on civil twilight times. As a “rule-of-thumb,” the night time period
starts about 30 minutes after sundown and ends about 30 minutes before sunrise. Since there is no discernable
horizon, primary instrument is usually logged in conjunction with primary night.
Primary Instrument Time: The portion of primary, instructor, or evaluator flight time logged when external
conditions require that the aircraft attitude be maintained primarily by reference to the flight instruments. Only
pilots will log this time when performing duties in this flight condition. Primary instrument time may be logged
in the simulator if an IP is present.
NOTE: To log primary instrument time, an instructor or evaluator pilot must occupy a duty station with a set
of flight controls, but does not have to actively (hands-on) control the aircraft.
Simulated Instrument Time: The portion of primary, "hands-on" instructor, or "hands-on" evaluator time
logged by an individual controlling the aircraft attitude primarily by reference to the flight instruments. Only
pilots will log this time when performing duties in this flight condition. Simulated instrument time may be
logged in the simulator.
PRIMARY INSTRUMENT TIME vs. SIMULATED INSTRUMENT TIME
The key here is a discernable horizon. If you are in IMC or there is no discernable horizon, log Primary
Instrument Time. If you are practicing an instrument approach in VMC, log Simulated Instrument Time. You
must log some instrument time (Primary Instrument Time or Simulated Instrument Time) to log instrument
approaches.
Night Vision Goggle Time: The portion of time logged by an aircrew member wearing night vision goggles.
Pilots, flight surgeons, and other crewmembers having NVG training requirements specified by Air Force or
MAJCOM aircrew training publications will log this time (simultaneously with night time) when performing
these duties.
32
RESERVE STATUS: Air Reserve Component Flight Duty Status Code for the crewmember, if
applicable. If used: 1=Active Duty, 2=Inactive Duty, 3=Flying Training Period, 4=Civilian
Technician.
33
COMBAT TIME: Log Combat Time in hours/tenths for each category.
Combat: Aerial activity, engagements, or attacks conducted by aircraft against an enemy of the US or an
opposing foreign force when there is risk of exposure to hostile fire. Aerial activity in support of forces
engaged in combat when there is risk of exposure to hostile fire.
6
NOTE: Once a combat zone is established, the Commander Air Force Forces (COMAFFOR) will identify
which portion constitutes hostile airspace, based on risk of exposure to hostile fire. To prevent an interruption
in accurate aircrew documentation the COMAFFOR must do this as soon as possible. For the purposes of
logging combat time the aerial activity must be accomplished in a designated combat zone within hostile
airspace as defined by the COMAFFOR (EXCEPTION: In cases of aircrews that employ standoff weapons,
the COMAFFOR under extraordinary circumstances can make an exception to allow aircrews to log combat
time). COMAFFOR will publish guidelines specifying which aircraft missions may log combat/combat support
flight time as well as identify the inclusive dates that the hostile airspace is activated for logging time. During
contingencies where a combat zone is not designated but the use of force is authorized, COMAFFOR will
coordinate with HQ USAF/XO to establish hostile airspace criteria and guidelines for logging combat/combat
support flight time. COMAFFOR must issue new guidance and procedures every two years to ensure all Air
Force units are aware of the current policy.
34
COMBAT SORTIES: Number of Combat Sorties flown that meet requirements as defined.
35
COMBAT SPT TIME: Log Combat Support Time in hours and tenths for each category as
defined.
Combat Support: Aerial activity, engagements, or attacks conducted by aircraft against an enemy of the US or
an opposing foreign force that operate outside the designated hostile airspace. Aerial activity directly
supporting forces engaged in combat or directly supporting those who are actively supporting combat when the
aerial activity occurs outside the designated hostile airspace. Hostile airspace is determined as described above
under combat time.
36
COMBAT SPT SORTIES: Number of Combat Support Sorties flown that meet requirements as
defined.
NOTE: Combat or combat support time will be logged from takeoff to landing. Do not combine mission
symbols; use one symbol for the entire flight.
37
MAINT REVIEW: Initials of maintenance personnel at the debriefing who reviewed the form.
38
PILOT REVIEW: Initials of the pilot in command who certifies form accuracy. For multiple
sorties, the pilot in command initials for each sortie. Travis also requires each primary crew position
to initial to ensure crew position accuracy.
39
OPS REVIEW: Initials of the unit operations officer or Aviation Resource Manager (ARM) who
verifies the accuracy and legibility of the form prior to entry into ARMS.
40
ARMS PROCESSING COMPLETED: Eight-digit date and initials of the ARM who processed
and audited form.
Extract AFTO Form 781: Each individual on the form whose flight records are maintained by another
HARM prepares a data extract copy of the original AFTO Form 781 to be sent, usually within five duty-days, to
that member’s HARM. If more than one individual named on the form is serviced by the HARM, a single data
extract copy may be used. For example, Captain Linton, a pilot from Travis AFB, flew a mission at Dover
AFB. An extract of the AFTO Form 781 is made, certified, and sent to the HARM office at Travis. Extracts at
the same base for aircrew members serviced by the same HARM are not authorized.
Individuals whose flight records have been closed out, to transfer custody must prepare a data extract form for
each authorized flight during that period.
The data extract AFTO Form 781 is an exact copy of the original AFTO Form 781.
The data extract AFTO Form 781 must include all heading information from blocks 1 through 15 and all
individual entries from columns 17 through 36 of the original AFTO Form 781.
7
Upon receipt of an extract, member's servicing HARM office personnel will lightly line through individual
mission data lines of members not in the local ARMS database, leaving only the members they will enter in
ARMS. The HARM office responsible for management of the original AFTO form 781 will have a line lightly
drawn through members who were extracted (not from aircraft's home station).
The data extract form is so identified and certified, either by a commissioned officer (preferably the pilot in
command), or by the HARM Chief/Superintendent. The following format is recommended:
This is a certified and true extract.
//Signed//
G.A. Pilot, Capt
22 May 07
AFTO Form 781 procedures during stage ops: When flying non-Travis aircraft, the AC (or designee) will
complete an extract for turn-in to the squadron’s completed forms. The AC will also ensure the original 781(s)
remain with the aircraft forms. Extracts are not required for Travis crews flying Travis airplanes.
NOTE: All 781s and extracts must be completely filled out with the entire crew listed. 781s or extracts with
only the AC’s information will no longer be accepted.
There is currently conflicting guidance out pertaining to the disposition of the AFTO Form 781 at enroute
locations. AFI 11-401, paragraph a2.4. only allows aircrews to extract an AFTO form 781 when flying another
wing’s aircraft. This forced aircrews flying their own unit’s aircraft to take the original AFTO form 781 when
leaving the aircraft at an enroute location. An AMC/A44 message dated 200715Z Jul 04 directed aircrews at
enroute locations to leave the original AFTO Form 781 in the aircraft forms binder. Based on this conflicting
guidance, the AMC/A44 message is hereby rescinded and the following clarifying guidance provided:
Aircrews flying home station aircraft will keep the original AFTO form 781 and submit them to their home unit
with all post mission documentation. The aircrew will ensure enroute maintenance personnel receive a copy of
the AFTO Form 781 for input into G081.
AFTO 781 For Simulator Flights: Fill out 781s for simulator flights just as you would for an aircraft flight.
Some problem areas to pay particular attention to are TAKE OFF TIME, LAND TIME, FLIGHT TIME in blk
12 and FLIGHT TIME in blks 21-26. All Times should be done in Zulu.
Ensure you input full & correct Social Security Numbers and log all 781 activities in UTC day and UTC time.
Make sure the correct simulator model is in the MDS block (blk 2): SMC005B – WST, SPC005B – PTT,
SRC005B – ARPTT
8
EXAMPLE 1
Pilots: This was a 4.0 local flown at Travis. EP Smith performed an evaluation on Miller for 1.7 hours and
provided 2.3 hours of instruction for Jones, Jeter, Hosenpher and Scruffy. Note that the sim instrument time for
each pilot does not exceed the primary time logged by that pilot (except for EP Smith).
Add each pilot’s Primary/Secondary time: The total amount of Primary time can’t exceed 4.0 (total flight
time). Any difference (less than flight time) must be accounted in the Instructor or Evaluator time block.
Add each pilot’s time across: Each pilot’s Total Time must be the sum of Primary + Secondary + Instructor +
Evaluator + Other Time (not to exceed total flight time).
ENGs: Hippidee and Hopps spent 2.0 hours each at the panel. Fox performed scanner duties for the entire
local.
Add each FE’s time across: Each FE’s Total Time must be the sum of Primary + Secondary + Instructor +
Evaluator + Other Time (not to exceed total flight time).
Add each FE’s Primary/Secondary columns: The total amount of Primary time must equal total flight time.
Total Secondary time must equal total time flight time.
9
EXAMPLE 1 (Cont)
Pilots: Now, let’s throw a kink in the works. EP Smith demonstrates a “hands on” ILS for Jones (0.2hrs).
Now he is able to log Simulated Instrument time. That means that that Jones can only log 0.4 of Primary time
now and the Primary time only adds up to 3.8. The missing 0.2 was flown by Smith and is incorporated in
Smith’s Instructor time. That also affects the Primary night time that Jones can log.
10
EXAMPLE 2
Pilots: This was a line training mission (LTM) flown on an AMP tail for FP Miller. The mission turned
Charleston during the same GMT day. IP Smith logged 3.5 Primary, 1.5 Secondary and 5.5 (Jump Seat)
Instructor time, as well as 3.0 Other (bunk) time. FP Miller flew an instrument approach (0.2 Sim Inst) and
each pilot logged some instrument time.
ENGs: IF Giddy was instructing UF Rough throughout the day, 7.5 hours at cruise. MF Vincient performed
panel (7.5 hrs) and scanner (6.0hrs) duties. Note: IF Giddy cannot log a Basic Sortie for either leg, he can log
two instructor sorties.
LMs: Gibbons and Gore performed cargo and troop duties throughout the day. EL Taillon administered a
check ride to UL Slippy during the first leg but needed a Basic Sortie and logged Primary time during the
second leg. Note: Due to his unqualified status, UL Slippy must log other time when not under the supervision
of an instructor or evaluator.
FS: Flight Surgeon from the 436 AW performed primary flight surgeon duties on the leg to Charleston. The
aircraft commander provided him an extract to return to his home unit. Flight surgeons are authorized to log
primary time for the entire mission.
NOTE: Whenever you have an unqualified student logging primary flight time, they must be accompanied by
an instructor or an evaluator logging equal or greater flight time.
11
EXTRACT
The data extract AFTO Form 781 is an EXACT COPY of the original AFTO Form 781.
The data extract AFTO Form 781 must include all heading information from blocks 1 through 15 and all
individual entries from columns 17 through 36 of the original AFTO Form 781.
12
EXAMPLE 3
Pilots: This mission is also quick turned during the same GMT day. EP Smith concluded FP Jones’ Initial
OME on the first leg (8.2) and assumed command of the mission for the second leg of the day. Jones, Baker
and Fox divided the time flown on the first leg (2.8, 2.7, and 2.7 each) while Smith, Baker and Fox divided the
second leg (2.5, 2.4, and 2.4 each). With the checkride complete, Jones logged only OTHER time on the
second leg. Note: Although the checkride is complete, EP Smith continues to list his Flight Authorization Duty
Code as EP for the remainder of the trip (*Flight Orders authorized an EP duty code). Also, the primary
instrument, primary night and primary simulated instrument times for each FP is less than the total primary time
logged by each. EP Smith logged 3.5 hours primary night and 4.0 hours primary instrument for the night and
instrument time he spent instructing or evaluating.
ENGs: EF Stone also completed a checkride on the first leg (Habot) and logged a basic sortie on the second
leg. Gunther performed only scanner duties during the day due to the eval and Stone’s strong desire to sit at the
panel. Habot enjoyed his recent checkride completion by sitting in the back during the second leg (7.3
OTHER). Note; Stone will also continue to list his duty code as EF.
LMs: IL Junkins divided his instructor time between two students. Crasford and Slider must log OTHER time
when not under Junkins’ watchful eyes.
13
EXAMPLE 4
Pilots: The mission changed mission symbols at a fixed point in flight between Frankfurt and Dhahran. The
pilots divided the time equally. Note: Only one sortie is logged. Mission was flown on an AMP tail.
ENGs: The engineers split the time equally.
LMs: EL Habot administered an evaluation to Gunther. All other loadmasters can log Primary time. Even
though Junkins is coded as instructor, he didn’t instruct on this leg and logged a basic sortie so his Flt
Authorization Code will be ML. There will also be remarks on the back side of the 781 stating why instructor
time was not logged.
14
Mission Symbol Decision Table
NOTE: The decision tables at the back of the WOP will be used to determine which mission symbol will be logged on
the AF Form 781 for any given mission, to include locals. For Exercise/Contingency Missions, see Form 59 and Current
Ops tasking slip for mission symbol.
15