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C-5

AFTO FORM 781

HANDBOOKJul 07

60 OSS/OST

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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 everyones 781knowledge 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 managementof each weapon system. It is the source document for recording and reporting the operational flight for eachindividual 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 pertinentflying information for all authorized personnel, i.e., flight orders.

SAMPLE 781

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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 thecover 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 ofWing 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 fromwhich 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 tomove 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 practicelandings 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 theresult. The conversion table for minutes to tenths of an hour is on the reverse side of the 781.

13 LANDINGS: Number of touch-and-gos, full stops and total landings.

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14 SORTIES: Number of sorties accomplished. A sortie covers a flight from first take off to landingas 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 gos, full stop

landings, and go arounds 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 crewmembers SSN. An error in this entry will result in time being lost or credited

to another crewmember.

19 LAST NAME: Crewmembers 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 individuals current qualification

or what the individual crewmember will be performing on the mission. For example, if theindividual 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 pilotwas 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 islisted 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 logsinstructor 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 A2.3for 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 timewhen actually performing their in-flight duty.

EXCEPTIONS: Pilots in inactive status who are authorized to fly under the provisions of AFI 11-401paragraph 2.16and commanders and key supervisors under the provisions of paragraph 3.7.1will 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.

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Other aircrew specialties: Log primary flight time only when performing duties at a duty position establishedfor 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 totalflight time.

Secondary Flight Time: Flight time logged by a crew member who is performing in-flight duties related to the

crewmembers 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 crewcomplement, a remark will be placed in the remarks of the AFTO Form 781 depicting the secondary duties

performed by additional aircrew. For FEs 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 performingauthorized 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 aircrewspecialty 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 jumpseat 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 activelyperforming 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.

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Other Flight Time: Flight time flown by members who are on the flight authorization, but not occupying adesignated 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 cant 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 externalconditions 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 loggedin 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 setof 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 belogged 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. Youmust 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 orMAJCOM 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=CivilianTechnician.

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.

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NOTE: Once a combat zone is established, the Commander Air Force Forces (COMAFFOR) will identifywhich 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 hostileairspace 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 supportflight 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 willcoordinate 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 AirForce 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 oran 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 aboveunder 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) whoverifies 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, tothat members 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 allindividual entries from columns 17 through 36 of the original AFTO Form 781.

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Upon receipt of an extract, member's servicing HARM office personnel will lightly line through individualmission 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, Capt22 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 squadrons 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 withonly the ACs 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

wings aircraft. This forced aircrews flying their own units aircraft to take the original AFTO form 781 whenleaving 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

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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 pilots Primary/Secondary time: The total amount of Primary time cant exceed 4.0 (total flighttime). Any difference (less than flight time) must be accounted in the Instructor or Evaluator time block.

Add each pilots time across: Each pilots 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 FEs time across: Each FEs Total Time must be the sum of Primary + Secondary + Instructor +Evaluator + Other Time (not to exceed total flight time).

Add each FEs Primary/Secondary columns: The total amount of Primary time must equal total flight time.

Total Secondary time must equal total time flight time.

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EXAMPLE 1 (Cont)

Pilots: Now, lets 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

Smiths Instructor time. That also affects the Primary night time that Jones can log.

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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 acheck 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. Theaircraft 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.

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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.

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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 thesecond 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 timelogged 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 Stones strong desire to sit at thepanel. 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.

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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 didnt instruct on this leg and logged a basic sortie so his FltAuthorization Code will be ML. There will also be remarks on the back side of the 781 stating why instructor

time was not logged.

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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.