Aircraft Records or what are commonly called LOGBOOKS
The FARs required written aircraft records to be kept. The regulations specify that a logbook be kept for each airframe, engine and propeller of your Experimental Light Sport Aircraft. I also recommend you keep a logbook for your wing as this is an appliance of your aircraft as stated in FAR 91.417. This will allow you to keep track of your maintenance and be a benefit when I do the airworthiness inspection. and it increases the value of your aircraft at the time of any sale. On the form 8130-6d "application for airworthiness certificate" in Section III, box 2 it asks you to check if records are in compliance with CFR14 section 91.417. Section 91.417 is the regulation governing aircraft records of all civil aircraft. You must have an aircraft logbook at the time I inspect your aircraft. That is where I will officially log the inspection and transform your ultralight trainer to an Experimental Light Sport Aircraft (ELSA). These logbooks can be purchased at most aviation supply stores, airport flight training centers from: www.thepoweredparachutestore.com or www.avshop.com/category/149 cost is minimal at around $5.00. Again you don't need a huge logbook, one of the small ASA soft cover models such as ASA-SA-1 is just fine. I personally keep an aircraft, engine, propeller and wing logbook. For the propeller logbook I record the annual condition inspection and any repair or replacement of the blades. I use a metal stamping set and stamp a unique number into the propeller hub for identification. Keeping track of maintenance and the condition of the equipment that keeps you from falling down and going boom is what it means to be professional in your approach to aviation safety.
For your information here is the text of Part 91.417. Note the requirements of recording work performed and the required aircraft information. Note also that ANYONE can perform maintenance on an experimental aircraft. That person must also record there name after completing the work. The only thing that can't be done by everyone is the condition inspection. So once every 12 months the aircraft must be inspected by a certified repairman or A&P mechanic. After you attend the 16 hour course you may be authorized to do that inspection to the aircraft you own.
§ 91.417 Maintenance records.
(a) Except for work performed in accordance with §91.411 and 91.413, each registered owner or operator shall keep the following records for the periods specified in paragraph (b) of this section:
(1) Records of the maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alteration and records of the 100-hour, annual, progressive, and other required or approved inspections, as appropriate, for each aircraft (including the airframe) and each engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance of an aircraft. The records must include—
(i) A description (or reference to data acceptable to the Administrator) of the work performed; and
(ii) The date of completion of the work performed; and
(iii) The signature, and certificate number of the person approving the aircraft for return to service.
(2) Records containing the following information:
(i) The total time in service of the airframe, each engine, each propeller, and each rotor.
(ii) The current status of life-limited parts of each airframe, engine, propeller, rotor, and appliance.
(iii) The time since last overhaul of all items installed on the aircraft which are required to be overhauled on a specified time basis.
(iv) The current inspection status of the aircraft, including the time since the last inspection required by the inspection program under which the aircraft and its appliances are maintained.
(v) The current status of applicable airworthiness directives (AD) including, for each, the method of compliance, the AD number, and revision date. If the AD involves recurring action, the time and date when the next action is required.
(vi) Copies of the forms prescribed by §43.9(a) of this chapter for each major alteration to the airframe and currently installed engines, rotors, propellers, and appliances.
(b) The owner or operator shall retain the following records for the periods prescribed:
(1) The records specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall be retained until the work is repeated or superseded by other work or for 1 year after the work is performed.
(2) The records specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this section shall be retained and transferred with the aircraft at the time the aircraft is sold.
(3) A list of defects furnished to a registered owner or operator under §43.11 of this chapter shall be retained until the defects are repaired and the aircraft is approved for return to service.
(c) The owner or operator shall make all maintenance records required to be kept by this section available for inspection by the Administrator or any authorized representative of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). In addition, the owner or operator shall present Form 337 described in paragraph (d) of this section for inspection upon request of any law enforcement officer.
(d) When a fuel tank is installed within the passenger compartment or a baggage compartment pursuant to part 43 of this chapter, a copy of FAA Form 337 shall be kept on board the modified aircraft by the owner or operator.