AF Form 3520: ARMS Aircrew Flight Data Extract Guide – The AF Form 3520, officially titled ARMS Aircrew/Mission Flight Data Extract, serves as a critical source document in the United States Air Force’s aviation resource management process. Aircrew members (rated officers, career enlisted aviators, and certain non-rated personnel) use it to record and extract flight data for entry into the Aviation Resource Management System (ARMS).
This form helps accurately track flying hours, sorties, and mission details. It supports key functions including flight pay entitlements, currency and proficiency monitoring, training records, and career management for thousands of Air Force aviators.
What Is AF Form 3520 Used For?
AF Form 3520 functions as an extract or supplemental document for logging aircrew/mission flight data when the primary AFTO Form 781 (ARMS Aircrew/Mission Flight Data Document) is not used or needs supplementation. It captures essential details such as:
- Mission dates and times
- Aircraft type and tail number
- Flight durations and sortie counts
- Crew positions and duties
- Mission objectives or remarks
Key purposes include:
- Providing source documentation for updating individual flight records in ARMS.
- Supporting corrections to missing or disputed flight time.
- Ensuring compliance with flight authorization requirements.
- Helping maintain accurate aeronautical ratings, operational flying duty accumulator (OFDA) credit, and incentive pay eligibility.
Note: Contracted flight or government civilian simulator instructors generally cannot log time on AF Form 3520. Only authorized aircrew on aeronautical orders (or equivalent) may use it. Commanders must ensure flight authorizations align with personnel authorized to log time on the 781 or 3520.
The form ties directly into broader Air Force guidance in DAFMAN 11-401 (Aviation Management), AFMAN 11-421 (Aviation and Parachutist Personal Service), and related instructions. These publications govern how flight data feeds into ARMS for accurate tracking of training, qualifications, and pay.
Who Uses AF Form 3520?
- Rated aircrew (pilots, navigators, weapon systems officers, etc.)
- Career Enlisted Aviators (CEAs)
- Certain non-rated officers and other personnel performing in-flight duties
- Host Aviation Resource Management (HARM) and Squadron Aviation Resource Management (SARM) offices for data entry and audits
Aircrew members typically complete the form, with certification by a designated official (often a commissioned officer or civilian equivalent in an active flying position). The member’s signature or certification acknowledges the accuracy of the flying/jump data.
HARM offices use the form as a source document to update ARMS. They retain related records according to established disposition schedules (generally several years for active documents, with longer retention for historical data).
How AF Form 3520 Fits into the ARMS Workflow?
The Aviation Resource Management System (ARMS) is the central database for managing aircrew training, flight hours, medical/physiological compliance, and related data for over 68,000 aviators. AF Form 3520 serves as one of the official inputs alongside the AFTO Form 781 and other documents (e.g., AF Form 922 for jumps).
Typical workflow:
- Aircrew flies the mission.
- Data is recorded on the AFTO Form 781 (primary) or AF Form 3520 (extract/supplement).
- The form is reviewed, certified, and submitted to the SARM/HARM office.
- Data is entered or audited into ARMS.
- ARMS generates reports for currency, pay, qualifications, and commander oversight.
Important: Changes to flight records in the Flight Record Folder (FRF) or Jump Record Folder (JRF) require official source documentation like AF Form 3520. Without it, corrections may need a DD Form 149 to the Air Force Board for Correction of Military Records.
The Air Force is transitioning from the legacy ARMS to the new ARTEMIS (Air Resource Tool Enterprise Mission Information System) platform to modernize these processes.
How to Download the Official AF Form 3520?
You can download the current, fillable AF Form 3520 directly from the official Air Force e-Publishing site:
Always use the latest version from e-publishing.af.mil to ensure compliance. Previous editions may be obsolete.
Tip for USAF personnel: Check your unit’s SARM office or the Air Force Portal for any MAJCOM-specific supplements or local procedures for completing and routing the form.
Related Forms and Publications
- AFTO Form 781 — Primary ARMS Aircrew/Mission Flight Data Document
- AF Form 3521 — ARMS RPA Aircrew/Mission Flight Data Document (for Remotely Piloted Aircraft)
- AF Form 4327 / 4327A — Flight Authorizations
- DAFMAN 11-401 — Aviation Management (includes guidance on logging time and matching authorizations to forms)
- AFMAN 11-421 — Aviation and Parachutist Personal Service
- AFI 11-202 Series — Aircrew Training and Operations
For detailed block-by-block instructions, refer to the reverse side of the form itself or Attachment guidance in applicable DAFMAN 11-401 supplements. Many units provide local training on proper completion to ensure data accuracy for ARMS input.
Best Practices for Aircrew and SARM Personnel
- Accuracy matters — Double-check times, sorties, aircraft details, and crew positions. Errors can affect pay, currency, or qualification status.
- Timely submission — Submit forms promptly after missions to keep ARMS records current.
- Certification — Ensure the proper authenticating official reviews and signs as required.
- Retention — Follow official records disposition schedules for physical and digital copies.
- Corrections — Use AF Form 3520 as supporting documentation for any flight time adjustments.
Pro Tip: Aircrew can often view their own ARMS summary data via the Air Force Portal for self-service verification of hours and training status.
Stay Compliant with Current Air Force Guidance
Aviation management policies evolve, so always cross-reference the latest publications on the Air Force e-Publishing website (e-publishing.af.mil). Consult your unit SARM/HARM office for MAJCOM-specific or installation-level procedures.
Accurate use of AF Form 3520 helps ensure every aircrew member receives proper credit for their flight time while supporting mission readiness and safety across the U.S. Air Force.
Keywords: AF Form 3520, ARMS Aircrew Mission Flight Data Extract, USAF flight log, aviation resource management, AFTO Form 781, DAFMAN 11-401, aircrew flight time tracking, SARM HARM procedures.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available official U.S. Air Force publications as of 2026. For official instructions, always refer to the form and current Department of the Air Force manuals.