Filling out a pilot logbook is the foundation of your flying career. This little book holds all your flight experience and can open doors to certifications, ratings, and even your next job.
Logging each flight correctly and consistently makes the difference between a polished, professional record and a cluttered mess that can raise eyebrows when you're aiming for the next step in your aviation journey.
Let’s dive into some practical tips for keeping your logbook pristine and organized.
SUMMARY
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When you’re flying with other pilots, log your Pilot in Command (PIC) time correctly.
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Make sure cross-country flights meet the 50 nautical mile rule for certifications.
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Night hours start one hour after sunset—dark skies alone don’t count.
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Log simulated instrument flights separately for your instrument rating.
What Goes Into Your Pilot Logbook?
Your logbook tracks everything, from your first solo to the more advanced instrument training.
When you log a flight you’ll need to capture specific details that meet the regulatory requirements.
This information should include:
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Date and aircraft type
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Departure and arrival locations
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Total time spent flying (either using Hobbs meter readings or manual tracking)
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If it was a day or night flight
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Designation of solo, dual, or second-in-command (SIC) time
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Pilot in Command (PIC) time
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Any remarks about the flight (type of training, weather conditions, or lessons learned)
Be sure to record this information with as much accuracy as possible. It'll help you avoid confusion down the road when it comes to renewals, certifications, or job applications.
Logging Pilot In Command (PIC) Time
As a pilot you will mostly want to log pilot in command (PIC) time. But logging PIC time can get a bit confusing when more than one pilot is aboard (acting as a safety pilot). Only the person acting as PIC—the one responsible for the aircraft and flight safety—can log this time.
If you’re flying solo, all your flight time counts as PIC solo flight time. On dual flights, you can only log it if you're the sole manipulator of the controls and acting as PIC.
What’s less common but equally important is logging PIC under supervision (PICUS). This applies when you’re technically not PIC but are carrying out all PIC duties under a flight instructor’s guidance.
As a student pilot, make sure that all of your flights are verified by a flight instructor in your remarks section.
How to Fill Out Your Logbook
When its time to fill out your logbook for a dual flight as a student pilot with a flight instructor, you'll want to focus on logging the time as dual instruction.
Record the flight date, aircraft type, route, and duration, and mark it as a dual flight since you were not the sole manipulator of the controls.
In the remarks section, note the instructor's role and the type of training performed, like flight and ground training or practicing maneuvers.
How To Log Cross Country Flight Time
A cross-country flight does not mean logging time where you traveled from one city to another. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that the flight includes a landing at a point at least 50 nautical miles away from the original departure point to count as cross-country time.
This time is required for various licenses and ratings, so it’s important to know the definition of cross-country and log it properly.
When logging cross-country flights, make sure to note the route and exact distance flown. Your total time in the air will show how much cross-country flight time you’re accumulating.
Night Flight Logging Made Simple
Logging night flight time is another area where mistakes can creep in. The FAA defines night as the period between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise.
So even if it’s dark outside when you’re flying, it might not officially count as night time if it falls outside that window.
Double-check your flight times against civil twilight calculations to make sure you’re recording this time correctly.
You can review out article on tips for flying at night to help you stay prepared.
Logging Simulated Instrument Flight Time
When logging simulated instrument flight time, you’ll either be flying under the hood or foggles (in actual flight) or using a simulator. Both count, but you need to log them separately.
Make sure to clearly mark when a flight involves simulated instrument time, as this will matter when you're working toward your instrument rating or a renewal.
Best Practices for Student Pilots Logging Flight Time
As a student pilot, most of your entries will be dual or solo flights.
Every solo flight is logged as PIC time, while dual flights are logged as instruction time.
When logging flights as a student, look carefully and pay close attention to if you’re flying cross-country, at night, or under instrument conditions. These differences matter because they affect the hours needed for specific ratings, like your private pilot or commercial pilot license.
Keep Your Logbook Professional
The simplest way to keep your logbook professional is to log each flight immediately, and legibly, and use consistent abbreviations.
If you're using a paper logbook or a digital format, make sure the information is easy to read. Messy handwriting, incorrect times, or missing details can cause future problems when you’re applying for licenses or piloting jobs.
Using the same pen throughout a paper logbook also makes it look cleaner.
If you’re using a digital logbook, make sure to back it up regularly, either to the cloud or an external drive, so you don’t lose your valuable flight history.
A great idea is to use both a paper logbook and an electronic logbook as well, and maintain both simultaneously.
Takeaway
Filling out your pilot logbook immediately after your flight time is a habit that pays off in the long run.
Each entry that your write is a reflection of your growth as a pilot. The more accurate and professional your logbook is, the easier it’ll be when you're aiming for that next big step in your aviation career.
Getting into the rhythm of logging your PIC time, cross-country flights, or night hours makes your experience that much more valuable.
Safe Flying!
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