How to Log Flight Hours the Right Way – The #1 Ultimate Guide
Why Learning How to Log Flight Hours Matters
Accurately recording your flight hours isn’t just good practice—it’s a critical step in meeting FAA requirements and advancing your pilot career. Whether you’re preparing for your private pilot checkride or working toward an airline transport license, knowing how to log flight hours correctly can be the difference between a smooth certification process and a costly delay.
The FAA holds student and professional pilots to strict standards when it comes to logging time. Each hour must be correctly categorized, properly endorsed, and verifiable—especially during checkrides or when applying for airline roles. A single misstep, like logging simulator time as actual flight time or failing to document dual instruction properly, can result in disqualification or license denial.
This guide walks you through every part of the process:
– What actually counts as loggable flight time
– FAA-compliant logging methods
– Digital vs. paper logbooks
– Common student errors
– Tools and best practices to simplify the process
If you’re training for your Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, or Airline Transport Pilot License, or planning to interview with a regional airline, this guide will ensure your flight hour records meet the highest standard—no guesswork, no gaps.
What Counts as Flight Time Under FAA Rules?
Before learning how to log flight hours, you need to understand what actually counts as flight time. The FAA defines it as the period from the moment an aircraft moves under its own power for the purpose of flight until it comes to rest after landing. This includes taxi time and run-up checks—details many student pilots overlook.
That definition sounds simple, but logging it correctly requires a clear understanding of categories. For example, air time refers only to the time spent airborne, while flight time includes ground operations before and after takeoff. Logging these incorrectly can cause trouble during checkrides or license evaluations.
Here’s where most students get tripped up: they confuse different types of time. Solo time is only logged when you’re the only person onboard. Dual instruction must be signed off by a certified flight instructor. PIC time can be logged under certain conditions even during training—but only when you’re the sole manipulator of the controls.
Understanding these distinctions isn’t optional. Each certificate—PPL, CPL, or ATPL—requires a specific breakdown:
- Private Pilot License (PPL): 40 hours total (minimum), including solo, night, and cross-country
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL): 250 hours under Part 61, or 190 under Part 141
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL): 1,500 hours, with specific hour categories required
As you learn how to log flight hours, you’ll begin to see that this isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about proving you’ve developed the experience, consistency, and responsibility to act as a professional pilot.
Types of Logbooks: Paper vs. Digital
Before you worry about what to write in your logbook, you need to decide which kind of logbook you’ll use. This choice matters more than most students realize. The format you choose—paper or digital—will affect how efficiently you track progress, how easily you prepare for checkrides, and how organized you are when applying to airlines.
The FAA doesn’t require a specific type of logbook. What they care about is consistency, accuracy, and proof. Whether you’re logging time for your PPL, working toward your CPL, or aiming for the 1,500 hours needed for your ATPL, the system you use must clearly demonstrate how you meet those requirements.
Let’s break down the two main options.
Traditional Paper Logbooks
Paper logbooks have long been the go-to for student pilots. They’re physical books where you record each flight by hand—line by line, entry by entry. They’re simple, inexpensive, and FAA-approved.
Many pilots enjoy the routine of filling out their paper log after every flight. For some, it even adds a sense of accomplishment. But as your flight hours grow, so does the risk of error.
Why pilots choose paper logbooks:
- Easy to start with and widely accepted
- No tech learning curve or subscriptions
- Physical proof you can carry into a checkride
Why paper can fall short:
- Prone to handwriting mistakes, smudges, and missing totals
- Difficult to back up—if it’s lost, it’s gone
- Time-consuming when preparing hour summaries for checkrides or airline applications
If you choose a paper logbook, treat it like your license. Keep it clean, legible, and backed up—ideally by scanning or photographing each completed page.
Digital Logbooks
Digital logbooks have become the preferred tool for many modern pilots, especially those planning to fly professionally. Apps like ForeFlight Logbook, LogTen Pro, and ZuluLog offer automated logging, cloud backups, and built-in hour tracking for every license stage.
These platforms make it easier to calculate totals, track progress toward specific goals (like night, cross-country, or instrument time), and export reports formatted for FAA checkrides or airline recruiters.
Key benefits of digital logbooks:
- Auto-sync flight data from your EFB or GPS
- Built-in hour tracking by category (PIC, dual, solo, etc.)
- Easy to filter, search, and export full summaries
Potential drawbacks:
- Subscription costs for premium features
- Risk of user error if you don’t understand how the software logs hours
- Dependence on devices and cloud access
For student pilots, a digital logbook is especially helpful when transitioning from PPL to CPL, where hour totals and category breakdowns become more complex. But it only works well if you understand what the app is doing behind the scenes—and check that it aligns with FAA definitions.
Whether you use a pen or an app, what matters most is your consistency. Learn how to log flight hours the right way—no shortcuts, no guessing. Choose the method you’ll commit to, stay organized, and always back it up.
How to Log Flight Hours Properly (Step-by-Step)
Learning how to log flight hours isn’t just a technical skill—it’s a habit. Whether you use a paper logbook or a digital app, your entries must be precise, complete, and consistent with FAA expectations.
Every flight log must answer one key question: Does this entry clearly show what you did in the air—and who was responsible for it? If the answer’s not immediate, your entry needs improvement.
A standard FAA-compliant log entry includes the following details:
- Date of flight
- Aircraft type and registration number (N-number)
- Departure and arrival locations
- Total duration of the flight
- Type of flight time (PIC, SIC, dual received, solo)
- Conditions (VFR, IFR, night, cross-country, simulator, etc.)
- Instructor signature (if applicable)
Here’s a simplified example for reference:
| Date | Aircraft Type | N-Number | Route | Total Time | PIC | Dual | Solo | XC | Night | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/13/2025 | Cessna 172 | N12345 | KSGJ → KSGJ | 1.3 hr | 0 | 1.3 | 0 | ✔️ | – | Power-off landings, steep turns |
Note: FAA does not require a specific format, but the information must be complete and verifiable.
Best practices for accuracy:
- Log your flight immediately after landing while the details are fresh.
- Review the entry with your instructor after dual flights.
- Use consistent formatting throughout your log.
- Double-check the totals regularly to avoid missing categories like night, cross-country, or instrument time.
Also, don’t overlook key abbreviations:
- XC – Cross-country
- IMC – Instrument Meteorological Conditions
- NVFR – Night Visual Flight Rules
- SIM – Simulator
Over time, your logbook becomes your aviation résumé. Learning how to log flight hours the right way now ensures you’ll never need to backtrack, correct, or explain gaps when it matters most—at your checkride or airline interview.
How to Log Flight Hours: Common Flight Logging Mistakes
Even the most diligent students occasionally make logging mistakes—but some of them can derail your progress. These aren’t just clerical errors. They can result in denied checkrides, failed audits, or disqualification from airline applications.
Here are the most common—and costly—mistakes to avoid:
1. Logging simulator time as flight time: Only FAA-approved simulators (AATD, FTD, or FFS) can be logged, and even then, it must be clearly categorized as simulated time, not actual flight hours.
2. Logging PIC time improperly during training: Many students assume they can log Pilot-in-Command time anytime they touch the controls. But unless you’re rated for that aircraft or flying solo as a student, you’re likely logging dual time—not PIC.
3. Forgetting to log night time separately: Night flying has specific hour requirements for each license. If you don’t log it correctly—or at all—you may come up short without realizing it.
4. Missing instructor signatures or endorsements: If your instructor forgets to sign off on dual instruction, solo flights, or cross-country endorsements, those hours may not count during a checkride review.
5. Rounding flight times inaccurately: Always use decimal format (e.g., 1.3 hours) and avoid rounding up. FAA guidelines expect precision—and examiners will spot inconsistencies.
To become a professional pilot, you have to think like one. That starts with building the habit of logging flights clearly, accurately, and immediately—every single time.
How to Log Flight Hours with the Best Digital Logbook Apps
If you’re learning how to log flight hours the right way, using a digital logbook can make the process faster, more accurate, and far easier to manage over time. These tools are built to align with FAA standards and make hour tracking seamless—especially when you’re working toward specific goals like checkrides or airline applications.
LogTen Pro: A favorite among airline-track pilots, LogTen Pro is exclusive to Apple users and offers advanced flight time tracking, hour projections, and custom reports tailored for airline interviews. It’s intuitive and highly customizable, but requires a paid subscription to unlock full functionality.
ForeFlight Logbook: Integrated directly into the ForeFlight flight planning ecosystem, ForeFlight Logbook is ideal for student pilots who already use the app for navigation. It offers automatic entry syncing, flight condition tracking, instructor sign-offs, and FAA-compliant formatting—all within one platform. Some setup time is needed, but once configured, it’s exceptionally efficient.
ZuluLog: ZuluLog is a flexible, web-based logbook platform that works across all major devices. It supports custom fields, ICAO/FAA compatibility, digital backups, and even international hour conversion. The interface isn’t as sleek as premium apps, but it’s affordable, practical, and reliable for students who value cross-device access and control.
| App | Platform | Best For | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| LogTen Pro | iOS, macOS | Airline-track students and pro pilots | Premium subscription |
| ForeFlight | iOS | Students who already use ForeFlight tools | Included w/ bundle |
| ZuluLog | Web, iOS, Android | Flexible tracking across devices | Free + paid options |
No matter which you choose, your digital logbook must still meet FAA standards—accurate totals, clear categorization, and export-ready reports. Knowing how to log flight hours correctly with the right app isn’t just a time-saver—it’s a credibility builder for your pilot career.
How to Log Flight Hours for Different License Stages
Each pilot license stage comes with its own specific hour requirements—and knowing how to log flight hours to match each one is critical. Even if you’re tracking totals properly, mislabeling or overlooking specific categories can disqualify you from a checkride.
Here’s how flight time is broken down by license level:
Private Pilot License (PPL)
To earn your PPL under FAA Part 61, you’ll need a minimum of 40 total flight hours, though most students complete closer to 60–70 by the time they’re ready for the checkride. Your logbook must show 20 hours of dual instruction with a certified flight instructor, 10 hours of solo flight, 5 hours of solo cross-country, 3 hours of night flying, and 3 hours of instrument instruction.
When learning how to log flight hours at this stage, pay close attention to how solo time is recorded. Only time flown as the sole occupant of the aircraft qualifies, and any missing instructor endorsements or incomplete entries can create delays during your checkride review.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
The CPL requires 250 total flight hours under Part 61, or 190 hours under a structured Part 141 program. Within those hours, you’ll need to log 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC), 50 hours of cross-country time, and at least 10 hours in a complex or technically advanced aircraft. Additional instrument and night flying hours are also required and must be clearly separated in your log.
At this level, examiners look closely at logbook structure. They expect precision—not just in total numbers, but in how those hours are documented and categorized. Knowing how to log flight hours accurately becomes essential not only for passing the checkride but for building trust as a future commercial pilot.
Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
The highest FAA license, the ATPL, requires 1,500 hours of total time for unrestricted certification. Within that, the FAA expects a clear breakdown: 500 hours as PIC, 100 hours of night flight, 75 hours of instrument time, and 250 hours of cross-country. Depending on your training path, some of these hours may include approved simulator time—but only if properly logged and signed off.
For pilots approaching airline interviews, your logbook becomes a professional document. Airlines often request exported reports or printed summaries, and they’ll assess both your total time and how you recorded it. Logging flights clearly and consistently shows not only compliance but professionalism—something hiring managers take seriously.
How to Present Your Logbook During Checkrides or Airline Interviews
Once you’ve learned how to log flight hours properly, the next step is knowing how to present your records with confidence. During checkrides, FAA examiners look closely at your logbook—not just for hour totals, but for completeness. They want to see consistent formatting, correct time breakdowns, and all required instructor endorsements. A single missing signature or an incorrectly logged solo flight can raise flags and delay your certification.
If you’re using a paper logbook, it helps to use tabs or color-coded stickers to highlight key entries—like solo cross-country flights or night landings. For digital logbooks, most apps allow you to tag or bookmark specific flights. Before your checkride or interview, export a PDF version of your log, organize it chronologically, and double-check that every entry aligns with FAA regulations.
For aspiring airline pilots, presentation matters even more. Recruiters may request printed or digital logbook summaries during the application process. If you hold a foreign license, you’ll also need to convert ICAO hours to FAA-compliant formats—and ensure those conversions are clearly explained in your documentation. A clean, well-organized logbook shows that you’re not just experienced, but reliable and ready for professional-level flying.
FAQs: How to Log Flight Hours
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I use both digital and paper logbooks? | Yes. You can use both formats as long as you’re consistent and understand how to log flight hours accurately in each one. |
| Do simulator hours count as flight time? | Only if the simulator is FAA-approved and you clearly mark those sessions when learning how to log flight hours. |
| What if I forget to log a flight? | Log it as soon as possible. Instructors can often verify missed flights, but knowing how to log flight hours promptly prevents issues. |
| How many flight hours do I need for a CPL? | A CPL under Part 61 requires 250 hours. It’s essential to understand how to log flight hours in the correct categories to qualify. |
| Is my logbook reviewed during a checkride? | Yes. Examiners will assess your logbook to ensure you’ve followed FAA rules on how to log flight hours properly for each license stage. |
Contact the Florida Flyers Flight Academy Team today at (904) 209-3510 to learn more about how to do the foreign pilot license conversion in 4 steps.
