How to Log Hours as a Student Pilot
Flight hours reflect the training you’ve completed and show your progress toward earning a Private Pilot’s License (PPL) or other higher certifications. Tracking flight hours allows you to see how much time you’ve put into obtaining your PPL. It’s a helpful tool to keep you on track and learn how to stay organized as a pilot trainee.
As a student pilot, learning how to log flight hours properly may feel overwhelming at first, but developing good habits now will keep you organized and save you the hassle later.
Your logbook serves as a permanent record of your training and experience throughout your aviation career. It’s not only student pilots who have to log their hours; it’s every pilot.
Why is Tracking Flight Hours Important?
A flight isn’t a flight unless it’s logged. You must log your flight times to ensure you receive the hours you’ve worked hard for. Flight hours should be consistent and accurate, and at Bravo 6 Flight Academy, your Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) will teach you how to log your flight hours.
Tracking flight hours is not just a sheet you have to fill out; it’s a legal document required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA requires all pilots to fill out a logbook to prove flight experience and a pilot’s qualifications.
A logbook allows you to receive advanced ratings, such as an Instrument Rating (IR) and a Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL).
Different Types of Flight Hours
As a student pilot, you’ll log several types of flight hours, including the following:
Solo: When a pilot is the only occupant in the aircraft. A student pilot may have solo hours during solo practice exams with a valid endorsement for solo flying by the CFI.
Student Pilot In Command: Flight time when accompanied by a CFI who doesn’t control the aircraft.
Flight Simulator: All training time logged using a flight simulator.
Flight Training Device: All time logged using a flight training device.
When you earn your PPL, there are other flight hours you can add to your flight log, such as Pilot in Command and Second in Command.
What Should You Log?
A logbook may seem complex to fill out, but it will provide all the information necessary to show you’ve met all the requirements you need. Here’s a quick overview of what a logbook entails:
- The date of your flight
- The aircraft type and tail number
- Amount of time in flight
- Any dual instruction received
- May include flight simulator time
- Total number of takeoffs and landings
- Departure and arrival locations
- Amount of solo flying (types of flight hours)
- Daytime/nighttime hours flown
With practice, you’ll learn exactly what to fill out, which makes the process quicker and easier for you.
Results of Poor Logging
If you fill out a flight log incorrectly, neglect it, or skip steps, the consequences can set you back from becoming a pilot. Poor logging can lead to delays in your certification if records are inaccurate. If this happens, the FAA could disqualify you if you cannot verify your hours.
Ultimately, improper documentation of your flights will cost you time and money.
A pilot who fails to maintain a logbook may be unable to exercise their certificate privileges without documented experience.
Additionally, challenges may arise if you’re planning to get hired, particularly in proving your flight time. Flight logs provide proof of your experience, helping you qualify for jobs in the aviation industry. Employers will require a certain number of flight hours for the job.
Best Practices for Staying Organized
- Legible handwriting (for non-digital logbooks)
- Use accurate abbreviations
- Backup logs, both digital and physical
- Use consistent formatting
- Add sticky notes for tabs
- Use black or blue pens rather than pencils
- Log immediately after a flight
- Separate logs from personal notes to keep your logbook professional
- Protect your logbook so it doesn’t get destroyed or lost
Bravo 6 Helps You Every Step of The Way
Bravo 6 Flight Academy provides you with the tools, support, and knowledge you need to succeed as a student pilot. Our CFIs will teach you how to log your flight hours to help you make good decisions and habits.
Enroll today at Bravo 6 Flight Academy to get the flight hours you need to earn your PPL! Contact us today for more information.
