How to Fill Out a Pilot Logbook Correctly: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for New Pilots

If you're starting your journey to become a commercial pilot (CPL), one of the most important habits you need is to log your flight hours correctly. Your pilot logbook is not just a diary, it’s your proof that you’ve done the flights needed to get your license.

Whether you're training in India, the US, Europe, the Middle East, or anywhere else, this guide will help you understand how to fill your logbook the right way , step by step.

Why Is the Pilot Logbook So Important?

Your logbook is the official record of:

• All the hours you've flown

• The types of flights you’ve done (solo, night, cross-country, etc.)

• The aircraft you've flown

• Your role in each flight (student, co-pilot, PIC)

  
  

It’s required when:

• Applying for your CPL or ATPL

• Converting a foreign license

• Attending airline interviews

• Renewing your license or ratings

  
  

If you’re training in India, check this helpful guide on CPL flying requirements.

If you're converting a foreign CPL to Indian, here’s the foreign license conversion process.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out a Pilot Logbook

Step 1: Include the Right Fields

Every country’s aviation authority expects a few key things in your logbook. The layout may look different, but most include:

• Date of flight

• Aircraft type & registration (e.g., A320, VT-ABC)

• From and To airport

• Flight duration (in HH:MM format)

• Your role (student, co-pilot, solo, etc.)

• Day or night flight

• Cross-country or not

• Instrument time (if any)

• Simulator time (if any)

• Instructor’s remarks or sign-off

  
  

Wingman Pilot Logbook helps you with all these fields and makes sure you don’t miss anything.

Step 2: Record Time in the Correct Format

Use HH:MM format (e.g., 01:45, not 1.75).Make sure you’re clear about:

• Block Time – From when brakes are released at departure to when brakes are set after landing (used by most airlines).

• Airborne Time – From takeoff to landing (used in some flight schools).

• Simulator Time – Only log this if it’s on an approved device.

  
  

Step 3: Log the Correct Role

Always mention what role you played in the flight:

• Student / Dual – When flying with your instructor

• Solo – When flying alone

• PIC (Pilot in Command) – Only after you are licensed and fully responsible

• SIC / Co-pilot – When flying as second-in-command

• PICUS – Logged under instructor supervision (used in EASA and some airline programs)

⚠️ Don’t log PIC time if you haven’t earned it — it may cause problems during license checks.

Step 4: Separate Special Time

Some flights are more important for your license. Track these carefully:

• Night Flying – Only the time after sunset, before sunrise

• Cross-Country – Flights over a set distance (like 50 NM in FAA rules)

• Instrument Time – Time spent flying only using instruments, either in clouds (IMC) or under a hood

• Simulator Time – Only if approved by your school or authority

  
  

Need help understanding how many hours are needed? See this CPL flight experience guide.

Step 5: Save Documents That Prove Your Flights

You may need to show:

• Instructor signoffs

• SIM certificates

• Rosters or schedules

• Flight briefings

• Written exam reports

In Wingman Pilot Logbook, you can attach these documents to each logbook entry , so you never lose them.

Step 6: Export Your Logbook in the Right Format

Before your CPL checkride or license application, your logbook must be:

• Printed or exported in the format required by your aviation authority (FAA, DGCA, EASA, etc.)

• Signed by your instructor or training head

• Well organized, with total hours neatly shown

Wingman makes this easy. Just choose your authority and generate a ready-to-submit report in one click.

Common Mistakes New Pilots Make

• Logging PIC without proper qualification

• Forgetting to get instructor signoff

• Using decimal time format (e.g., 1.5 instead of 01:30)

• Not tracking cross-country distances

• Skipping simulator or instrument time

Paper vs. Digital Logbook: Which One Is Better?

Feature	Paper Logbook	Digital Logbook
Easy to update	❌	✅
Automatically adds totals	❌	✅
Supports attachments (rosters, signoffs)	❌	✅
Accepted by regulators	✅	✅
Format for DGCA/FAA/EASA	❌	✅

Why Wingman Pilot Logbook Is Best for CPL Students

Wingman Pilot Logbook is built for pilots with their career in mind. It helps you:

• Log flights correctly from day one

• Automatically separate night, solo, SIM, cross-country time

• Attach documents and rosters

• Export logbooks in the right format (DGCA, FAA, GCAA, etc.)

Whether you're training in the USA, UAE, India, or Europe, Wingman Pilot Logbook keeps your hours accurate and your license application ready.

Final Thoughts

Your CPL is a big milestone. And your logbook is the key to getting there.

Start building the habit of logging flights correctly from day one. Use a format your regulator accepts. Get the right signoffs. And never lose your data.

The smarter you log, the faster you'll fly.

FAQs: New Pilot Logbook Tips

1. Can I use a digital logbook for my CPL?

Yes. Most countries allow digital logbooks. Just make sure they’re in the right format when printed. Wingman supports this.

2. How do I know how many hours I need?

It depends on your country. If you are in India, check this guide to CPL flight hours in India or ask your flight school.

3. What’s the difference between solo and PIC?

Solo is when you're the only person in the airplane. PIC is pilot-in-command, which means you're legally responsible, usually after you’re licensed.

4. Can I log SIM time in my total hours?

You can log it separately, but it usually doesn't count toward your total flight time. It is counted only if approved.