Paper vs Digital Pilot Logbook in 2025: Which One Should You Choose and Why?
- Wingman Log
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
What is a Digital Pilot Logbook?
A digital pilot logbook is an app or web-based tool that enables pilots to record, organize, and export flight hours electronically. Unlike traditional paper logbooks, these tools offer features like automated roster sync, real time totals, cloud backup, error-free formatting, and audit-ready exports.
As of 2025, over 95% of commercial and airline pilots are transitioning to digital solutions for their flight logging.
The Evolution of Logbook Keeping
Humans took to the skies in the early 1900s . By the late 1920s, pilots began logging their flights manually, one-by-one, in bound paper logs . Fast forward 100 years, while the cockpit has seen innovation, logbooks have remained stuck in the past.
In a 2023 EAA pilot survey, 80% of pilots confessed they avoid updating their logbooks regularly — citing mess, manual errors, and time consumption as key reasons. One pilot claims on Reddit that they haven't filled their logbook in 15 years.
There is a better way.
Paper Logbook: Pros and Cons
✅ Advantages
Tangible record for those who prefer handwriting
No tech dependency — zero battery or login issues
Universally accepted by older auditing systems
❌ Limitations
Easily damaged (ink spills, torn pages, fading)
No error control — 1 mistake = scratched-out mess
No backups — loss or theft means data is gone forever
Tedious to calculate totals, currencies, or duty limits
Messy correction process (white ink, scribbles, arrows)
A pilot managing multi-million dollar aircraft shouldn’t struggle with pen-and-paper math.
Digital Logbooks: The Modern Standard
Aviation in 2025 demands precision, automation, and regulatory alignment — all of which are delivered by digital logbooks like Wingman Pilot Logbook.
✅ Advantages of Going Digital
One of the most overlooked advantages of digital logbooks is the instant visibility into your total hours breakdown.
With a paper logbook, calculating hours across PIC, Co-Pilot, Instruction, Night, Sim, or Cross Country involves hours of manual math, and it’s still prone to error.
Wingman Pilot Logbook eliminates all that. Its dedicated Career page auto-calculates your totals in real time, with optional date filters to view your hours over any period.
Apart from this, there are a few other unbeatable advantages when using a digital pilot logbook like Wingman.
Automated Roster Import Sync from 100+ airlines and 5+ airline systems like eCrew, NavBlue RAIDO, CAE Crew Access, ARMS, CESAR, Sabre.
Cloud-Backed, Always Safe Your log is securely stored and synced across devices — even if your phone is lost.
Auto-calculates Totals and FTLs Say goodbye to manual summing. Get real-time summaries for Flight Time Limitations.
Export-Ready Formats Download your log in PDF, Excel, or CSV formats for audits or job applications.
Meets Global Regulator Requirements Supports FAA, EASA Part FCL, UK CAA, GCAA, GACA, and CASA.
License, Medical & Rating Expiry Tracking Set reminders and avoid last-minute panic.
Offline Access Log flights even in remote locations or at 35,000 feet.
Migrate from Any System Import your log from Excel, CSV, or competitor apps without data loss.
Quick Comparison Table
Feature | Paper Logbook | Digital Logbook |
Data backup | Single source ❌ | Downloadable, Cloud ✅ |
Total Hours (any period) | Requires scientific calculator ❌ | Automatically calculated with filters ✅ |
Auto roster import | Manually effort needed ❌ | Import CSV / direct✅ |
Regulatory export formats | Manual effort needed ❌ | Same data, exported in different formats ✅ |
FTL & Currency Alerts | Not linked with logbook ❌ | Custom alert notifications ✅ |
Edit history | Whitener ⚠ | Easily editable ✅ |
Export to PDF/Excel | Manual effort needed ❌ | Instant export ✅ |
Why Wingman Pilot Logbook Stands Out ?
Founded in 2019, Wingman Pilot Logbook now supports over 1.5 million global users, including pilots across USA, Europe, UAE, India, Saudi Arabia, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
We've done a deep dive of how Wingman Pilot Logbook compares to the other apps out there. You can read that to understand why it's the best app for pilots 2025 and what goes into making that verdict.
Wingman is already integrated with:
GCAA (UAE)
GACA (Saudi Arabia)
DGCA (India)
CASA (Australia)
EASA/FAA standards
HK CAD
UK CAA
NZCAA
and many other regulators around the world.
If your airline's roster isn't supported, contact us — we'll integrate it for FREE.
Still Need a Physical Logbook for .... whatever reason?
Even in 2025, some situations still call for a printed logbook — airline checks, license conversions (e.g., DGCA, GCAA), visa applications, or job interviews.
The Wingman Smart Logbook Binder helps you present your data exported from the app in a clean, professional format. It’s designed for PDF prints, with dividers for PIC, IR, Sim, and more.
Order yours here → Pilot Logbook Binder by Wingman Pilot Logbook. Worldwide shipping. Compatible with 30+ export formats for regulators around the globe.
People Also Ask
Q1. Are digital logbooks legal for pilot licensing?
Yes, as long as they meet data requirements (timestamped entries, authorized formats, digital signature options). For instance, GACAR Part 61 allows any retrievable and authentic logging format.
Q2. Can I use Wingman Pilot Logbook for my airline’s old roster software?
Most likely yes. Wingman Pilot Logbook supports over 100 airlines, including legacy and regional carriers. If unsupported, manual CSV upload is available.
Q3. How is my data protected in Wingman Pilot Logbook?
Wingman Pilot Logbook uses secure cloud infrastructure, encrypted sync, and multi-device login. Your logbook remains accessible even if your device is lost.
Conclusion: Which Logbook Wins in 2025?
If you’re an occasional GA pilot flying 5 hours/year, a paper logbook might still work.
But for every other pilot, they’re essential.
🛫 Save time. 🧾 Stay compliant. 📲 Go digital.
Ready to Switch?
Join 10,000+ commercial pilots and simplify your career logging.
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