Pilot logbooks

In plain English

Your logbook is the record that proves you meet training and recency requirements. You must log the training and aeronautical experience used to meet the requirements for a certificate, rating, or recent-experience rule. You don't have to log every flight — but you do have to log anything you'll rely on later.

Key points

• Log training time and any experience used for a certificate, rating or currency.
• Record date, type/ident, route, conditions and the nature of the flight.
• Log PIC time only when you're entitled to (sole manipulator of a rated category/class, or the designated PIC).

Common pitfalls

• Logging PIC when only acting as a safety pilot's pilot-flying without the rating.
• Forgetting endorsements (flight review, instrument proficiency) must be in the logbook.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*