How to Log Time as a Student Pilot (And What Counts Toward Your Certificate)

Every flight you take as a student pilot is more than just time in the sky—it’s an investment in your future certificate. But logging flight time isn’t just about scribbling numbers in a book. There are rules, requirements, and smart strategies involved.

Let’s clear up the confusion so you can log hours accurately, legally, and to your best advantage.

Why Logging Time Matters

When you apply for any pilot certificate—Private, Instrument, Commercial, or CFI—you’ll need to prove that you meet FAA minimum flight time requirements.

The only way to do that is with a complete and accurate logbook, either on paper or digitally.

Think of your logbook as your aviation resume. It shows examiners, instructors, and future employers what you’ve done, how much, and with whom.

What Counts as “Loggable” Time?

Here’s what you can officially log as a student pilot, according to FAR 61.51:

✅ Flight Time with an Instructor (Dual Instruction)

Whenever you fly with a certified instructor (CFI), and they’re providing training, you can log it as:

• Dual received

• Flight time

• Specific maneuvers or tasks (crosswind landings, stalls, etc.)

This is the backbone of your logbook as a student.

✅ Solo Flight Time

Once you’re endorsed for solo flight, you can log:

• Solo flight hours

• Solo landings

• Solo cross-country time (when applicable)

You need 10 hours of solo flight as part of your Private Pilot Certificate.

✅ Simulated Instrument Time

If you’re under the hood (wearing view-limiting devices), and your instructor is acting as a safety pilot, that time can count as simulated instrument time—even during Private training.

✅ Ground Training

Logbook entries should also include significant ground instruction (e.g., weather, aerodynamics, radio comms), especially when given by a CFI. This helps prove training received before endorsements or checkrides.

What Doesn’t Count?

• Time as a passenger (even in a small plane)

• Observing another student fly

• Flight time without an instructor or endorsement

If you’re not manipulating the controls or receiving instruction, it likely doesn’t count.

Logging Cross-Country Time (Important!)

Not all cross-country flights are created equal in the eyes of the FAA.

To count as cross-country time toward your Private Pilot Certificate, the flight must:

• Be over 50 nautical miles straight-line distance from the original departure point

• Involve a landing at a different airport

• Be solo, if counting toward your 5 hours of solo cross-country

Your instructor will help plan and endorse these flights—but it’s your job to log them correctly.

Digital vs. Paper Logbooks

You can log time using:

• Paper logbooks (traditional, simple, physical record)

• Digital apps like ForeFlight, LogTen Pro, or MyFlightBook

Both are valid under the FAA, as long as they’re accurate, complete, and backed up.

Pro tip: Go digital early. It saves time, reduces math errors, and makes it easy to export reports when needed.

What Every Entry Should Include

Each flight log should have:

• Date

• Aircraft type and tail number

• Flight time (total, solo, dual, night, cross-country, etc.)

• Route (departure and arrival airports)

• Instructor’s name and certificate number (for dual instruction)

• Notes on maneuvers practiced

Don’t forget to include ground lessons where applicable!

Don’t Just Log Hours—Log Your Progress

Your logbook isn’t just a record; it’s a reflection of your journey. It tells a story of your growth, challenges, and milestones. Keep it clean, consistent, and honest.

And if you’re unsure what to log? Ask your instructor. They’re there to guide you—not just in the sky, but on paper too.

Ready to Start Logging?

It all begins with your first hour in the left seat.

Book a Discovery Flight at Colorado Flight Center today, and we’ll help you start your aviation logbook off the right way—from hour one.