Logbook Instructions

Fill in your aircraft's tail number in the box labeled "Aircraft Registration." In the United States, tail numbers always begin with the letter "N" and are followed by four to six letters and/or numbers.

Write in the total duration of your last flight in decimal form. For example, write "2.6" for a flight that took 2.6 hours to complete. You should measure flight time from the start of your takeoff roll to landing.

Pencil in, in decimal form, the time that you spent flying in "instrument meteorological conditions" (visibility of less that three statute miles) in the box marked "Instrument Time." Include any time you spent in simulated instrument conditions, also called "under the hood." You can leave this spot blank or fill in a "0" if you did not spend any time flying in instrument conditions.

Fill in, in decimal form, the time that you spent flying at night in the "Night Flight" box. For logbook purposes, the FAA defines night as from evening civil twilight to morning civil twilight, or approximately 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise. If you did not fly at night, leave the space blank or put in a "0."

Write down the time you spent in a flight simulator or aeronautical training device in decimal form in the "Simulator Time" box. If you did not fly a simulator, you can leave this box blank or put "0."

Fill out the comments box. Include any comments you feel are relevant to the flight. If you flew with a certified flight instructor, she should fill in the comments box.

Tally up your flight time after you have finished a page in your logbook. Write down the total flight time for the page, as well as page totals for instrument time, night time and simulator time. Sign the signature line at the bottom of the page to certify that all of the information is accurate.