Accurate flight hour logging is an essential skill for every student pilot. At Summit Flight Academy in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, we ensure our students in the Kansas City area understand the importance of maintaining a detailed logbook. Whether you’re working toward your private pilot license or advanced certifications, here’s a guide to help you log your flight hours efficiently and accurately.

1. Use a Reliable Logbook

Start with a dependable logbook, whether it’s a traditional paper logbook or a digital one. For beginner pilots training at Summit Flight Academy, we recommend starting with a physical logbook to understand the fundamentals of hour tracking.

Pro Tip: If you prefer digital, apps like ForeFlight or LogTen Pro simplify hour tracking and include automatic calculations.

2. Log Hours After Every Flight

Get in the habit of recording your flight hours immediately after every lesson or flight. Waiting until later can result in forgotten details, such as maneuvers practiced or night versus day hours.

Include the following:

Flight date.
Aircraft type and registration (e.g., Piper Cherokee N12345).
Total flight time.
Type of flight (dual instruction, solo, or cross-country).
Remarks about the flight (e.g., “Pattern practice at KLXT Lee’s Summit Airport”).

3. Separate Time Categories Correctly

Understand how to categorize your hours accurately. This is critical when applying for FAA certifications. For example:

PIC (Pilot-in-Command): Time when you are solely responsible for the aircraft.
Dual Instruction: Hours spent training with a certified instructor.
Cross-Country: Flights over 50 nautical miles from your departure point.

Summit Flight Academy instructors will guide you on proper time tracking during lessons to ensure your records meet FAA requirements.

4. Keep Backup Copies

If you use a paper logbook, make digital copies regularly. Snap photos of each page or maintain a spreadsheet. For digital users, back up your data in cloud storage. Losing your logbook can be costly, especially when you’re building hours toward advanced certifications.

5. Double-Check Totals Regularly

Set aside time monthly to review your logbook. Check totals for different categories, such as total hours, cross-country time, and night flying hours. Summing up incorrectly can delay applications for exams or certifications.

Why Accurate Logging Matters

Accurate flight logs are not just about staying organized—they are necessary for:

Meeting FAA certification requirements.
Proving experience during flight reviews.
Applying for jobs after completing your training.

At Summit Flight Academy, we emphasize accurate record-keeping as part of your flight training. It’s one of the first steps toward becoming a skilled and professional pilot.

Start Your Aviation Journey

Ready to begin your flight training in Lee’s Summit, Missouri? Summit Flight Academy offers personalized programs for recreational and career track pilots in Kansas City and surrounding areas like Blue Springs, Overland Park, and Prairie Village.

📞 Call us at +1 816-282-1500
🌐 Visit us at summitflightacademy.com

Enroll today and let us help you navigate every step of your aviation journey!

How to Log Your Flight Hours Efficiently and Accurately