The 9 Best Paper & Electronic Pilot Logbooks in 2023

A logbook is easily one of the most important tools for a pilot.

In the dynamic world of aviation, where precision and accuracy are paramount, every pilot understands the significance of maintaining a meticulous record of their flying experiences. The pilot logbook serves as a tangible testament to their journey through the skies, capturing flight hours, aircraft types, destinations, and other vital details. As we embrace the digital age, pilot logbooks have evolved from traditional paper versions to sophisticated electronic alternatives.

In this article, we will delve into the importance of logbooks for pilots, explore the best options available in both paper and electronic formats, and provide valuable insights for new (pilots) considering the purchase of a new pilot logbook in 2023.

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Pilot Logbooks

In its essence, a logbook is a place to document the hours a pilot has flown, where and when.

Pilot logbooks have long been considered indispensable tools for pilots, serving as their flight documentation companions throughout their careers. These logbooks are not merely a record of flight hours but encapsulate the very essence of a pilot’s professional journey. From initial flight training to advanced ratings and endorsements, each entry in the logbook narrates a story of skill development, milestones achieved, and the unwavering dedication of aviators.

Particularly for commercial pilots, a logbook is vitally important to document and prove their flight time and experience to (future) employers and authorities.

A pilot logbook isn’t just a piece of tedious bureaucracy; you can also think of it as a diary of your flying achievements – a little book that can serve as a great way to collect your flying achievements and to look back on past experiences and memories. From initial flight training to advanced ratings and endorsements, each entry in the logbook narrates a story of skill development, milestones achieved, and the unwavering dedication of aviators.

The Best Paper Pilot Logbooks to Buy in 2023

In an era dominated by digital advancements, paper logbooks retain their allure for many pilots. There’s a certain charm to the tangible nature of flipping through pages filled with handwritten entries, capturing the essence of each flight. Paper logbooks offer a sense of tradition and a personal connection to the history of aviation.

1. Jeppesen Pilot Logbook

Crafted with durability and a highly functional design, Jeppesen Pilot Logbook  has become an industry-standard – made to go the distance. Large flight-time spaces arranged in accordance with FAA regulations and 520 flight entries ensure plenty of note-taking. And “easy-on-the-eyes” green pages resist ink bleed through. Bound in a scuff-resistant cover.

Measures: 8″ x 5 1/4″

2. The Standard Pilot Log

The finest and most verstile logbooks for aviators, The Standard logbooks have been supporting the aviation industry for over 60 years and comply with the FAA’s recordkeeping requirements. Versatile, easy-to-use and flexible enough to fit any pilot’s needs, student or ATP.

Measures:  9″ x 5.5″
Pages: 110

3. The Standard Pilot Master Log

ASA’s popular logbook is formatted to comply with the standards for all international flyers. In addition to complying with FAA recordkeeping regulations, this logbook complies with ICAO, JAA, CAA, and CASA recordkeeping requirements pertaining to pilots — including JAR-CFL 1.080.

Columns provide standardization, but are flexible enough to allow pilots to customize to fit their needs. Summary pages allow pilots to track experience, aircraft types, currency, medical dates, flight review, and more for quick reference.

Measures: 11″ x 6-1/2″
Pages: 288

4. Peter Beilenson Pilot Log Book

This handsome and durable logbook satisfies FAA regulations. It includes places to record certificates and ratings, medical certificate and flight proficiency history, endorsements, and more. Aviator green paper deflects glare and resists bleed-through.

Measures: 8” x 4-1/2”
Pages: 96

The Best Electronic Logbook (Apps) in 2023

As technology continues to revolutionize the aviation industry, electronic logbooks have emerged as a popular alternative to their paper counterparts. Digital solutions offer the advantages of real-time data synchronization, automated calculations, and enhanced accessibility across multiple devices. With electronic logbooks, the convenience of accessing and managing flight records is just a few taps away.

One of the key benefits of electronic logbooks is the ability to synchronize data in real-time across multiple devices. Pilots can seamlessly update their logbooks using smartphones, tablets, or computers, ensuring that their flight records are always up to date. This feature is particularly valuable for pilots who fly multiple aircraft or operate in different locations, as it eliminates the hassle of manually transferring information.

Furthermore, electronic logbooks often come equipped with automated calculations and summaries, reducing the likelihood of errors in tracking flight hours, flight currency, and other essential metrics. These built-in features not only save time but also provide valuable insights into a pilot’s flying history and help ensure compliance with aviation regulations.

Below are a few of the most popular choices when it comes to electronic logbooks.

1. ForeFlight logbook

The popular flight navigation software Foreflight has a logbook built-in to the app, making it easy for pilots to log and share flights, track hours, review currency, record certificates and ratings, receive electronic instructor endorsements, and generate experience reports.

As it is not available as a stand-alone app, you will need to have an active Foreflight subscription to access its features.

foreflight.com/products/logbook/

2. Logbook.aero

Logbook.aero is a simple, multiplatform pilot logbook, available for IOS, Android and as a website.

This is the electronic logbook we personally use and love! It has many features, including pdf exports, detailed reporting, digital signatures, time calculation, import/export, license tracking, and more. All for the incredibly low price of $5/month or $50/year.

Logbook.aero offers a 14-day free trial.

logbook.aero

3. LogTen Pro

LogTen Pro is one of the most popular electronic logbooks apps that has been around for quite some time now.

You can choose to format your logbook with name brand logbook formats like ASA or Jepps, select fully customizable options.

Unfortunately, this app is only available on Apple devices.

LogTen Pro offers multiple subscriptions, depending on the number of devices you use; iPhone + iPad, Mac, iPhone + iPad + Mac, or a business license.

They also offer a free subscription for student pilots (up to 250h total time) with more limited features.

Logtenpro.com

4. FLYLOG.io

FLYLOG.io is not just another electronic logbook; it also features VFR navigation and maps.

A good inexpensive alternative to Foreflight with its built-in logbook functionality.

FLYLOG is available as logbook-only ($.49/month) or bundled with VFR navigation ($7.99/month).

flylog.io

5. CrewLounge PILOTLOG

Lastly, there’s CrewLounge PilotLog. Formerly known as MCC pilot log, this app is another popular solution that offers plenty of features for any type of pilot.

Altough heavily focused on professional and airline pilots, it enable logging for all kinds of flying (fixed wing, rotorcraft, ultra-light, ballooning, gliders and even drones).

One of the major advantages is the extremely low price: plans start at €2,99/month, up €3,99/month. There is also a free forever plan that allows you to log up to 100 flights.

pilotlog.crewlounge.aero

Things to Consider When Buying a (new) Pilot Logbook

When considering a paper or electronic logbook, there are several factors to keep in mind.

Paper logbook vs Digital logbook?

A question we often receive is, “Should I use a physical (paper) logbook, or an electronic logbook?”. Our answer is… use both.

Your logbook is both proof of your flight time and experience, as well as a collection of your past experiences and memories. Not having a backup of your precious family photos is a risky move, so it makes sense to also have a backup copy of your logbook. We recommend using a physical paper logbook as your main logbook, and an electronic one as a backup.

A big advantage of electronic logbooks is that you can carry around an electronic version easily (e.g. on a tablet or smartphone), so you’ll never be without access to the records when traveling, or whenever and wherever you need them.

Another reason to use a paper logbook is when you’re a student pilot. During flight training, you will need to collect a lot of signatures from your instructor(s) and eventually the examiner. Having them sign on an electronic device just isn’t as convenient as on regular paper.

Aircraft type

Is the person who will be filling out this logbook a helicopter pilot, an airplane pilot, a glider pilot, or somebody with experience in both? It’s important to consider the type of aircraft you’re flying before purchasing a logbook, as some types of aircraft might require additional fields to include specific information.

When you’re flying gliders, for example, specific logbook columns may include the launching method, cross-country distance, engine hours (if the glider is equipped with a self-launch or a turbo sustainer engine), etc.

These pilot logbooks may be much simpler than pilot logbooks for professional pilots flying larger aircraft under IFR rules.

Your (Future) Pilot License

Another factor that plays a role in determining which logbook you need is your (future) pilot’s license and flying/career goals.

A very simple pilot logbook might suffice for private pilots, but if you’re planning on adding additional ratings, such as Instrument and Turbine, you will need a logbook that offers additional columns.

Regulations

Another important aspect to consider is aviation regulations. Rules concerning pilot logbooks may be dependent of your country and (inter)national aviation regulations, such as differences between EASA, CAA and FAA.

Different aviation authorities require different logbook layouts, columns and ways of filling in your hours.

If you’re purchasing a physical paper logbook, it’s important to double-check the logbook’s format. Most electronic logbooks, however, allow you to easily switch to a different layout, and often even choose additional data columns to add.

Quality

Especially when buying a paper logbook, the quality of the logbook itself is very important. Look for logbooks made with durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use. Additionally, consider the layout and organization of the logbook. A well-designed logbook will have clear sections for recording flight details, such as date, aircraft type, flight duration, and remarks.

Size

Lastly, you should consider logbook sizes. Depending on your specific situation, one size might be a better fit than another.

Although a larger logbook might be more convenient to write in, a smaller one will be more convenient to carry in your flight bag.

Some Additional Pilot Logbook Tips

• You should always keep your logbook up to date, as the sooner you record information on a flight, the less time you will need to spend later.
• Make sure that your hours are properly and accurately recorded. Especially for professional pilots, a logbook is an important part of your resume.
• Sign each and every page in the space provided at the bottom.
• Make sure you have backups. Whether you use a backup logbook, make copies of each page, or use an electronic backup, it will save you from many worries.
• Attaching a small passport photo to your logbook’s first page may be a good idea. People might not know your name, but they may recognize your picture if your logbook gets lost.

Some specific tips for professional pilots:

• If you are meeting with a potential employer, bring your paper logbook for the interview. Aside from conveying your training and experience, a neat and tidy logbook is a good advert to future employers.
• Put a label with your name on the front and back cover of your logbook. This will make it easier for a potential employer to find your logbook when it’s amongst a pilot of others.

Conclusion

In the world of aviation, the significance of pilot logbooks cannot be overstated. Whether in the traditional form of paper logbooks or the modern realm of electronic logbooks, these records serve as a testament to a pilot’s journey through the skies, capturing invaluable flight details and milestones.

Paper logbooks continue to hold a special place in the hearts of many aviators. Their tangible nature, timeless appeal, and personal touch offer a sense of tradition and connection to the history of aviation. When considering a paper logbook, pilots should prioritize durability, organization, and customization options to find the perfect fit for their needs.

On the other hand, electronic logbooks offer a host of advantages in the digital age. Real-time data synchronization, automated calculations, and seamless accessibility across devices make electronic logbooks a convenient and efficient choice. Pilots should consider compatibility with aviation authorities’ regulations, user-friendliness, and additional features when selecting an electronic logbook that aligns with their requirements.

Ultimately, the choice between a paper or electronic logbook boils down to personal preference, workflow, and the desire for a physical or digital record.

Happy flying!