By Renzo, CPL
Calculate flight time in logbook format, track pilot currency, monitor certification milestones, and convert between hours:minutes and decimal hours.
Pilots log flight time in decimal hours (tenths), not hours and minutes. For example, a 1 hour 30 minute flight is logged as 1.5 hours, and a 2 hour 18 minute flight is logged as 2.3 hours. This standard is used in all FAA logbooks and applies to total time, PIC, SIC, dual received, and all other categories.
Hobbs time measures actual elapsed time from engine start to shutdown (or weight-off-wheels to weight-on-wheels, depending on the installation). Tach time is based on engine RPM and runs slower at lower power settings. Most flight schools bill by Hobbs time. For logging purposes, pilots typically use block time (brake release to brake set) or flight time (takeoff to landing) per FAR 1.1.
To carry passengers, a pilot must have made at least 3 takeoffs and 3 landings within the preceding 90 days in the same category, class, and type (if type-rated) of aircraft. For night passenger currency, the 3 takeoffs and landings must have been made during the period beginning 1 hour after sunset and ending 1 hour before sunrise, and must have been to a full stop.
Under 14 CFR 61.57(c), to act as PIC under IFR, you must have performed within the preceding 6 calendar months: 6 instrument approaches, holding procedures, and intercepting/tracking courses through the use of navigational systems. If currency lapses, you have an additional 6 months to complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) before needing a full IPC from a CFII or examiner.
A Flight Review is valid for 24 calendar months from the month it was completed. For example, a review completed on March 15 expires at the end of March two years later (March 31). Completing a proficiency check, practical test, or certain Wings Program phases also satisfies the flight review requirement.
The FAA minimum under Part 61 is 40 hours total time, including 20 hours dual instruction and 10 hours solo. The national average is approximately 60-75 hours. Required experience includes 3 hours night, 3 hours instrument, and cross-country flights. Part 141 programs require a minimum of 35 hours.
The standard ATP certificate requires 1,500 hours total time, 500 hours cross-country, 100 hours night, 75 hours instrument, 250 hours PIC, and 50 hours multi-engine. Military pilots may qualify with 750 hours, and graduates of approved Part 141 programs may qualify with 1,000 or 1,250 hours depending on their degree.
Divide the minutes by 60 and round to the nearest tenth. For example: 1:06 = 1.1, 1:12 = 1.2, 1:18 = 1.3, 1:24 = 1.4, 1:30 = 1.5, 1:36 = 1.6, 1:42 = 1.7, 1:48 = 1.8, 1:54 = 1.9. Each 6-minute block equals 0.1 hours. Many electronic logbooks convert automatically.
Accurate flight time logging is not just good practice -- it is a federal requirement. Under FAR 61.51, each pilot must document the conditions and type of flight experience claimed for meeting certificate or currency requirements. Your logbook is a legal document that may be reviewed by the FAA, your employer, or an insurance company.
Per 14 CFR 1.1, flight time (or pilot time) is the time that commences when an aircraft moves under its own power for the purpose of flight and ends when the aircraft comes to rest after landing. In practice, most pilots log from takeoff to landing. For billing purposes, Hobbs time (engine running) is typically used.
The standard in aviation is to log time in tenths of an hour. Each 6-minute block equals 0.1 hours. Round to the nearest tenth: a flight of 1 hour 23 minutes would be logged as 1.4 hours (since 23 minutes is closer to 24 minutes / 0.4 than to 18 minutes / 0.3). This format is required by most airlines, insurance companies, and the FAA for aeronautical experience verification.
Currency is distinct from proficiency. Currency means you meet the legal minimum recency-of-experience requirements. The FAA requires specific recent experience before you may exercise certain privileges:
Every pilot must complete a flight review within the preceding 24 calendar months. The review consists of a minimum of 1 hour ground training and 1 hour flight training. Passing a practical test, proficiency check, or completing certain Wings Program phases also satisfies this requirement.
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