Flight – Mister Gemba

What Are the Best Shoes for Pilots?

Mistergemba — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 19:13:47 +0000

Pilots demand a lot from their shoes, including that they are lightweight, durable, and comfortable. They should also look good and—for professional pilots—be versatile enough to complement a range of uniforms worn by the airline, corporate, and cargo pilots. Like driving shoes for cars, manufacturers design specialized shoes for pilots. However, there are shoes made for other activities that also work well for flying, especially for general aviation pilots who do not have to wear uniforms.

Quick look: Best Shoes for Pilots

Amberjack The Original: Best for all day wear for on-duty pilots
ECCO Helsinki Oxford Shoe: Best for staying dry with moisture-wicking lining
Allen Edmonds Park Avenue: Best for higher-fashion style on a bigger budget
Ariat Heritage Roper: Best for fans of pilot boots
Shoes for Crews Holden: Best for high-top style with ankle support
Onitsuka Tiger Serrano: Best for retro sneaker fashion
LIFT Merlin Flight Shoe: Best for fire resistant lining and Nomex laces
Seavees Mariner’s Boot: Best for grippy, flexible sole

Top Shoe Options for Pilots

Each of the following pilot shoes has unique design elements, but many also share common traits that make them especially well-suited for flying.

Amberjack: The Original

Best for: Airline or business aviation pilots looking for an all-day shoe that has an athletic feel.

Amberjack: The Original [Courtesy: Amberjack]

Known as one of the most comfortable dress shoes on the market, the Amberjack Original is a comfortable dress shoe made from high grain leather, making it a great option for on-duty pilots or for everyday wear. The dual-density outsole provides support which makes it a great option for doing pre-flight inspections.

Material: Leather

Sole: Athletic Rubber

Pros: stylish, athletic material, good arch support

Price: $195

Ecco Helsinki Oxford Shoe

Best for: Professional pilots who want a breathable shoe that will not clash with their flight uniform.

ECCO Men’s Helsinki Oxford [Courtesy: Amazon]

Known for its several lines of casual shoes, sneakers, and clogs, Ecco has a reputation for comfortable footwear. The company applies the same principles to its dressier models like the Helsinki. This is essentially a traditional dress shoe with a chunky, all-terrain tread. A slender, gently squared-off toe gives it a sleek, defined shape.

Material: Leather

Sole: Leather

Pros: Moisture-wicking liner, all-leather construction won’t set off airport metal detectors, breathable

Special Features:

Ventilated liner
Moisture-wicking
Lightweight

Price: $160.60

Allen Edmonds Park Avenue

Best For: Pilots looking for a stylish shoe to wear with a flight uniform or when out for dinner with friends.

Allen Edmonds Men’s Park Avenue [Courtesy: Amazon]

Allen Edmonds shoes have a reputation for classic good looks. Park Avenue is no exception, and while it is relatively expensive, it can make the transition from work to weekend easily.

Material: Calfskin leather

Sole: Leather

Pros: Stylish, durable, lightweight

Special Features:

Perforated brogue styling
Lined upper

Price: $425

Ariat Heritage Roper

Best For: Pilots who prefer boots to shoes

Ariat Heritage Roper Western Boots- Men’s Traditional Leather Country Boot [Courtesy: Amazon]

Cowboy-style boots have been traditional options for pilots since the early days of aviation. Early military, air-mail, and barnstorming pilots wore boots for warmth, protection, and style. These boots recall those dashing days.

Material: Leather

Sole: Rubber

Pros: Durable, extra warmth for colder climates, breathable liner

Special Features:

Composite shank
Gel-cushioned footbed

Price: $149.56

Shoes for Crews Holden

Best For: Best for pilots who prefer high-top shoes

Shoes for Crews Holden [Courtesy: Amazon]

The Holden offers additional, adjustable ankle support thanks to its high-top, lace-up design.

Material: Leather

Sole: Rubber

Pros: Lightweight, water resistant, slip resistant

Special Features:

TripGuard design
Padded collar
EVA midsole

Price: $54.70

Onitsuka Tiger Serrano

Best For: Pilots who are into a vintage sneaker style

Onitsuka Tiger Serrano [Courtesy: Amazon]

I have flown with these shoes for several years because they allow me to feel rudder feedback easily through the pedals. While designed as running shoes decades ago, Serranos’ lightweight, thin, grippy sole and classic sneaker looks make them ideal for a weekend flight.

Material: Suede and nylon mesh

Sole: Rubber

Pros: Vintage styling, fashionable, tactile combination with pedals through thin, flexible sole

Special Features:

Streamlined and contoured fit
Available in eye-catching colors

Price: $179

LIFT Merlin

Best For: Pilots who want a shoe styled more like a high-top sneaker.

LIFT Merlin [Courtesy: Pilots HQ]

Lift says the Merlin’s specially designed heel rolls and slides easily with the pilots. A carbon insole gives the show the necessary stiffness for support and all-around durability. The sleek design also adds flair whether you are wearing a uniform or casual clothes.

Material: Leather

Sole: Rubber

Pros: Designed to grip rudder pedals, semi-high-top design for extra support

Special Features:

Fire resistant liner
Carbon midsole
Nomex fire-resistant laces

Price: $267.95

Seavees Mariners Boot

Best For: Pilots who like the feel of a canvas high-top sneaker that adapts well to flying.

SEAVEES Men’s Mariners Boot Pig Suede Sneaker [Courtesy: Amazon]

An earlier Seavees boot similar in design to these helped one reviewer to get through tailwheel training because their thin, flexible soles allowed them to feel the rudder pedals readily.

Material: Canvas

Sole: Rubber

Pros: Lightweight, comfortable, high-top design, fashionable

Special Features:

Foam footbed
Water resistant

Pricing: $19.95

Important Details When Looking for Pilot Shoes

Pilots rely on their shoes to help them operate aircraft comfortably and efficiently and also to get them to, from, and through airports that may be full of obstacles and hazards. Features to look for include:

Airport Friendliness

Shoes without metal in their construction are a big help because you don’t have to take them off if you have to go through security checkpoints.

Appearance

While each airline, flight department, or training organization has its own dress code, generally, to maintain professionalism, any pair of shoes that a pilot wears must look sharp and should complement the uniform.

Comfort and Support

A lot is riding on a pilot’s choice of shoes. Comfort is especially important when you are flying an airplane full of passengers. Pilots should consider pursuing every detail that enhances comfort in the cockpit.

Quality

High-quality shoes tend to be expensive but are worth the extra money if they enhance the comfort and safety of pilots. Well-made shoes also last longer than cheap ones, so spending the extra money often is worthwhile.

Traction

Pilots need shoes that provide traction in the cockpit when engaged with the aircraft’s rudder pedals as well as while walking through the airport where floors may be wet and slippery. They also have to grip well when worn outside during the pilot’s preflight walk around, especially in wet or icy conditions.

Cost

Pilots need durable, high-quality shoes that fit into their budgets. It can be difficult to find well-made shoes that are comfortable and will last a long time at an affordable price. Taking time to research the available brands and models can help you find the right pilot shoes at a good price.

Pilots Should Pick The Shoe That Matches Their Mission

There are all sorts of pilots out there—from uniformed professionals flying airliners and corporate jets, to air-taxi, seaplane, and bush pilots—who might dress more casually. They need shoes that are not only comfortable but also able to endure years in the cockpit, on the ramp, and traversing terminals. Then, of course, there are private pilots whose missions vary from 1,000-mile family adventures to an hour’s flight for the $100 hamburger. Each will have to weigh their preferences in order to find their ideal flying footwear.

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Why High School Is the Best Time to Start Flight Training

Mistergemba — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 17:17:17 +0000

For many students, high school is a time of discovery, growth, and preparation for the future. It’s a period filled with academic challenges, extracurricular activities, and career planning. While many students are focused on sports, music, or college prep courses, an increasing number are taking their ambitions to the skies—literally—by beginning flight training. Programs like Minnetonka’s Momentum Program are making it even easier for high school students to explore aviation as a career path by providing hands-on experiences and specialized training. In fact, did you know that you can legally fly an airplane solo at 16 before you can even drive a car alone? This unique opportunity makes high school the perfect time to start learning to fly.

Starting flight training in high school offers young aviators a unique advantage, setting them on an early path toward a career in aviation or simply fulfilling a lifelong passion. Whether a student dreams of becoming an airline pilot, a corporate aviator, or simply wants to fly recreationally, high school provides an ideal environment to begin flight training. In this post, we’ll explore five compelling reasons why high school is the best time to start learning how to fly.

1. More Time to Learn and Train

Flexible Schedules and Availability

High school students often have significantly more free time compared to adults juggling full-time jobs, families, and other responsibilities. With after-school hours, weekends, and summer breaks available, students can dedicate more consistent time to flight lessons. This flexibility makes it easier to schedule flight training sessions and practice flights without conflicting with other obligations. In contrast, adults who begin flight training often struggle to find time between work commitments and other responsibilities, leading to prolonged gaps in their training that can slow progress.

Accelerated Learning and Retention

Scientific studies show that young people have a heightened ability to absorb new information and develop muscle memory compared to older individuals. Since flight training involves mastering multiple complex skills—such as multitasking, spatial awareness, and emergency response—high school students often excel in learning these concepts more quickly than adults. They can absorb information more efficiently, retain knowledge longer, and apply what they learn more effectively. This accelerated learning process can result in faster certification times and lower overall training costs.

Consistency in Training

Frequent and consistent training is one of the most important factors for success in flight school. High school students who train regularly can develop their skills at a steady pace, reducing the chances of forgetting crucial information between lessons. This leads to better performance on FAA exams and a greater sense of confidence in the cockpit.

2. Developing Stronger Skills at an Earlier Age

Cognitive and Motor Skill Development

Flying an aircraft requires a unique combination of cognitive and motor skills. Pilots must simultaneously interpret flight instruments, adjust controls, communicate with air traffic control, and monitor changing weather conditions. Developing these skills at an early age helps young pilots sharpen their mental agility, problem-solving abilities, and situational awareness, which are valuable skills in both aviation and many other professions.

Enhanced Decision-Making Abilities

Aviation training requires pilots to make split-second decisions that can impact the outcome of a flight. By starting early, young aviators become accustomed to making high-stakes decisions under pressure, a skill that will serve them well in any career path. Developing this skill in high school gives students a head start on handling responsibility and thinking critically in challenging situations.

Maturity and Professionalism

One of the biggest benefits of flight training is the sense of responsibility and professionalism it instills in students. High schoolers who undergo flight training learn to manage risk, follow strict safety protocols, and take ownership of their actions. These qualities not only make them safer pilots but also prepare them for leadership roles in various fields, from aviation to business and engineering.

Improved Coordination and Focus

Flying demands excellent hand-eye coordination and the ability to process multiple streams of information at once. Young pilots develop these skills more easily, enhancing their ability to focus and react swiftly under pressure. These abilities can also translate to better performance in academics, sports, and other extracurricular activities.

3. A Competitive Edge for College and Careers

A Standout Extracurricular for College Applications

Flight training is a unique and prestigious extracurricular activity that immediately grabs the attention of college admissions officers. Unlike common activities such as sports or music, aviation requires a high level of commitment, responsibility, and technical expertise. Having flight experience on a college application signals to admissions officers that the student is disciplined, ambitious, and capable of handling complex tasks.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities

There are numerous aviation scholarships available exclusively to young students. Organizations like the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Women in Aviation International (WAI), and AOPA provide generous financial aid to young aviators, making it more affordable to continue training. Students who begin flight training early have a greater chance of securing these scholarships, significantly reducing the cost of obtaining their pilot’s license.

Early Career Exposure and Job Readiness

By starting flight training in high school, students gain early exposure to the aviation industry, allowing them to explore career options before committing to a specific path. This can help them make informed decisions about pursuing aviation degrees, military service, or alternative careers within the industry, such as aircraft maintenance, air traffic control, or aviation management.

Building a Professional Network

Flight training provides opportunities to network with experienced pilots, flight instructors, and aviation professionals. High school students who engage with the aviation community early can form valuable connections that may lead to mentorship, internships, and job offers later in their careers.

4. A Strong Foundation for Future Ratings and Certifications

Faster Progression Through Certifications

Earning a private pilot’s license (PPL) is just the beginning of an aviation career. Most professional pilots go on to obtain additional certifications, such as an instrument rating, commercial pilot certificate, and airline transport pilot (ATP) license. By starting early, high school students can reach these milestones much sooner than their peers, allowing them to begin working in the aviation industry at a younger age.

Reduced Training Costs Over Time

Flight training is an investment, but starting early can help distribute the costs over several years rather than compressing them into a short period. This gradual approach can make it easier to afford each certification step, reducing financial strain and allowing students to pursue their aviation goals without taking on excessive debt.

Becoming a Flight Instructor to Gain Experience

One of the most common ways for young pilots to build flight hours is by becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Many high school students who continue their training through college can earn their CFI certification and begin teaching others to fly while building their own flight experience. This not only provides a source of income but also helps young pilots accumulate the 1,500 flight hours required to become an airline pilot more quickly.

5. Making Lifelong Friendships and Connections

Joining a Supportive Aviation Community

Flight training introduces students to a community of fellow aviation enthusiasts, mentors, and instructors. Many high school students who learn to fly develop lifelong friendships with their peers who share their passion for aviation. This sense of camaraderie creates a supportive learning environment that encourages growth and collaboration.

Expanding Career and Networking Opportunities

Building relationships with flight instructors, pilots, and aviation professionals at an early age can open doors for future career opportunities. Many airlines and aviation companies place a strong emphasis on networking, and having strong industry connections can make a significant difference when securing internships, scholarships, and job offers.

Creating Lasting Memories and Experiences

Learning to fly is an unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impact. Many young pilots cherish the memories of their first solo flight, cross-country trips, and the excitement of mastering new skills. These experiences not only shape their future careers but also provide them with stories and lessons they will carry with them for a lifetime.

Take Off While You’re Young!

High school is an ideal time to begin flight training. With flexible schedules, the ability to learn quickly, cost advantages, career head starts, and personal growth opportunities, young students who take to the skies early gain a tremendous advantage. Whether pursuing aviation as a career or as a lifelong passion, there is no better time to start than now.

If you or your high school student is interested in flight training, consider booking a discovery flight at Inflight Pilot Training to experience what it’s like to be in the pilot’s seat! The journey to becoming a pilot starts with a single flight—so why wait?

The post Why High School Is the Best Time to Start Flight Training appeared first on .

8 Helicopter Pilot Licenses in 8 Minutes

Mistergemba — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 01:53:48 +0000

Here’s a punchy, step‑by‑step recap of “8 Helicopter Pilot Licenses in 8 Minutes (Don’t Get the Wrong One!)”:

Student Pilot Certificate
- Who & When: Any aspiring rotorcraft pilot (minimum age 16 to solo).
- What It Gets You: Solo flight under your instructor’s endorsement—but nothing beyond a practice solo.
Recreational Pilot Certificate
- Prereqs: 30 hours of training (including 15 hrs dual, 3 hrs solo); age 17.
- Limitations: Day‑VFR only, max 50 NM from home base, one passenger, no airways or complex ops.
Private Pilot Certificate (Helicopter)
- Prereqs: 40 hours total time (20 dual, 10 solo), written & practical tests; age 17.
- Privileges: Fly anywhere in VFR, carry passengers (but no compensation), share operating costs.
Instrument Rating (Helicopter)
- Prereqs: Hold a private (or commercial) helicopter license, 40 hrs of instrument training.
- Privileges: Legal flight in IMC—fly IFR in clouds, on published approaches, in controlled airspace.
Commercial Pilot Certificate (Helicopter)
- Prereqs: 150 hours total (including 100 PIC), written & practical exams; age 18.
- Privileges: Act as PIC for hire or reward—air tours, charters, aerial work and other paid ops.
Certified Flight Instructor – Helicopter (CFI‑H)
- Prereqs: Commercial pilot certificate + instructor training course.
- Privileges: Provide dual instruction & endorsements, log instructional time toward your own ratings.
Certified Flight Instructor Instrument – Helicopter (CFII‑H)
- Prereqs: CFI‑H + helicopter instrument rating.
- Privileges: Teach helicopter pilots to fly IFR and sign them off for their instrument checkride.
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (Helicopter)
- Prereqs: 1 500 hours total time (with specified cross‑country, night & instrument minima), written & ATP checkride; age 23.
- Privileges: Serve as PIC of multi‑crew turbine helicopters and in Part 135/121 airline‑style operations.

Bottom line: choose the exact certificate or rating you need—not the one that sounds coolest—and you’ll avoid wasted training time (and money!) chasing the wrong “license.”

Avoid the Top 4 FAA Checkride Mistakes That Will Leave You Grounded

Mistergemba — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 22:52:26 +0000

Grounded!” by Trent Dyrsmid (≈13 min):

Paperwork & Pre‑Flight Prep
- Mistake: Showing up with incomplete logbooks, missing endorsements, an unrun weight‑&‑balance or no current charts.
- Fix: Triple‑check your IACRA, medical, endorsements, aircraft docs and have a printed checklist for every step—so you never get “parked” before you even fly.
Rushing the Oral Exam
- Mistake: Blurting out half‑baked answers to FAR, weather or systems questions, then backtracking under pressure.
- Fix: Take a breath, think in “FAR + Practical” structure, speak clearly (e.g. “According to FAR 91.103…”), and use real‑world examples rather than memorized bullet points.
Failing to Stay Ahead of the Airplane
- Mistake: Reacting to tasks instead of planning them—letting your scan break down, getting behind on checklists, and flying unstabilized approaches.
- Fix: Maintain a cyclic scan, use flow patterns (engine → instruments → controls), brief every segment (“Before landing…,” “After landing…”), and keep your head out of the cockpit more than in it.
Unstable, “Floaty” Landings
- Mistake: Floating long on touchdown, poor glide‑path discipline or botched crosswind technique, triggering an automatic “go‑around” fail.
- Fix: Fly a stabilized 3° approach, call out “100 ft”—“50 ft” for a consistent flare, practice crosswind crabbing/wing‑low methods, and don’t hesitate to go around if you’re off‑profile.

Bottom line: nail your paperwork, master your oral prep with calm, keep ahead of the airplane in every phase, and deliver one smooth, stabilized landing. That four‑step focus will keep you out of the DPE’s failure column and firmly on your way to a clean checkride.

How to Prep for Airline Interviews

Mistergemba — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 19:52:03 +0000

Here’s a crisp, step‑by‑step recap of “How to Prep for Airline Interviews | Flight School Teaches You How”:

Know Your Target
Research the airline’s route network, fleet makeup and company culture so you can tailor your answers and show genuine enthusiasm for their operation.
Polish Your Résumé
Use the channel’s free template to highlight your flight time, ratings and any instructing or leadership roles—keep it one page, cleanly formatted and error‑free.
Craft Your Stories
Prepare 3–5 short “Tell Me About A Time” anecdotes (using a simple setup‑action‑result structure) that showcase teamwork, decision‑making under pressure, adaptability and safety focus.
Brush Up on the Tech
Be ready to discuss basic aerodynamics, your last aircraft’s systems, applicable FAR/AIM regulations and recent lessons learned in training or on the job.
Mind Your First Impression
Dress in a well‑fitted suit (navy or charcoal), subtle tie, polished shoes and minimal accessories. Arrive early with your license, medical and any requested paperwork neatly organized.
Stay Sharp in the Room
Offer a firm handshake, maintain friendly eye contact and listen actively. Answer concisely, pause to think rather than ramble, and always circle back to what you learned or how you improved.
Handle Curveballs Smoothly
If thrown a trick question or “off‑the‑wall” scenario, stay calm—ask clarifying questions, walk through your thought process out loud, and lean on your structured story examples.
Close Strong
At the end, express your appreciation, reiterate your excitement about joining their team, and ask a thoughtful question (e.g., about training progression or company culture).
Follow Up
Within 24 hours, send a brief thank‑you note—remind them of one key strength you bring and your enthusiasm for the next steps.

Implement these nine steps, and you’ll walk into your airline interview confident, prepared, and ready to shine.

This video would’ve helped me AVOID a LOT of pilot mistakes!

Mistergemba — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:24:08 +0000

“I’ve made a lot of mistakes in flying over the years… here are some of the big things I’ve learned. If you’ll just implement the stuff in this video I promise you’ll make fewer of the mistakes that I did! “

Becoming a Cargo Pilot

Mistergemba — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 14:29:32 +0000

Ready to soar into a high-paying aviation career in 2025 and beyond? In this video, we explore the traditional Part 121 airline path, reveal the drawbacks of starting out at regional airlines, and highlight the advantages of becoming a cargo pilot. Discover the major cargo players in North America, compare pilot pay rates across top cargo companies, and learn the specific requirements to land a First Officer position at Atlas Air. Whether you’re a student pilot or a current aviator looking to switch gears, this detailed guide will help you plot your course to a rewarding cargo pilot career.

Fireside Chat #1 – The Key to My Success

Mistergemba — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:43:49 +0000

Trent Dyrsmid shares stories of how persistence helped him to overcome adversity early in his flying career

Instrument Flight Training

Mistergemba — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 13:24:50 +0000

Here’s a concise, step‑by‑step recap of “Instrument Flight Training – ILS Approach (Taught by CFII)” (≈35 min):

Lesson Objectives & Overview
- CFII Trent Dyrsmid outlines today’s goals: brush up on RNAV arrivals, practice a go‑around/missed‑approach, then fly a precision ILS approach top‑to‑bottom in MSFS’s G1000.
Flight Plan & Pre‑Approach Setup
- Load the RNAV arrival into the G1000’s flight plan.
- Tune the nav radios for both the RNAV waypoint and the target ILS (localizer + glideslope) frequency.
- Brief the approach: review altitudes, inbound courses, decision altitude (DA) and missed‑approach procedure.
RNAV Arrival Segment
- Fly the RNAV approach leg, intercepting the final waypoint.
- Maintain altitude and track the GPS‑guided course.
- Call out each step: “intercept final, prepare for DA/MAP.”
Executing the Missed Approach
- At the RNAV DA, with runway environment not in sight, advance power and pitch for climb‑out.
- Switch nav source from GPS back to NAV1/GPS‑backup.
- Follow the published missed‑approach heading and climb to the initial hold altitude.
ILS Approach Brief & Setup
- Re‑brief the ILS: inbound course, glideslope intercept altitude, DA and MAP hold point.
- Program the ILS frequency into NAV1, set the OBS/course bug to the published inbound heading, and arm the approach mode on the autopilot.
Localizer Intercept & Capture
- From a vector or offset entry, fly a 30° intercept to the localizer centerline.
- Once captured, the CDI snaps to center—engage nav‑mode on the autopilot (or manually track the needle).
Glideslope Capture & Descent
- As you cross the glideslope intercept altitude, allow the glideslope needle to center—engage approach mode to couple vertical guidance.
- Fly a stabilized 3° descent: monitor vertical speed (~600 ft/min), call out key altitudes (e.g., “1,000 ft to DA”).
Decision Altitude (DA) & Landing or Go‑Around
- At DA (e.g. 200 ft AGL), look for runway cues.
- If runway’s in sight, disconnect autopilot and hand‑fly a stabilized flare and touchdown.
- If not, initiate a missed approach: full power, pitch for climb, retract flaps per procedure, and navigate back to the ILS holding fix.
Debrief & Common Pitfalls
- Trent highlights frequent student errors: late freq tuning, unstable intercept angles, bouncing around DA instead of flying crisp “fly‑or‑go” decision calls.
- Emphasizes the importance of a solid brief and a stabilized‑approach mindset.
Next‑Steps Practice

Practice RNAV→missed→ILS flows until they feel seamless.
Try hand‑flying without autopilot to nail stick‑and‑rudder coordination on the glideslope.
Use a secondary app (ForeFlight, Avidyne) for cross‑checks in a real‑world IFR cockpit.

That’s the core of flying a textbook ILS in the sim under a CFII’s guidance—brief it, set it up, fly it clean, and decide confidently at DA.

How to Use the Foreflight Logbook

Mistergemba — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:56:35 +0000

Here’s a quick overview of “How to Use the ForeFlight Logbook (Overview + Best Practices)” (first in an upcoming series on mastering ForeFlight’s pilot logbook):

Getting Started & Interface Tour
- Tap the Logbook tab to see your total hours, currency summaries, and recent flights.
- Flights are grouped by time period (e.g. Last 7 days, Last 30 days), with total hours displayed for each.
Adding & Importing Flights
- Manual Entries: Hit the “+” button, choose “New Flight” or “Return Flight,” then fill in departure, arrival, times, aircraft, and flight conditions.
- Automatic Import: Use a Track Log recording (from ForeFlight’s Flights page) to auto‑populate basic fields—great for saving time on multi‑leg trips.
- Simulator Time: You can even log approved simulator sessions as real flights by selecting them under “Aircraft” or “Simulator” categories.
Customizing Your Entries
- Configure Fields: In Settings, hide or show fields (e.g. PIC/SIC, night, instrument) to match your personal or regulatory requirements.
- Templates & Drafts: Save frequently used aircraft or flight types as templates; draft entries won’t count toward currency until you approve them.
Tracking Currency & Currency Details
- ForeFlight automatically updates currency for VFR, night, cross‑country, IFR, instrument approaches, and more—showing “time remaining” at a glance.
- Tap any currency summary to see which flights do and don’t count, with FAA‑style requirement reminders and a list of contributing entries.
Managing People, Certificates & Endorsements
- People: Add instructors, co‑pilots or passengers via Contacts or manually.
- Certificates & Ratings: Record your licenses and ratings; you can even add digital endorsements with instructor signatures.
Generating Reports & Exporting
- Under Reports, choose Condensed or Complete formats to export your logbook as a PDF—ideal for checkrides, sharing with examiners, or backing up.
- Pro tip: if prints come out flipped on double‑sided pages, switch your printer to short‑edge binding.
What’s Next in the Series
Over the coming videos, you’ll see deep dives on experience reports, progress tracking, advanced currency management (including CFI tools), and web‑based logbook workflows—so you can go fully digital, paper‑free, and inspection‑ready.

That’s the lay of the land—ForeFlight Logbook turns hours of paperwork into a few taps, keeping you current, compliant, and focused on flying.