What's the best way for a commercial pilot to log their flight hours electronically?

For a U.S. commercial pilot, the best approach is usually to use a dedicated electronic logbook rather than a spreadsheet, and make the logbook your authoritative record of flight time.

The FAA permits electronic logbooks; the key is that the record contains the information required by §61.51 and is maintained in a reliable, accessible manner. FAA guidance on electronic records emphasizes accuracy, data integrity, accessibility, and appropriate authentication where required.Federal Aviation Administration+1

What I'd recommend

• If you already use ForeFlight: use ForeFlight Logbook. It's particularly convenient because it lives alongside your EFB, can generate draft entries from track logs, syncs through the cloud, and can export the entire logbook. It also produces useful experience reports, including an FAA 8710-style report.ForeFlight+2
• If you want a career-focused standalone logbook: LogTen is worth considering. It supports iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac, cloud synchronization, and extensive professional/airline reporting.LogTen+1
• If you want something free and platform-independent: MyFlightbook is a strong option. It works through the web plus iOS/Android apps and supports detailed totals, digital signatures, imports/exports, and airline-style reports.MyFlightbook+2

For a commercial/airline-track pilot, structure matters

I'd record every flight individually, retaining at least:

• Date
• Aircraft registration and type
• Departure/arrival
• Total flight time
• PIC/SIC time as applicable
• Night
• Actual/simulated instrument
• Cross-country
• Day/night landings where relevant
• Approaches, holds, and other applicable instrument details
• Dual received/given or simulator time when applicable
• Remarks for training, checkrides, line checks, etc.

Don't rely solely on an app's automatically calculated totals. Review each entry against your actual records, particularly when transitioning between operators, aircraft, or logbook systems.

Most important: have a backup

I'd keep two independent copies of the logbook—for example, the primary cloud logbook plus periodic CSV/PDF exports stored somewhere separate. ForeFlight, for example, explicitly allows complete logbook export.ForeFlight

If you're converting an old paper logbook, don't throw the paper away. Enter a verified balance-forward of the historical totals and retain the original paper records as supporting documentation. If you later change software, choose one that supports clean import/export; ForeFlight, for example, supports CSV/TSV and imports from several other electronic logbooks.ForeFlight Support

Bottom line: if you're a U.S. commercial pilot already using ForeFlight, I'd lean toward ForeFlight Logbook + regular independent exports. If you want a dedicated career logbook, LogTen is worth comparing. If cost and cross-platform access are priorities, MyFlightbook is compelling.

If you tell me whether you're airline, corporate, charter, CFI, or building hours toward ATP, I can lay out exactly how I'd configure the electronic logbook for that career path.

For a commercial pilot logging high-volume sectors, currency tracking, and complex duty times, the "best" way to go electronic is to adopt an industry-standard digital logbook platform that syncs across devices, integrates with Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) or airline rostering systems, and outputs clean reports for interviews and checkrides.flyaxiom.com+1

The top platform choices depend on your specific workflow:

• Coradine LogTen Pro: Widely considered the gold standard for heavy-duty commercial and airline pilots in the Apple ecosystem (iOS and macOS). It features robust automated schedule imports for over 100 airlines, deep custom reporting, and powerful compliance tracking for FAA/EASA rest and duty limits.flyaxiom.com
• ForeFlight Logbook: Ideal if you already use ForeFlight in the cockpit. It seamlessly imports flight times directly from your active EFB flight plans, reducing manual entry errors. It spans web and mobile, making end-of-day logging instantaneous.flyaxiom.com
• CrewLounge PILOTLOG (formerly MCC PILOTLOG): Excellent for international and airline pilots needing cross-platform flexibility (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android). It boasts connectivity with over 140 crew management and rostering systems, making bulk roster importing effortless.flylog.io
• MyFlightbook: A great, highly functional volunteer-run choice if you want a robust, genuinely free option without subscription fees, though it lacks direct automated airline crew-import features.flylog.io

Best Practices for Commercial Electronic Logging

1. Automate Where Possible: Connect your logbook to your airline's crew management/scheduling software or your EFB to pull blocks, legs, and tail numbers automatically.flyaxiom.com+1
2. Prioritize Cloud Sync and Security: Ensure your provider uses robust encryption (like AES-256) and active cloud backups. A commercial pilot's logbook is a career-critical asset that cannot be lost to a broken tablet or phone.pilotlog.tech
3. Regularly Export Backups: Even with cloud sync, download a complete PDF report and a raw CSV/Excel export of your database every month and store it securely in personal cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive or iCloud).
4. Understand Compliance: Ensure your digital signatures and record-keeping formats comply with local regulatory guidance (such as FAA Advisory Circular 120-76D for electronic records/EFBs).pilotlog.tech

If you'd like to narrow down the choice, let me know:

• Are you flying 121/135 airline ops or corporate/general aviation?
• Are you primarily in the Apple ecosystem or using Android/Windows?

I can give you a more tailored recommendation and feature breakdown!

For a commercial pilot flying heavy schedules, speed, automation, and seamless multi-device syncing are everything. Logging hours shouldn’t feel like a second job, especially when you're turning legs rapidly.

The "best" way depends heavily on your current ecosystem and whether you want deep customization or a streamlined free option. The top choices and strategies break down as follows:flylog.io

• ForeFlight Logbook (Best if you already use ForeFlight)
  • Why it works: If you use it in the cockpit for EFB/navigation, the built-in logbook is seamless. It auto-populates block times, landings, and routes based on your flight plan.
  • The Catch: Apple-only ecosystem, and requires a subscription tier that includes logbook features.facebook.com+1
• LogTen Pro (Best for deep customization and power users)
  • Why it works: The gold standard for heavy-duty logging. It tracks complex currency rules, endorsements, duty times, and custom fields with robust reporting. Great export formats for airline interviews.
  • The Catch: Expensive subscription model and Apple-only (iOS/Mac).reddit.com+1
• MyFlightbook (Best free/cross-platform option)
  • Why it works: Genuinely free (with optional donations), works across web, iOS, and Android, has fantastic backup features, and a surprisingly clean layout without feeling bogged down by corporate bloat.flylog.io
• CrewLounge PILOTLOG / FLYLOG.io / Logbook.aero (Best cross-platform & airline integration)
  • Why it works: Highly favored by international and commercial crews who need robust Android + iOS + Web cross-compatibility and roster/ACARS import capabilities.reddit.com+1

Best Practices for Commercial Logging

1. Automate where possible: Use ACARS or roster-import features if your platform supports them so you aren't manually punching in departure/arrival times after a 12-hour duty day.reddit.com+1
2. Keep local backups: Always export a CSV or PDF backup of your logbook to a cloud drive (like Google Drive or iCloud) every month. Don't let 100% of your career history live exclusively on one proprietary server.flylog.io
3. Ensure compliance print-readiness: Ensure your chosen app can instantly generate an FAA/EASA-compliant traditional layout PDF format if an employer or DPE ever asks to inspect your raw records.flylog.io

To help narrow down the ideal fit, tell me:

• What devices do you use primarily (iPhone/Mac vs. Android/PC)?
• Are you already using an EFB like ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot in the cockpit?

For a commercial pilot, the best electronic logbook setup is usually one that is career-oriented, backed up, easy to audit, and produces clean reports for employers, insurance, checkrides, and regulatory needs. The “best” choice depends on whether you fly airline/Part 121, charter/Part 135, corporate, instruction, or general aviation.

Here are the common choices:

1. Best overall for airline and professional pilots: LogTen Pro

logten.com

Why many career pilots choose it:

• Designed specifically around professional flying workflows
• Strong aircraft/type-time tracking (PIC, SIC, turbine, multi-engine, etc.)
• Can import schedules from many airline systems
• Good currency tracking and career reports
• Works well for pilots who may have tens of thousands of hours loggedLogTen+1

Best fit: Airline pilots, corporate pilots, long-term professional careers.

Potential downside: It may be more than a recreational or low-time commercial pilot needs.

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2. Best if you already use an iPad for flying: ForeFlight Logbook

foreflight.com

Strengths:

• Combines flight planning, charts, and logging in one ecosystem
• Can create draft logbook entries from track logs
• Tracks currency, ratings, certificates, and experience reports
• Supports digital instructor endorsements
• Cloud sync and export options help with record keepingForeFlight+1

Best fit: Pilots already using ForeFlight for daily operations, especially GA, instructors, and many professional pilots.

Potential downside: If you need very deep airline-style career analytics, a dedicated pro logbook may fit better.

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3. Good low-cost / flexible options

• MyFlightbook — popular for pilots who want a capable web-based logbook without a major subscription commitment.
• Logbook Pro — a long-running option with desktop-oriented features.

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A professional workflow I’d recommend

1. Log immediately after every flight

• Don’t rely on memory or monthly catch-up.
• Enter aircraft, date, route, flight time, PIC/SIC, approaches, landings, simulator time, and notes.

2. Keep your own backup

• Export your logbook periodically (PDF + spreadsheet/CSV if available).
• Keep an offline copy in secure storage.

3. Standardize your entries

• Use consistent aircraft names and registrations.
• Keep comments professional and factual.
• Record unusual events (training, checks, OE, line checks, etc.).

4. Maintain paper backup if your career depends on it

• Many professional pilots keep a printed summary or occasional exported copy even with a digital logbook.

5. Choose based on your flying path

• Airline/major career path: LogTen Pro is often the strongest fit.
• Instructor/charter/GA pilot already using ForeFlight: ForeFlight Logbook is very convenient.
• Budget-conscious or mixed flying: MyFlightbook can be sufficient.

If you tell me whether you’re Part 121 airline, Part 135 charter, corporate, CFI, or building hours toward ATP, I can narrow it down.

For a commercial pilot, transitioning to or maintaining an electronic logbook is essential for managing heavy volume, tracking complex currency requirements, and preparing for airline interviews. The "best" way isn't a single app, but rather a system that matches your operational environment (airlines, corporate, or general aviation) and hardware ecosystem.flyaxiom.com+2

Top-tier electronic logbook platforms cater to different professional needs:

• LogTen Pro : Widely considered the gold standard for heavy professional and airline pilots deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem. It features powerful automated roster imports, deep customization, and robust reporting for interviews.skydenhq.com+3
• ForeFlight Logbook : The best choice if you already use ForeFlight for electronic flight bag (EFB) duties. Flights log automatically from track logs, and it eliminates managing a separate subscription or app.reddit.com+2
• CrewLounge PILOTLOG : Excellent for commercial and airline pilots requiring robust cross-platform sync (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows) and heavy international or EASA-oriented rule tracking.choppy-app.com+2
• MyFlightbook : The premier free, web-first option. It is surprisingly feature-rich, supports digital signatures, tracks currency well, and doesn't lock your data behind a recurring paywall.reddit.com+3
• Garmin Pilot Logbook : Ideal if your flying environment features integrated Garmin avionics, allowing seamless wireless cockpit-to-logbook syncing.choppy-app.com+1

Best Practices for Commercial Electronic Logging

1. Automate Roster/Data Imports: Utilize apps that parse airline pairing/roster sheets or sync directly with your EFB/avionics to cut manual entry time down and prevent fat-finger errors.choppy-app.com+1
2. Verify Compliance & Currency: Ensure the platform auto-calculates FAA/EASA night time, instrument approaches, PIC/SIC time, and rolling 90-day currency so you don't have to manually audit your totals.pilotlog.tech
3. Maintain Redundant Backups: Your logbook is a legal document. Never rely solely on a local device database. Ensure the app has reliable cloud sync and regularly export a full backup (PDF and CSV/spreadsheet) to an independent secure drive.pilotlog.tech

To help narrow down the ideal setup, tell me:

• What platforms/devices do you use (iOS, Android, PC, Mac)?
• What is your primary flying sector (Part 121 airline, Part 135 corporate, or instructing/commercial GA)?
• Do you already use ForeFlight or Garmin hardware in the cockpit?

For a commercial pilot, the "best" way to log hours electronically depends heavily on your workflow (e.g., airline roster imports vs. general aviation/corporate flying), your device ecosystem, and whether you want a dedicated standalone app or something integrated into your Electronic Flight Bag (EFB).skyden.app+2

The industry standards and top choices for commercial pilots are organized by use-case below:

1. Best for Airline Roster Integration: LogTen Pro or CrewLounge PILOTLOG

If you fly for a regional or major airline, typing in every leg, tail number, and OOOI time manually defeats the purpose of going digital.

• LogTen Pro is the gold standard for Apple users (iOS/Mac). It features powerful roster-parsing capabilities that let you import your schedule directly from airline systems, tracks currency and limits automatically, and formats data cleanly for airline application portals (like AirlineApps or Pilot Credentials).reddit.com+3
• CrewLounge PILOTLOG is another heavy-hitter widely used by commercial and airline pilots, offering fantastic cross-platform support (Desktop, iOS, Android) and robust schedule importing for global airlines.

2. Best if You Already Use ForeFlight: ForeFlight Logbook

• If you are already paying for ForeFlight for your EFB, their built-in ForeFlight Logbook is included at most subscription tiers.
• Why it's great: It automatically populates flight time, landings, and routes straight from your flight plans and GPS track logs. For corporate or charter pilots using ForeFlight anyway, it minimizes duplicate data entry.flylog.io+1

3. Best Cross-Platform & Career-Long Tracking: FLYLOG.io or Garmin Pilot

• FLYLOG.io is built specifically for professional pilots who switch between devices (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and Web) and need true offline logging with instant sync.skyden.app+2
• Garmin Pilot is the go-to if your cockpit is heavily integrated with Garmin avionics, as it can auto-sync flight data straight from the panel on startup/shutdown.flylog.io+1

4. Best Free Option: MyFlightbook

• If you don't want a pricey annual subscription, MyFlightbook is a surprisingly powerful, completely free (donation-supported) electronic logbook with great mobile apps, detailed reporting, and signature features for CFIs.skyden.app+2

Best Practices for Commercial Electronic Logging

1. Prioritize Cloud Sync & Backups: Ensure whatever platform you choose has robust cloud backups. Regularly export a PDF copy or a raw CSV/Excel backup of your logbook and save it to a secure cloud drive (like iCloud or Google Drive) every month.
2. Track Endorsements and Signatures: Make sure your digital platform supports digital signatures if you are still collecting CFI signoffs for commercial add-ons, multi-engine ratings, or IPCs.
3. Keep Paper Safe (For Now): If you already have a completed paper logbook, do not throw it away or alter it . Scan every page of your physical logbook as a permanent historical backup, then carry your digital totals forward cleanly.reddit.com+1

If you'd like to narrow this down, tell me:

• What devices do you use (iOS, Android, PC, Mac)?
• What type of flying do you do (Airlines, Cargo, Corporate, or Flight Instruction)?

If you’re a U.S. commercial/airline pilot, I’d strongly recommend using a dedicated electronic logbook rather than spreadsheets. The best choice depends mostly on your EFB, airline, and whether you need roster automation.

My top picks

• ForeFlight Logbook — best for most U.S. pilots already using ForeFlight. It integrates directly with the EFB, can generate draft entries from track logs, syncs through the cloud, supports electronic signatures, and can export your complete logbook and FAA-style experience reports.ForeFlight+1
• LogTen — best dedicated professional logbook for Apple users. Particularly attractive if you're an airline pilot and want a purpose-built logbook rather than tying your records to your EFB.
• CrewLounge PILOTLOG — excellent for airline crews. Its strength is importing schedules/flight data and handling detailed airline-style records.
• MyFlightbook — best free option. It works on web, iOS, and Android and supports importing/exporting data, including some airline scheduling-system formats.MyFlightbook

How I'd set it up

For a professional pilot, I'd use this workflow:

1. Pick one authoritative logbook and treat it as your master record.
2. Import your historical paper/electronic records carefully rather than retyping everything flight by flight.
3. Import your airline roster/schedule automatically if your logbook supports it.
4. After each trip, verify the actual times against your company records/flight paperwork before committing entries.
5. Keep the important breakdowns: total time, PIC/SIC, aircraft type, instrument, night, cross-country, approaches, landings, simulator/training, etc.
6. Export a complete backup periodically—ideally both a human-readable PDF and a machine-readable format such as CSV.
7. Keep your logbook data backed up somewhere independent of the app/provider.

For U.S. pilots, electronic logging is perfectly viable. 14 CFR 61.51 requires pilots to document qualifying training/aeronautical experience in a manner acceptable to the Administrator and specifies information that must be recorded for each logged flight. Legal Information Institute The FAA's current AC 120-78B provides guidance for electronic records, emphasizing data integrity, accuracy, accessibility, and appropriate authentication/signatures.Federal Aviation Administration+1

My practical recommendation: if you're already a ForeFlight user, use ForeFlight Logbook. If you're an airline pilot who wants the logbook to be a completely independent professional record, I'd compare LogTen vs. CrewLounge PILOTLOG based primarily on your airline's roster-import support.

If you tell me your airline, aircraft type, iPhone/Android, and whether you already use ForeFlight/Garmin, I can narrow it down to the best choice for your situation.