Logbook columns can look intimidating at first. Here is what the common ones mean. The exact definitions are set by your licensing authority, so treat this as a general guide and check your own regulations for the details.
Date, aircraft and route
Each entry starts with the date, the aircraft type (for example C172 or DA40) and its registration, and where you departed from and landed. Airports are usually written as four-letter ICAO codes.
Block times and total time
Many pilots record off-block and on-block times. Total time for the flight is generally measured from when the aircraft first moves under its own power for the purpose of flight until it comes to rest after landing. Your authority's definition is the one that counts.
PIC: pilot in command
Time when you were the pilot in command. Solo time usually counts as PIC. Some authorities also recognise supervised PIC, often written SPIC or PICUS.
Dual received
Time when you were receiving flight instruction from an instructor on board. Your instructor's name usually goes in the PIC name column for these flights.
Co-pilot
Time flown as a second pilot in an aircraft or operation that requires more than one pilot.
Night
Flight time during the hours your authority defines as night. Night landings are usually logged separately, because night currency depends on them.
IFR or instrument time
Time flown solely by reference to instruments, whether in actual instrument conditions or under a hood or screens. Some logbooks split actual and simulated instrument time.
Landings
Day and night landings, counted separately. Recent landings decide whether you can carry passengers.
Simulator
Sessions in approved training devices are logged separately from flight time.
X Test Pilot logbooks have fields for all of these, and add them up for you on the Overview page. Choose your logbook.
General information only. Always check the definitions in your authority's current regulations.