So you’ve just completed your discovery flight — your first hands-on experience in the cockpit. That’s a huge milestone! Whether you’re planning to pursue a pilot’s license or just testing the waters, many people ask the same question right after landing:
“Can I log my discovery flight? And if so, how?”
The short answer is: yes — in most cases, you can log it. Here’s how it works.
✈️ What Is a Discovery Flight?
A discovery flight (also called an introductory flight) is a short flight with a certified flight instructor (CFI) where you get to sit in the pilot’s seat and even take the controls under supervision. It’s not just a joyride — it can often count toward your future flight training.
✅ When Can You Log a Discovery Flight?
According to the FAA/CAA, you can log flight time any time you’re receiving flight instruction in an aircraft where you’re “controlling the aircraft under the supervision of a CFI.”
That means:
- If a CFI was on board, and
- You were allowed to manipulate the flight controls,
→ You can log it as dual instruction received.
Tip: Even if you’re not a student pilot yet, this time can count toward your Private Pilot License later — so long as it’s logged properly.
🧾 What to Include in Your Logbook
To log the flight, include these basic details:
- Date
- Aircraft type and tail number (e.g. C172 / G-ABCD)
- Location – this is where you departed and landed, if it is a non-listed location you can add a custom location in DigiPlog
- Flight time – typically 30 minutes or 1 hour
- “Dual” time
- Instructor’s name and signature
- Remarks (e.g. “Intro flight – basic maneuvers and straight-and-level flight”)
🖥️ Should You Log It Digitally?
If you’re planning to continue flight training, now’s a great time to start a digital logbook. Apps like DigiPlog make it easy to track all your time from Day 1, and you’ll thank yourself later when it’s time for skills test prep.
Bonus: You’ll never lose it, even if your paper logbook gets misplaced. If you are considering paper vs digital, read the article on what is best.
✈️ Final Thoughts
Yes — you can and should log your discovery flight if you received flight instruction from a CFI and handled the controls. Just make sure it’s signed and dated properly.
Whether you continue your training now or later, having that first flight logged is a great first step on your journey as a pilot.
Captain, take charge of your logbook