PIC, co-pilot, dual and instructor time explained

Every flight in an EASA logbook records not only how long you flew, but in what role. The pilot function time columns — PIC, co-pilot, dual and instructor — are what licensing authorities look at when you apply for a new licence or rating.

PIC (pilot-in-command)

Log PIC time when you are the pilot in command of the flight. For solo students this includes supervised solo flights. Also write the name of the PIC in the "Name PIC" column — when it is you, many pilots write "SELF".

Co-pilot

Log co-pilot time when you act as co-pilot in an aircraft that requires more than one pilot (by type certification or by the regulations under which the flight is conducted). This is typical for first officers in multi-pilot operations.

Dual

Log dual time when you receive flight instruction from an instructor on board. Every lesson with your instructor during training goes here, not in PIC.

Instructor

Log instructor time when you are giving flight instruction as a qualified instructor. Instructors usually also log the flight as PIC.

Examples

Operational condition and function are separate

Single-pilot SE/ME and multi-pilot columns describe the aircraft and operation; PIC/co-pilot/dual/instructor describe your role. A flight usually has a value in one of each group, both normally equal to the total time.

Fill it in once, automatically

In The Pilot Log you choose in Settings how you usually fly (for example multi-pilot + co-pilot for airline flying), and every new line fills those columns with the total time. You only change them on the flights that are different.

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This guide is general information. Your authority's rules decide what counts for a specific licence or rating.