Logbook Software

[CitationTen]

Hi,

I'd like to transition to using an electronic logbook (software version on a pc) and am wondering if anyone can recommend any logbook software (to replace the paper one) that they currently use or know of.

Thank you kindly for any recommendations!

[Dixons Cider]

Have a look at .. url deleted

Its a little different from the majority in that it is an online logbook ie you can access it from any computer on the net, and you have no worries backing up all the time or losing it all should your computer crash.

Its CAA approved. I can personally recommend it as I've been using it for the last 2+ years. Very importantly, the back up support is second to none.

Edited for advertising .. the url reference shouldn't be too hard to find for those interested .. a UK crowd with a not too difficult combination of pilot and log(book) ..

[Flying Torquewrench]

CitationTen,

No offense, but the search function works rather well on this forum. Your question comes up every few months so there is some information available on this forum. Below you will find a few links to other threads on Pprune discussing the logbook software. Hopefully it will help you.

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=255467&highlight=logbook

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=256559&highlight=logbook

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=248451&highlight=logbook

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=244948&highlight=logbook

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=241320&highlight=logbook

http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=232810&highlight=logbook

These are only the search results from posts made in the last year. So if you would search for posts since Pprune started you probable would find a lot more.

:ok: FT.

[Dixons Cider]

Ok fair enough - have a look here (http://www.pilotlog.co.uk)

[AerocatS2A]

Logbook Pro works well for me. Google it at your leisure.

IMO, the sooner you get on to an electronic logbook the better (as long as you're going to do it anyway.) You can transfer your paper logbook totals across with a basic summary, but it's nice to have the full details of all your flying in your electronic logbook and it can take a while to do. Do it now rather than next year and save yourself a year's worth of data entry.

On that note, Logbook Pro have recently started a service where they will enter your logbook information for you (I assume you mail them photocopies or something,) for a fee of course. Other companies may do a similar thing.

[Glen Livid]

Logbook 2 by http://www.fliteware.co.uk/ (Fliteware) works really well for me. Plenty of automation makes data entry very easy.

[WHBM]

I wonder how many of us, like me, use Excel spreadsheets rather than some proprietary software application. You can then lay it all out exactly as you wish, and enhance and improve the format with time. Excel can do a lot of things like advanced calculations that many more casual users are not aware of, it depends on your computer skills.

If you want to update it at remote locations and don't travel with your own laptop just e-mail it to yourself and pick it up at an Internet Cafe, remote office or similar, then send it back to yourself.

[AerocatS2A]

...it depends on your computer skills.
Exactly. And your motivation. My computer skills are up to the task but my motivation is not. I like the convenience of having an off-the-shelf program and am willing to pay for it.

[Permafrost_ATPL]

I am trying out pilotlog (one word, google it), a UK product.

Getting close to end of free trial and i like the following features:

1) Imports my roster
2) Data is saved on THEIR server, but I can also make my own back up
3) Java phones are supported, so no need to carry a PDA. And phone entry is actually quite easy (I was not expecting that, to be honest). Most of the time I key in the dep/arr times and registration during the flight (in Flight Mode, of course). And on leaving the plane I just add the final arrival time. All done
4)Synchronisation with your phone is via 3G, so need to go home and use a cradle/USB/etc. Every couple of weeks I hit sync on the phone and it updates the database (and updates the phone with new imported roster), as long as my mobile phone has reception.

I'm going to carry on with it and pay the 5 GBP a month fee once the free trial period ends.

P

[149pax]

Anyone having problems with PilotLog recently? When I try to get my hours summary the page appears blank :confused:

[AFTA]

I bet somebody probably made a good spreadsheet already. Care to share?

[flap15]

Try a look at Pilots Pal. I have been using it for a few years now and have no complaint. However a new version had just been released so their may be some teething problems. I would not let that put you off since the support from Pilots Pal is first rate. I had a file lock up on me which I Zipped up sent to Pilots Pal and had a reparied file with no loss of data back in a couple of days. My only regret is not getting one sooner.

A couple of other bits of advice. Print of each full page as it becomes avaliable and back up to a seperate storage medium every time. To get the most out of an electronic log book dont froget to get a PDA for remote data entry.

Flap 15

[FlyboyUK]

149Pax

Not having (or had) any problems with PilotLog website. Been using it for a few years now and very pleased with it. Especially they way it is designed to evolve to its users requirements.

If you are having problems, I'd suggest dropping them an email. They are always quick to repsond and helpful.

[149pax]

I tried sending 2 e-mails yesterday, one to support and the other to development... but still no answer :bored: The hours summary worked for me 2 weeks ago, but it doesn't now, and I need it asap for my typerating provider... Not very pleased with this support when I'm paying a fiver a month...

[Dixons Cider]

149punters

just logged on and hours summary was there for me. Keep trying to contact them as it must be something with your account as opposed to the system. Surprised they haven't responded already as I've had excellent response in the past...hope you get it sorted soon.

(maybe there is a bit of the ol' festive season lag going on!!!)

[149pax]

Thanks guys for your input. I did receive a reply and the problem has been fixed :ok: I'm very happy with PilotLog, specially the mobile phone/PDA sync

[richatom]

I've been trying out a few options. I've discounted most of the common options as they are too geared towards FAA requirements - eg Pilot Pal, despite being very accomplished program, does not allow you to log departure and arrival airfields - all you can log is the "route". Pilot Pro also had good features but you couldn't log departure and arrival times - all you could log was flight duration.

I liked the idea of the Pilotlog online logging idea, but £5 per month is pretty steep IMO.

Seems like Logbook2 by Fliteware is the only option that I have found so far that meets JAR/FCL requirements.

My ideal software would have an option to display a view exactly the same as my paper logbook (in my case Jeppesen JAR/FCL) which would make checking the paper logbook very easy.

[richatom]

Thanks for the suggestion ManFlex. But can it import any csv file? It only states that it can import files from another software product.

[1xxxxx1]

Primarily I use a normal logbook.
But I run a simple excel sheet to add up the hours and then to transfer to paper. Sounds like even more work but reduces the calculation errors
It is faster filled in as I set up the spread sheet the way my logbook pages look.
And I have to print it monthly as I get a partial payment by the hour (accounting needs a list)

But why a logbook? It has the big advantage that it is a book, as the name says.
It is a handwritten document!
Try walking into the Indian DGAC and present your laptop ! Certified software or not.
OK you can do a print out but still it does not look the same as my crap handwriting.
:ok:

[FougaMagister]

I've been using SkyLog Pro for a few months now and I find it pretty good. You can actually download it for free, and then try it for a month. That's more than enough time to be convinced!

It does seem to have been developed Stateside (date entries are made in mm/dd/yyyy format), but it is JAR-compliant. There are many ways to access previously entered info/records, and clever features such as graphs, pie-charts, plus monthly hours calculation/FTLs etc. Data entry is also very quick.

However, I would recommend keeping a classic logbook as a backup - I know I do! Belt and braces and all that...

Cheers :cool:

[Billy Whiz]

I used to have SkyLog Pro but it is a generation behind Pilots Pal. Also, Pilots Pal has an excellent conversion program that will accurately transfer all your SkyLog data into its own format. Pilots Pal does absolutely everything you could possibly want from a logbook program, looks great on screen and produces very posh logbook pages for your paper back-up. It is produced by a senior Training Captain at easyJet who gets loads of feedback and has actioned virtually every single thing ever asked for. He has also sold to many other pilots from other airlines who have asked for, and been given, various add-ons. Consequently it is the best around by a considerable margin. And by the way, I do not get royalties for this!

[Red Eyed Dog]

Hi to 'richatom', I remembered you started a thread on this subject about a month ago ... so thought I'd post my musings on this one again ...

For my money I would take a serious look at FlightLog Professional from Stratosoft. It seems this software has a very dedicated following, including me and some pretty nifty features when you get into it.
You can import from 'csv' files provided they are firstly formatted as required ... a bit of Excel macro knowledge could be useful here and there is a typical JAA format report/printout too.
As for technical support, I've been dealing with these people for a while now and for what questions I've had to ask, I've had them all answered within 24 hours ... guess that most likely puts them close to or at the top !
Great, free PDA/smartphone flight recorder too.

BTW I really don't understand the liking for web based logbooks. It worries me that ... what happens when your web based logbook goes to the wall ? OK so you had data backed up on your own PC but what good is that if the server based web application(s) are no longer there to process it ? :hmm:


cheers
RED

[Deano777]

RED

I concur, I have just installed FlightLog Professional and find it great, I need to purchase the license though to unlock it.

[Red Eyed Dog]

I need to purchase the license though to unlock it.

Hi Deano777 ... yep and I just guess the old adage always applies 'you get what you pay for' ;)

[Deano777]

Very true mate, and worth every penny in my eyes

[richatom]

Pilots Pal (the British one) looks good but expensive IMO, especially as you only get upgrades for a year. For £64, I would want an assurance that I would get upgrades for life....