Lost logbook

[airspeed999]

I recently had a panic because I thought I'd lost my logbook. I found it thankfully but it got me thinking. What if I hadn't? It's the only record I've got of my hours. I've now photocopied the last five years and I'm going to keep doing it every few months.

What happens if you lose your logbook and it's the only record you've got of your hours?

Sally

[stiknruda]

AS99 - There are a couple of web-sites that allow you to "electronically" log all your hours.

I'm sure a google search would reveal them.

Personally, I don't. I just intend never to mislay my logbook which has been all over the world with me.


Stik

[jezbowman]

I often feel that the most likely time you're going to lose your logbook is when it's in a paper envelope 2nd class from the CAA. Though, to be fair, I got a jiffy bag last time.

I use www.e-logbooks.com (http://www.e-logbooks.com/pilots/) for a backup and it works well. Since it also adds up the time for you it's a good way to reconcile your additions.

[DubTrub]

AS99
I peridically photocopy mine (monthly or so)...requires A3 copying to get the full spread of the logbook. Since I keep my logbook at home, I keep the copies at work (rolled up in a drawing tube to look like work!) as a " fire copy".

You are wise to consider this, since it one of the very few documents in your possession that is irreplaceable. You might consider creating a fire copy of the few others...your late grandmother's letters, for example, or anything else hand-written and where you don't have access to the originals.

[Heliport]

What happens if you lose your logbook and it's the only record you've got of your hours?

[18greens]

If you really lose it you start another with your best hour recollection in place. You need to swear they are true with a notary public and I believe thats it.

[IO540]

I recently lost/mislaid my license and that was enough hassle. I lost about 6 months from the remaining time of my PPL. Now I photograph the logbooks (1 for me, four for the aircraft) with a digital camera and pop the images on a CD.

[DubTrub]

Heliport
My apologies if I did not answer the poster's specific question. Just trying to offer some constructive advice to prevent Sally from getting into a pickle in the future.

Should I create another thread called "How do I prevent losing my logbook data"?

Lighten up.

[Heliport]

DT

Very kind of you to apologise, but there was no need - your post was very helpful, as were the two which preceded it.

I was simply trying to ensure someone answered Sally's question.


Heliport

[stillin1]

A quick photocopy / digital camera snap is probably the easiest solution (time-effort involved).
I keep mine at home specifically to avoid the losing it issue!!!!!!!!!!:ok:

[Brooklands]

One option if you lose your logbook and have no records of your own is to ask your flying club(s) (OK so it won't work if you're a in a group) if you can go through their copy of your records. A friend of mine did this a few years ago when his flight bag (with logbook inside) was stolen from his car. He managed to reconstruct most of his logbook - the only bits missing where a few flights he'd done with other clubs.

Obviously depends on the records your club keeps, and probably not practical if you've been a member of several clubs over the period concerned.

Brooklands

[englishal]

Now I photograph the logbooks
Me too. And I keep them on CD.

[HissingSid]

Airspeed999

Dont worry about it Sally. Just buy a new Log-book and make it up to look convincing, no one is ever going to ask you about it, unless you are unfortunate. In which case it wont matter will it?
After all most of the guys I know in the LHS always used a TLP to fill in their Log-book. But you do not need a Log-book, the ANO just requires you to maintain a record of flying hours
Any old sheets of A4 will do. Trust me, I've done it.
Best rgds. Sid.

[The Greaser]

I just use a simple spreadsheet, you dont need a specialised computer logbook.

[bookworm]

Try the I have lost my logbook, what should I do? (http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?categoryid=175&pagetype=70&groupid=180&faqid=119) FAQ from the CAA and also LASORS section A paragraph on Lost Flying Logbook for further guidance.

A related point -- do remember that if you keep your logbook electronically, you need to sign every page when it is submitted to the CAA for the purpose of application for a licence or rating.