switch from PPL to professional logbook: when?
 

I have just started MEIR and going for a CPL course after it, so is it ok to use my small AFE PPL logbook until obtaining CPL or better switch now to professional logbook? My small logbook also has entrance for simulator training

Personally, i'd just keep filling your first log book. A pro log book is not a requirement, if you're thinking about how it may look at an interview, don't worry, keep it neat and presentable, make it look like you care.

I started with a pro log book from my first PPL lesson - if it's really niggling you, transfer everything and do the same. I enjoy the fact I went from my first flying lesson/ATPL training/first turbo-prop/first jet and first wide-body all in one book!

Most loghooks have a "flying experience prior to this logbook" section at the beginning so you could get a new pro logbook and just fill in a couple of lines that summarise your PPL flying at the front. Obviously, just keep the original logbook in case you need it as a reference for anything.

ok. and in case of any rating or license prolongation, do I need then always send both logbooks to CAA or just current one?

you should had the proffesional log from the begining.

from which beginning? I had PPL only and decided to go modular later :) And use big Jepp with PPL is kinda... :ugh: :rolleyes:

Acuba,

For what it's worth it really doesnt matter. Me personally, had a PPL style logbook, then as soon as I got my first airline job started a new commercial style one. So yes I have two logbooks, one PPL which is unfinished (but upto date to my last CPL/IR flight), and the commercial one with four years of airline flying in. As long as when you go to interviews or the CAA you have both, no worries.

Keeping of Log books
 

Keep whichever type that suits you but keep it in an accurate and truthful manner so that it is a statement of your flying career. I was lucky enough to complete 5 log books during mine.

Tmb

I still use the little red American log books that I first started using when I did my PPL in the US.

I find that its great for professional pilots too, because its small and light and means that I carry it with me in my flight bag, and update it every flight, so its always up to date. Most other pro pilots I know have the big blue "professional" one, leave it at home and never fill it in.

You just use what you want - its YOUR record after all!!

Chill
 

as long as you keep an accurate record of your flying that is all that matters. Not the shape, size, colour, brand etc of a log book. You can even just keep an electronic record on your computer and never fill a paper log book in again. There are some good in-expensive software available. When you need a paper copy, easy, just print out the relevant pages.

I got a 'professional' logbook as soon as I got my CPL. In part because my old 'Airtour' PPL book was getting tatty. I simply drew a line under the last entry and referred to the new log book. Sadly I really didn't need it for a few years and the new book remained resolutely blank except for a few pages.

I don't agree with carrying the log book with you. Too much risk of losing it somewhere. Of all the items you carry it's probably the most irreplaceable. I don't want it slung in the back of a car or left behind in an airport or nicked out of a hotel room or falling in the mud at some grotty airstrip, (which has happened). I actually lost my very first logbook, fell out my pocket as I rode my motorbike. Luckily I had photocopies of my hours. But I learnt my lesson.

and if I start big professional logbook now, can I transfer all my flights from small book from the beginning or I need to begin from current hours?

Just draw a line under your last entry in the old logbook and start filling in the new logbook.

and always send both books to CAA or only new one?

Hi acuba
 

Just fill in your first log book until it is complete. What is the point in buying a new book just because you have started flying training? Sounds like an ego trip to me! I would have thought that a complete set of original log books would be a far more suitable option acuba.

It is much more satisfying to complete a whole log book mate. Why change it prematurely because you have started the IR or CPL training?

Good luck mate. :ok:

My original PPL logbook contains all my training from PPL to CPL/MEP/IR/FI. I started a new "professional" logbook the day I did the first flight for which I was paid (as an Instructor)

When you learn to spell WHEN :p

@heli_port

ok, changed ;)
how many foreign languages do you speak? :)

Haha good answer.

French, German, Spanish, & American ;)