Electronic log books
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Electronic log books
I'm considering purchasing a PC-based electronic logbook as I've approx. 18 months worth of entries to make in my paper book (6 sector days somedays!!). Anybody out there with any suggestions/recommendations for a user-friendly XP based version??
Ta
Ta
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I use Safelog from Dauntless software, its pretty good. See here:
Safelog FAA and JAA Pilot Logbook Software
Safelog FAA and JAA Pilot Logbook Software
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Transparency International
Consider bringing your paper-logbook up-to-date and keep it updated after every flight. No degree of computerization can sheild you from the JAA requirement to bring an approved paper logbook along.
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dusk2dawn
What JAA requirement to bring an approved paper log book along?
and along to where?
The only time you need a paper logbook is when submitting it to an authority for inspection. In which case, you use the computers print function and sign every sheet.
You can also do the same thing when going for an interview.
75% of the Captains that I fly with have electronic log books, many have it on their PDA’s which they update in the cruise.
For what it's worth I just built my own logbook programme using MS Access.
Some people just do an Excel spreadsheet, both methods are perfectly acceptable
SW
What JAA requirement to bring an approved paper log book along?
and along to where?
The only time you need a paper logbook is when submitting it to an authority for inspection. In which case, you use the computers print function and sign every sheet.
You can also do the same thing when going for an interview.
75% of the Captains that I fly with have electronic log books, many have it on their PDA’s which they update in the cruise.
For what it's worth I just built my own logbook programme using MS Access.
Some people just do an Excel spreadsheet, both methods are perfectly acceptable
SW
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(a) Details of all flights flown as a pilot shall
be kept in a reliable record in a logbook format
acceptable to the Authority (see IEM FCL 1.080).
be kept in a reliable record in a logbook format
acceptable to the Authority (see IEM FCL 1.080).
You didn't answer the question of where you want the paper copy "bringing along to"
FF
Transparency International
I did not mean to imply that you cannot keep a record on your PC/PDA/iPhone or whatever. However, do not expect an "authorised representative" to accept any other presentation than prescribed in JAR-FCL 1 or 2.
So, where to bring it along? To wherever you exercise the privileges of you licence!
Who to present it to? Try a SAFA inspector! (or just for the heck of it - try not to present it to a SAFA inspector).
So, where to bring it along? To wherever you exercise the privileges of you licence!
Who to present it to? Try a SAFA inspector! (or just for the heck of it - try not to present it to a SAFA inspector).
JAR-FCL 1.080 (d) Presentation of flight time record
(1) The holder of a licence or a student pilot shall without undue delay present his flight time record for inspection upon request by an authorised representative
(1) The holder of a licence or a student pilot shall without undue delay present his flight time record for inspection upon request by an authorised representative
I have not kept a paper log book for about 7 years now, and have had no problems. I have never been asked for a log book on a ramp check, and, in any case I nearly always have my computer with me when I fly. Anyway, "without delay" does not mean "now".
Regarding the software used:
Anyone who has been around computers for any length of time realises that things change. If your logbook software company is not in business in 20 years time will you still be able to read your logbook? Will it still work with Windows in 2028? On past experience of old software I would suggest not. So I would suggest using a VERY common file format to save the data. Personally I use an Excel spreadsheet, as I assume there will still be some software capable of loading the file for some considerable time. Cost me nothing, except about half an hour of time to set it up, just duplicating the same columns as my last paper logbook, and simple additions to sum the columns. No need for anything very clever.
Regarding the software used:
Anyone who has been around computers for any length of time realises that things change. If your logbook software company is not in business in 20 years time will you still be able to read your logbook? Will it still work with Windows in 2028? On past experience of old software I would suggest not. So I would suggest using a VERY common file format to save the data. Personally I use an Excel spreadsheet, as I assume there will still be some software capable of loading the file for some considerable time. Cost me nothing, except about half an hour of time to set it up, just duplicating the same columns as my last paper logbook, and simple additions to sum the columns. No need for anything very clever.
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Whatever software you buy, ensure that it has an export function - so if the manufacturer disappears you can export your data to csv file and import it back to another program.
Also, check that it is JAR compatible because a lot of software out there is optimised for FAR and so does not have columns for the hour of departure/arrival. IIRC Pilotpal is an example.
I use Fliteware Logbook 2 which is good but not perfect. It is designed for JAR pilots, is easy to use and has really excellent filter logic. However, it does not have a separate database for simchecks, so you have to log simchecks in the main flight database. Also it does not have PDA support.
Also, check that it is JAR compatible because a lot of software out there is optimised for FAR and so does not have columns for the hour of departure/arrival. IIRC Pilotpal is an example.
I use Fliteware Logbook 2 which is good but not perfect. It is designed for JAR pilots, is easy to use and has really excellent filter logic. However, it does not have a separate database for simchecks, so you have to log simchecks in the main flight database. Also it does not have PDA support.
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Pilot LogBook Pro only errors
I hate it. How can somebody make such professional software with so many bugs. I am not able to fill the logbook with times. Setting take off 16:23 UTC, Landing 18:10 UTC and total time is always shown as decimal. Its suxx. I spend one hour to try this software, changing settins and all, nothing helped. Very often i get error "data converersion error" etc. and nothing more. No better message to let me know WHAT EXACTLY IS WRONG. Is this US software and are you using decimals times in US? In Europe we do not. If I am not able easily set the times, its suxx. Cost flights it is same. After filling 0,5 duration, I have for example price 2000 CZK. Everything is ok, i click somewhere behind this field and suddenly there is no data and again some error. Unbelieveble Crap.
