Electronic Logbook keeping (need for hand written too?)

[Aucky]

Is there a requirement to keep and maintain a hand written logbook in EASA land? I keep a computerised logbook which I print and bind with the completion of each 'page' as my hard copy which has sufficed with the CAA in annual audits etc to date but might it be a problem elsewhere? It says on p22 of Part FCL that entries must be made in Ink or indelible pencil, which mine are, when printed out and bound.

I've logged my flights this way for the last 3 years, if find it perfect, due to the fact you input the raw data and you have the option of exporting it in whatever format you like, to suit any countries authority meeting their exact requirements. Summaries of hours by type etc is a doddle when required at LPC for example, invoicing is automatic, and of course I can back it up regularly. I email the file monthly to somewhere in cyberspace for safe keeping in case of loss of the physical copy, or my computer. Problem is that my handwritten logbook is now about 800 flights behind and I don't know whether I need to sit and tediously get it back up to date to prevent problems down the line.

Any thoughts? Any others using LogTen or similar still maintaining or required to maintain a handwritten log?

I can see the obvious argument for saying that it's open to abuse because you can change the history of your flying... Which is true you could, but that's not to say that you would and i'm sure there's always a way for those who want to break the law ('losing' the logbook being one). On the plus side, 'You can change (filter) the history of your flying' if for example coming across from the states and having logged P1 simultaneously with another pilot also logging P1 in a single engined aircraft (not sure how that happens but apparently it's allowed in certain circumstances), which is not accepted but the UK CAA. If you have segregated such flights electronically (easy to do with a tick box) you can easily filter them out when preparing a logbook for the UK CAA for license issue and printing in JAR compliant format - this would not be easy with the handwritten logbook unless one logs such hours in a separate column and can disregard them accordingly.

I started updating my handwritten logbook again as I had a little time on my hands, but once realising how long it will take I thought i'd save it for now, unless it has to be done.

[hihover]

Aucky

I do much the same as you using Safelog and I sign each page as I insert it into the binder. I have used the printed record to support certain applications to both the FAA and UK CAA and never had any difficulties.

Times are changing, the authorities seem to accept this, and my signature at the bottom of each page of the printed records verifies that this is a true record.

Tam

[paco]

Copies of the tech log would also do if your name and address etc were also on the sheets. It is your personal and private property, although it is required to be kept, and as long as it satisfies the requirements you can do it how you want.

phil

[Brilliant Stuff]

I recently read on the CAA website that they indeed do accept electronic logbooks when you print them.

[Aucky]

Great - thanks, I shall put off the less than appealing job of updating the handwritten one for now

[Brilliant Stuff]

I used to get someone with neat writing fill in my logbook. Given up on that now....

[jimmy jaranti]

easa electronic log book

Hi all, can anyone recommend a good electronic log book for proffessional pilots as a back up ?
Preferably with EASA flight time limitations built in.

[Harry the Hun]

easa electronic loig book

Safelog, brilliant software on PC and Apple. Don't know about Android.

[Jonasraf]

LogTen Pro. I use it everyday.

I like that I can export my flights to Google Earth and see where I have flown.

[Flyting]

Logbook columns???

So, I'm updating my logbook to go electronic and am looking at Safelog. Got over 3000 hrs doing all sorts of things and was wandering which columns I should add to make my summaries and work experiences easier to keep track of???

Already added sling loads carried/lifts, mountain flying, cross country divided into night/day...

Any other suggestions???

[parabellum]

Way, way, way down the track you may wish you had kept up to date with a handwritten version of your logbook. They become almost an almanac of your career, especially if you use the notes column. If the electronic ones allow plenty of room for inputting miscellaneous information then not so bad.

[Helilog56]

Log books in my career have been living documents....pictures, places, notes, experiences, stories, etc. have been put into my log books in my 38 years and 23,000+ flight hours....try that with some cold and sterile format on a computer screen.....

[grumpytroll]

actually..

The electronics I use are very simple. I use a microsoft excel spreadsheet that I created in just a few minutes and believe me I am not computer literate. I can attach all kinds of pictures to it including photos of the actual aircraft I flew, and the crew. I don't do it for every flight but it is very easy and makes the log book a wonderful memory book that I can print separately with just the written and necessary details or with the photos and I can also attach written notes about the flight. For example I did a forest fire mission when in the army back in 88 so I have attached photos and a journal along with the cross country routing to get from Ft. Campbell, KY to Idaho and back, photos of water dropping, firefighters and helispots along with shots of us floating down the river on our army issue rubber mattresses etc., some notes about what we did on our off times etc. and the names of the people in my unit at the time etc. So the electronic log is truly the whole story of that trip, not just the flight time. I even did some annual check training while there so attached a copy of the grade slip. I had to get a bunch of my old photos digitized but that was very easy to do at a local shop. I really enjoy it because it reminds me of the details and not just the memory that I did the trip. Now I have a rather large electronic logbook that covers 30 years of flying and the photos and written memories to boot so if I want to actually see what a certain N number aircraft looked like, all I have to do is click! Its also searchable so if someone says hey did you ever fly with Joe Blow or operate N-12345 I can look it up very quickly.
Since most companies give me a wonderful electronic record of flight times these days, it is very easy to sit on a plane or at the office and plug in the details and attach the photos which then inspires the journal entry.

Consider it.

Cheers