Do you keep a logbook?
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 8,571
Likes: 3
From: Arizona USA
Recall years ago when joining SQ, one Captain, after completing a JAL contract, applied to SQ and did not have a logbook, only the JAL company generated printed monthly time sheets. These were not acceptable to the DCA in Singapore so....no job for him.
He was not a happy camper.
A master log is a wise investment.
He was not a happy camper.
A master log is a wise investment.
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,627
Likes: 2
From: UTC +8
Yes, I keep up with logbooks. How else would I know that I have 15171 hours right now. Besides, the FAA medical questionaire asks how many total hours one has, and how many hours one has flown in the past six months.
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 339
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From: Eagan, MN
Started flying 1969, only have military computer logs til 1977, which only log time, approaches and landings (not TO/Landing fields). After that (when told by FAA to keep logbooks for ATP license), I started a formal logbook.
I would give left nut (almost) to be able to read when & where, with comments of unusual happenings, of flights '69-'77; alas, they are gone (except for vague images). '77 on, have info; usually with copious amounts of wine, it amuses me to read back on experiences & screwups I have made & survived. Young guys, keep a logbook; if you're not sure whether to make a comment, make it! 25 years down the line, you will savor same. Sam
I would give left nut (almost) to be able to read when & where, with comments of unusual happenings, of flights '69-'77; alas, they are gone (except for vague images). '77 on, have info; usually with copious amounts of wine, it amuses me to read back on experiences & screwups I have made & survived. Young guys, keep a logbook; if you're not sure whether to make a comment, make it! 25 years down the line, you will savor same. Sam
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Florida USA
Logbook
Interesting response, thank you, my point is that in the US keeping a formal log book <not just a miniature expense report type> once you have started with a major airline appears to be quite unusual.
Coming from the UK originally I always found that rather odd,< I keep one myself> it appears to be another of our differences, along with the American dislike of using an aircraft's name rather than a number, just an observation....
Coming from the UK originally I always found that rather odd,< I keep one myself> it appears to be another of our differences, along with the American dislike of using an aircraft's name rather than a number, just an observation....
SkyGod
Joined: Aug 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 108
From: Palm Coast, Florida, USA
Quit logging at 11,000 hours.
The FAA requires a "record" of flight time to be kept, but my airlines computer print-outs satisfies that requirement.
(I walked into a FSDO office to ask that specific question)
Have kept all my small and big logbooks and may one day log the time I have flown over the last couple of years.
Not going to apply for another job anyway: If I get laid off or present company goes Tango Uniform, I am ready to kiss flying goodby...(17 jobs, 50 types and counting...)
The FAA requires a "record" of flight time to be kept, but my airlines computer print-outs satisfies that requirement.
(I walked into a FSDO office to ask that specific question)
Have kept all my small and big logbooks and may one day log the time I have flown over the last couple of years.
Not going to apply for another job anyway: If I get laid off or present company goes Tango Uniform, I am ready to kiss flying goodby...(17 jobs, 50 types and counting...)
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 115
From: UK
I have kept written logbooks ever since I went solo in a glider when I was 16. They are a personal record of your life and are so precious and irreplaceable. If you think that keeping a written logbook is a pain in the ar*e then you have no real love for flying.
An airline once lost my baggage for six weeks when coming back home from an overseas contract. All of my logbooks were gone! I felt like I had lost a limb and it was such a relief when they finally appeared again.
They are also so useful for settling arguments in the pub. When did such and such happen and who were you with and where were you at the time for example.
Don't give up writing guys (even if you can't spell!!!) - you will regret it when you get older!
An airline once lost my baggage for six weeks when coming back home from an overseas contract. All of my logbooks were gone! I felt like I had lost a limb and it was such a relief when they finally appeared again.
They are also so useful for settling arguments in the pub. When did such and such happen and who were you with and where were you at the time for example.
Don't give up writing guys (even if you can't spell!!!) - you will regret it when you get older!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 433
Likes: 0
From: preston
logbooks
as far as im aware in the uk it is law that you keep a log book. one sqn i was on had 2 american exchange pilots, one usaf one marine. marine had a log book usaf guy didnt , this made it very difficult at the end of the month when the boss is meant to sign your log book.
SkyGod
Joined: Aug 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,624
Likes: 108
From: Palm Coast, Florida, USA
JW411:
Yup, agree: All that touchy/feely stuff about keeping a logbook since the gliderdays at age 16 is all fine and good.
Been there, done that.
Then some years later, it does not matter: Take all yer hours, all yer events and episodes ya logged, all the good stuff, then add 50 Cents to it, and it won't even buy ya a cup of coffe.
If the airlines are recruiting, ya get the job, fancy logbook or not.
If they ain't, uh would ya like fries with that Sir?
Techman: Ya be the Danish F/E? Did ya fly in the Biafra Airlift?
If so, I know ya....
Yup, agree: All that touchy/feely stuff about keeping a logbook since the gliderdays at age 16 is all fine and good.
Been there, done that.
Then some years later, it does not matter: Take all yer hours, all yer events and episodes ya logged, all the good stuff, then add 50 Cents to it, and it won't even buy ya a cup of coffe.
If the airlines are recruiting, ya get the job, fancy logbook or not.
If they ain't, uh would ya like fries with that Sir?
Techman: Ya be the Danish F/E? Did ya fly in the Biafra Airlift?
If so, I know ya....
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Canada
I know some pilots that make notes in the log,engine failures, off runway arrivals, that sort of thing. Some people even stick little photos of flown aircraft in their logbook. Probably best kept in an album with details noted so future interviewers can't take a dim view. (Sept. 6 1969 to now 20649 hours total airframe time).
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,242
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Tower Dog, as your profile shows, flying is neither your first or second love. I think you have a very sad attitude to log books.
For some of us they are an almanac, a history and a diary. I do encourage anyone starting out on a flying career to keep an accurate log book and append notes when significant events occur. It may seem like a pain now but in years to come you will be glad you did.
Only today I was able to discover that on the day Elvis croaked, (16th August 1977), I was arriving back in Bahrain after a nightstop in Dubai!
For some of us they are an almanac, a history and a diary. I do encourage anyone starting out on a flying career to keep an accurate log book and append notes when significant events occur. It may seem like a pain now but in years to come you will be glad you did.
Only today I was able to discover that on the day Elvis croaked, (16th August 1977), I was arriving back in Bahrain after a nightstop in Dubai!