Logbook madness
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 241
Likes: 50
From: Coast to Coast...
Logbook madness
Just a thought...
When applying for a new job, the key numbers they are looking for is 1) Hours on type and in the case of Captains, 2) PIC hours on type. They don't want to see your sim hours mixed with your Total Flight Time.
Not a single logbook format out there that sensibly conveys this information. Granted you can't create a column for every type of aircraft but 99% of us in commercial aviation only ever fly 2 or 3 types in our careers. So why are we catering for the 1%?
Logbook formats are woefully out of date and need to change with the times.
When applying for a new job, the key numbers they are looking for is 1) Hours on type and in the case of Captains, 2) PIC hours on type. They don't want to see your sim hours mixed with your Total Flight Time.
Not a single logbook format out there that sensibly conveys this information. Granted you can't create a column for every type of aircraft but 99% of us in commercial aviation only ever fly 2 or 3 types in our careers. So why are we catering for the 1%?
Logbook formats are woefully out of date and need to change with the times.
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 287
Likes: 45
From: Italy
+1 for electronic logbooks. I am keeping a paper logbook as a backup that I regularly keep up to date with my electronic logbook, but it is now pointless. I got my job with an electronic logbook and my current and previous authorities never had issues with it.
By the way, at the end of the popular Jeppesen logbook, you have pages dedicated to logging type related hours.
By the way, at the end of the popular Jeppesen logbook, you have pages dedicated to logging type related hours.
Thread Starter
Joined: Jul 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 241
Likes: 50
From: Coast to Coast...
Not so fast guys! I'm electronic for almost 20 years. Even with electronic logbooks, airlines still need the last 3 or 4 pages which we do via using the electronic logbook "print" function. So despite collecting all this beautiful data, we absolutely undo all the hard work because every electronic logbook app out there adopts the same useless CAP or EASA FCL formats.
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 287
Likes: 45
From: Italy
What software are you using? I use PILOTLOG and it can generate a multitude of reports in various formats, not just FCL formats i.e. by type rating, by model and variant, by condition time, or any other query the user sets up.
By type rating or model and variant, hours are divided in PIC, Co-Pilot and Dual. I believe you can set up customised fields as well, but I haven't played much with queries.
By type rating or model and variant, hours are divided in PIC, Co-Pilot and Dual. I believe you can set up customised fields as well, but I haven't played much with queries.
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 250
Likes: 14
From: UK
I used electronic logbook for 7 years.
LogTen pro. Yes it’s expensive but once set up correctly it’s easy.
ATPL for CAA no problem. That was the last time I printed the whole lot. Applying for jobs usually last 3 pages. Can print another page showing full break down of hours on different types. Has the ability to show FAA/EASA style. Under Logbook select Reports and knock yourself out. Can get a nice pie chart to print off if you really want.
Takes about 10 seconds.
LogTen pro. Yes it’s expensive but once set up correctly it’s easy.
ATPL for CAA no problem. That was the last time I printed the whole lot. Applying for jobs usually last 3 pages. Can print another page showing full break down of hours on different types. Has the ability to show FAA/EASA style. Under Logbook select Reports and knock yourself out. Can get a nice pie chart to print off if you really want.
Takes about 10 seconds.
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: AUS
Only ever used LogTen and they’re brilliant. Anytning you’re struggling with drop them a message and they will sort it out for you. Quite expensive but you get what you pay for.
numerous CAAs have no issue with LogTen and airlines will happily take printed LogTen (last 3-5 pages) aswell as PDFs on applications.
numerous CAAs have no issue with LogTen and airlines will happily take printed LogTen (last 3-5 pages) aswell as PDFs on applications.
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,909
Likes: 24
From: England
Everything is possible with the electronic stuff but the point being made I guess is that a commercial pilot logbook ought to default to clearly showing time on type and PIC time on type. We shouldn't have to play with the format. The philosophy that SEP and MEP breakdown is the best way needs correcting. Those numbers matter for student pilots. They are worthless metrics for an experienced pilot or an airline recruitment department. Personally I'd like to see number of sectors too. Metrics that actually matter and define a pilot as much as flight hours sat in cruise.
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 287
Likes: 45
From: Italy
I've only used the Jeppesen paper logbook format compliant to EASA Part-FCL and I'm not familiar with other formats, but in the latter pages of the logbook there are forms dedicated to logging type related hours. This would meet the OP's request when duly filled.
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 72
Likes: 142
From: UK
I use a logbook to record my hours for me. I don't do it for the purpose of job hunting, it is a record of my career, of how I have spent a huge part of my life. It does this adequately. I have taken Jeppesen log books to 2 interviews, there was no problem.
