Got a question on logbooks so again...I dug up an old post from 2006. (Remember...back when airlines were actually HIRING?)

Here's the repost:

I always advise young pups just starting their AF careers to keep logbooks, but not only for "the interview" one day down the road.

Anyone who's lost a bro in a mishap or flown with a guy who's flown West knows how cool it is to have a record of your flights with them. I've got cable arrestments at alert sites, pond crossings watching the Hale Bopp comet, and approaches to minimums (again and again) from flying in Germany. Since I don't keep a journal, my old logbook is the closest thing to a memory chest I have. Also fun to see former students and where they end up. I've solo'd more than a few who have gone on to FWIC (or WIC these days...) or the F-22, and flown with dozens of guys who are now around the globe in a lot of different places. Several of my former students are now at FDX with me. I'd have forgotten the details...but I have the log entry and the mission info saved for posterity. So--in addition to helping accuracy--its a fine trip down memory lane when you want one.

And yeah...as an interview coach...its nice when clients have some raw material to work with. Your day to day missions may be the same--I just put down the crew names in those. By the trips that stand out usually get a remark or two. It takes a few extra minutes a month...but when I look back its always worth the effort.

2011 Edit: Yes...all the above still apply. If you've been flying in the AF, your flight records will certainly cover your airline application requirements. I took my records, my FEF (checkride folder), and my logbooks to both my interviews. Some airlines request your mil records, some don't. But the REAL reason I suggest starting a logbook now is for you--not the airline. If my house caught fire, the family is the first thing I'd want out of the house. A few pictures would be next, but most of our pictures have duplicates at relatives. The logbook, however--is a special document for all the reasons I mentioned. I'd want to tuck that baby under my arm as I leapt out the window...