Logging flight data
 

Hey

How do you guys log in your log books flights?

How about more detailed things. Do you guys log IFR time? Actual Instrument time? How many instrument approaches you have done?

I ask because I know many employers usually ask for this data, and I also know not all pilots keep an accurate track of these things. (like myself since I got hired)

:)

I have always kept a fairly detailed logbook. I keep track of actual IFR time as well as full motion sim time. I also keep track of how many instrument approaches I have made on a daily basis.

Who do you fly for? If don't mind me asking.

Yes and yes

The company keeps track of my flight time, and I can print it out anytime I wish. If you already have your ATP then you are basically done logging flight time.

A few friends have been hired at jetBlue and Virgin. They showed up with their little red books and a company printout... they were only asked for the company printout... all hired. Can you track every little scrap of IMC, sure... but if you already have an ATP, there isn't any reason to, your company tracks your flight time.

Tracking your flight times
 

I use Logbook Pro (NC Software - Flight Log Software). It's the most versitile software out there and at a great price. With most airlines, you can download your trip data and import it directly into Logbook Pro which can save you lots of time. You can also create reports and track your flights in almost any format that works for you. It is very versitile. It also allows you to print your logbook and calculate your flight times immediately. Remember, airlines don't necessarily want to see your flight times in Jeppesen logbooks, they just want to see your flight times and when you reach certain milestones. Logbook Pro does all the hard work for you. NC Software - Flight Log Software

Search button.

I would ALWAYS keep a flight log.

#1. Your company can't track your IMC, night time, or approach flown. (Some companies do ask this, which leads me to #2)
#2. You could lose your job, the company can fold. Now, you need to do resumes all over again ... and data like IMC, night time, approached flown might prove to be useful.
#3. I do it for historical & enjoyment. I can look back in my logs and read the interesting notes I left ... "Pax arrested in NYC, #2 hydraulic failure, weather divert ... etc". Which, going back to reason #2 ... again could prove to be useful in an interview when you need to recall stories for the TMAAT questions.

I've had friends who never kept logs, who suddenly found themselves without a job, frantically re-creating a log book.

-Fatty