So here's my deal. When I started my flight training a friend of mine recommended getting a large logbook, one that could "take me all the way to the airlines," so I went out an bought a large logbook (about 1/2 in). Now a little more than two years later the logbook is completely destroyed. The spine is completely removed and the back cover is hanging on by a thread from all those years of being stuck in the back of my flight bag. It's actually become something that I am embarrassed about and nothing I want to present to a company at an interview. I've heard two different solutions to my problem. The first being that I should pay the money and get the logbook rebound and the other that I should buy a new one, remove the filled out pages and keep them both together for future reference. What would you guys recommend?

 

Definately start a new logbook at this point. Professional pilots keep their logbooks locked up in a fire-proof safe at home or in a safe-deposit box, and remove it only to update it or for an interview/checkride...that will help keep it looking nice also. Obviously you can't do that until you finish all your ratings.

If you can't afford a safe, double-warp it in ziploc bags and put it in your freezer...it's insulated and will provide some fire protection and hopefully the burglars won't decide to steal your frozen fish too.

You choice whether to get the pages rebound...it might make a slight difference in an interviewers eyes.

 

Keep the logbook in a cordura case as well. Those help a lot. The one you use for training will get beat up pretty fast. If you're to a point where you're not getting your logbook endorsed all the time try to switch to an electronic one and fill out the paper one maybe once a month.