Logbooks?
 

Are there any military guys who keep a logbook? I keep copies of all of my 781s and audit my HARM products regularly, but have never kept an actual logbook. I can't say that I've met anyone in the Air Force other than an instructor or two back at UPT who kept one either. When I'm looking for a civilian job in a few years, am I going to have to go back and reconstruct a log? Or will a flying hour summary be sufficient for most employers? Would really appreciate advice from anyone who has moved over to the civil side recently.

Thanks

TD

TD,
Many mil pilots do. I keep one for the purpose of having a backup just in case the military loses my flight time records. The best advice I can give you is to visit APTAP (Army Pilots to Airline Pilots). Although it was started by Army pilots, it is supported by an array of pilots from different branches. It is a forum where military pilots exchange information about the industry and network to move ahead. Do a search for APTAP on yahoo or google. You might find someone to give you some help. I hope that helps.

Luis.

I used the HARMS printout and both places I interviewed were OK with it.

Personally, I've got two logbooks that the military has filled out for me during my flying time with them. But I also keep an electronic log book because on occasion I do some civilian flying. For some reason the military doesn't actually put that in my logs. I just make sure that I fill in the correct information for each flight (yes, I'm a nerd, I've got it broken down that far!). Plus, I figure if I ever go and get my CFI or any other instructor rating, I can print the thing out and have my instructors endorse it for the myriad things that need endorsement.

I have yet to interview for a civilian flying job as my time in the military is coming to an end, but most of the gentlemen I know who are reservists and fly for airlines said they think I've got a good idea keeping my own log.

I keep a log book to primarily track my PIC time. For you guys that dont how do you track that time? What do you show the airlines to prove your PIC time to them??

I have a civilian logbook and nothing for military time. SWA was happy with both. They read my civilian logbook in detail. I was surprised at that since it was all bugsmasher time. I had an excel spreadsheet printout showing how I converted my AF flight summary with .3 conversion. No questions asked there.

Personally, I regret not keeping a military logbook. My dad's logbooks are interesting reading, especially during Korea. I've denied that benefit for my kids.

You need a logbook regardless. Get a nice one and document all your upcoming flights (ATP, etc.) Do not let your IP's write in it. They can endorse, sign off, but leave out the commentary unless it is good stuff. Interviewers will read it. You're the customer so tell your instructor that before turning them loose with your log. "This is my logbook, not my gradebook..." is a good start.

-Elvis

El_vis

if I may ask..how did you verify your PIC to SWA? Did they just count all of your time that was under the "MP/IP/EP" categories?

Also how much PIC did you have when they hired you??

I didn't have to "verify" anything -- they took my AF flight records and .3 conversion with no questions asked. It was straight forward. I have 4500+ jet PIC and I'm sure that helped a bunch.

What is the concensus from the airlines regarding logbooks? I have a PC logbook which reflects every entry made in my original written logbooks. My initial logbook contains corrections which I think may not make it presentable. The PC logbook has a more professional look in my opinion. How do the airlines view written vs. PC?

Just take both logbooks with you, so if they do have any questions you can show them the original logbook.