Keeping a Logbook...Why?
 

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...

GA Suggestion
 

My CFII gave me this gem:

Keep a business card from each FBO. You can jot down a little more info on it than in your logbook, such as why/what/milestone/who you did while you're there.

My prized card is the laminated one from DCA Signature.

MODS: feel free to move to Part 91 or Training, etc.

It will stay in military. Everyone else BUT the military typically keeps a logbook as we have no one tracking our records for us.

I've said this before, and I'll repeat it here. If you're ever in line for an overseas civilian job, a well-kept logbook will give you a leg up on the competition. It looks a lot better than sheaves of military records or a pile of "little red books". Remember, children, you have no idea what you'll be doing in 25 years. You just might need such records.

Sorry - I meant my suggestion. Of course the whole thread stays here. I can post the suggestion to the Part91/Training forum.

No need for the apology...it was a mod note...not knocking you down.


Post whatever youd like in whichever forum if you feel it would benefit some of the group.

This is the only reason I've had to regret not keeping one. I can't remember the fields, let alone some of the countries I've flown into down in S. America. A reminder of probably one of my biggest regrets in my AF career. It would have been nice to have one and see the crew names of the guys I've flown where and when.

2 on what Albie posted.

Some notes on what your AF records don't track:

In command time. Period.

Sure, your FEF has your AC upgrade, your OME dates for heavy crew A/Cs and your IP checkride dates. But the 781s don't track what airfields you flew, full tail numbers, or takeoff and landing times.

As the IP- were you the A code? Did you get 40 hours instructing an upgrading pilot's trip acting as the PIC while you were in command but only grabbed one takeoff, apch and landing? We're you an A/C, but on an entire trip as an extra pilot w/ an IP that was the A code? Was it an OME where a new A/C was getting his spot from an EP?

Some airlines are "Part 1" when it comes to in command- when the jet is released w/ a flight authorization listing to you as the A code.

Others are "Part 61" and want to know when you were in the seat, fully qualified and current for that seat. Of course that means the PF now in most heavies, not just left or right seat up front.

Three pilots, 15 day trip, you take every third leg as PF w/ a total of say 18 hours. Trip logs 40 hours total. You were the A code. One airline takes it as 40 hours in command. Another airline might see this as 18 hours. How do you track the data now to fill out both apps 10 years from now accurately?

Your app totals for one airline won't be the same for another airline if they ask different questions on the app.

Approaches by type and date and takeoffs and landings aren't tracked in your flight records very well, if at all. Not critical for every interview, but surely nice to know.

Once the quarter or semi-annual periods close out, flight records pretty much flushes this info from the forms on which you've logged your currency items.

Where do you keep your notes for the "tell me about a time" questions you'll get at an interview? Or, the same kinda questions from friends or family? Sure, the latter only have to be 10% true...

Logbook or journal, either can work.

Your flight records and FEF can work at the interview, but they are not easy sources for filling out an App precisely. Rules of thumb like "I used 80% of my total time since upgrade to A/C or IP as in command time" have worked, but are not very precise.

Flight records doesn't consider themselves as your logbook, not sure you should either.

My dad's Vietnam logbooks are very cool. An excel spreadsheet just won't translate well for your grandkids, IMO. I'm currently transcribing all my excel spreadsheet data (takeoff/land times, airfields, Aircraft Commanders, sig events, etc) to a paper book that I'll pass to my kids someday.

Number #1 thing I tell all new guys/gals at our base is keep a logbook, preferably electronic, and track as many things as possible. Even if you don't think you ever want to fly for the airlines. Your flight experience is probably THE most valuable asset you have. I'm shocked at how little care some military pilots take care of this and then freak out when they finally get an interview somewhere and can't easily break out their flight time.

My 2 cents-

KC