Originally Posted by tattooguy21 (Post 2334307)

If you own apple, then from ALMOST everything I've heard ltp is great. The below is the exception. I don't own a single apple device, nor do I use software that's proprietary (I'm a tech guy, so I'm just not diem with that type of thing.)

The additional problem with LTP, and these aren't my words, but those of a female pilot in my company......

She said LTP was the best she had ever used, but between 2011-2014 they charged her over $400 for upgrades to their software, not to mention that the last charge came with a note that they were discontinuing support of all previous versions (that she had purchased 5 months prior) if the new purchase wasn't made.

They have over 300 airlines mcc is paired to, meaning you can download your scheduled pairings/schedule aka, it'll literally log your time for you.

So on your phone, when you're due to fly, it pulls up the appropriate notams, wx, etc for all the places I'm flying to/through.

Going through training? As soon as you've passed that check/qualification ride, have the ip/cfi/cfii sign your phone/digital log entry.

It also tracks per diem and other travel expenditures.

Reports as broad or specific as you want. Case in point of a search I did, just cause...all ME RW flights over 25NM on Tuesdays of odd months for 2012-2015 (obviously unnecessary, but to prove the power of the software, and I'm sure you could figure some search formats that would be beneficial.)

These are the reasons that I'm an mccpilot guy.

Originally Posted by FlightDirector (Post 2334469)

Ah okay, I was under the Impression I could write off an additional portion of the meals and van driver tips. (Yes I know I'm cheap)

Originally Posted by HighFlight (Post 2334475)

Sorry, but no. And few are cheaper than I am. ;)

M&IE, by it's very definition, includes Meals and Incidental Expenses (such as van driver tips), so you cannot claim tips as a deduction on your taxes, in spite of what EZ Perdiem may tell you. In fact, the IRS tells you clearly that you can only claim tips towards something you are paying for (if you pay for a taxi and don't get reimbursed by the company, for example).

Personally, I never tip a driver, unless he/she goes above and beyond to help me. They get a paycheck just like we do. I've probably only tipped about $4 in the past year.

There are those who claim internet and cell phone costs, but personally, I shy away from that, even though it's legal. Why? Too much record keeping to keep it legal. If I pick up one single turn per year which credits 4 hours, I will make more money than all the cell phone and internet deductions combined will ever net me on taxes. Too easy.

Originally Posted by HighFlight (Post 2334475)

Sorry, but no. And few are cheaper than I am. ;)

M&IE, by it's very definition, includes Meals and Incidental Expenses (such as van driver tips), so you cannot claim tips as a deduction on your taxes, in spite of what EZ Perdiem may tell you. In fact, the IRS tells you clearly that you can only claim tips towards something you are paying for (if you pay for a taxi and don't get reimbursed by the company, for example).

Personally, I never tip a driver, unless he/she goes above and beyond to help me. They get a paycheck just like we do. I've probably only tipped about $4 in the past year.

There are those who claim internet and cell phone costs, but personally, I shy away from that, even though it's legal. Why? Too much record keeping to keep it legal. If I pick up one single turn per year which credits 4 hours, I will make more money than all the cell phone and internet deductions combined will ever net me on taxes. Too easy.

Originally Posted by word302 (Post 2334534)

You suck....

Originally Posted by FlightDirector (Post 2334483)

Thanks, I appreciate it.
I just want to make sure I'm not giving the government any more than I absolutely have to.

Originally Posted by HighFlight (Post 2334536)

Why should I tip someone who makes money for doing their job already?

Originally Posted by HighFlight (Post 2334536)

Actually, I don't. And I'll just stop there, though you left yourself wide open for comebacks.

Why should I tip someone who makes money for doing their job already? I don't get tips for flying people to other airports, yet I do so in a safe, swift manner. Do you tip the lady at the check out at the grocery store? Why not? Do you tip the dude behind the counter at the gas station? Why not?