Hi all,
When starting the program, which digital logbook is best? I have seen that most airline pilots use LogTen. Is that a good one to start out with?
Can an instructor sign a digital logbook remotely? If you are using digital, do you need a physical to back it up? (Besides saving the pdfs that the apps generate)
Tommy
Tommy,
Since you will be using ForeFlight, I recommend ForeFlight’s logbook. As long as you import correct times from paperback to electronic (ForeFlight), you can actually generate a IACRA 8710 form that you will have to eventually import times into FAA’s database for checkride. Also an instructor can sign an electronic logbook, I’ve seen colleagues do that. Keep all original logbooks, you will need them one day.
I would hold off on any other electronic logbook such as Coradine or ADPL until you’re at the airlines. You can export ForeFlight logbooks via CSV file and import to those apps which makes switching between them EASY.
Brady
Brady,
Thanks for that information.
Do you still fill out a physical logbook today in the airlines, or just digital after training?
Tommy
Tommy,
I definitely recommend a paper backup up during training for all you endorsements, checkrides etc. Many APDs still want to see them.
Adam
Tommy,
I have 3 logbooks, as whacky as that sounds. I have one paperback and two digitals. Once I became an instructor, I used ForeFlight more for a logbook to help keep track of my digital totals, to grab numbers on the go. I wish I used both paperback and ForeFlight from the get-go; the 8710 report is extremely helpful given you import data correctly.
Brady.
Tom,
My old flight instructor, who is still a good friend of mine, is still using paper logbooks and he is an FO at American. I asked him that question a while back as I am getting back into flying after several years and he recommended going with paper. I saw in of the forums if you go with paper have a digital backup; take pictures etc. just in case something happens.
Kirk
Kirk,
The other good thing too is if you go and renew your CFI, you can update your hours on the FAA’s database (aka IACRA 8710) which once signed by a legal representative from the FAA, it serves as a backup as well if something happens to your logbook/hours.
Brady
Tommy,
Through training you should absolutely have a paper logbook for CFI signatures, endorsements and the check rides. Most DPEs are still old fashioned and want to see the paper endorsements in a logbook. However, if you can start and keep a digital logbook up to date for yourself I highly recommend it.
Once you complete training and start building time, the digital logbook will be much easier to maintain and organize your time. Foreflight is a good easy option, just keep in mind that when you stop paying for the annual subscription you’ll have to export your digital logbook somewhere else.
Hannah