Re: Electronic pilot log book concerns

[Bob Deep <bobd@cssgroup.com>]

"Dr. Robert J. Meier" wrote:
> 
> Flyers,
> 
> > Does anyone know about such a thing, or plan to write one?  I'd love
> > to write it (and polish my Java, XML and maybe CORBA on the way) but
> > I lack the time.
> 
>         I've been watching the thread with interest.  A few concerns
> have kept me from using an electronic log in the past.  Are there
> existing solutions to these concerns?  How could they be solved in
> a new linux product?
> 
>         How do you handle endorsements?
>                 (The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration requires
>                 signatures in a "permanent record" for periodic
>                 proficiency testing.  e.g. BFRs, ICCs)

Hmmm... I wonder what the FAA would accept...  I guess, that worst case,
you have a seperate log book with the signatures and ID's and you would
then just enter the data into the electronic version of the log book. 
Then when you needed to show signature proof of something, you would
just produce this hard copy signiture log...

IF you had a scanner, you could also scan the image of the log entry and
store it with the log records in your database for future review and
reporting.

>         How do you show it to an instructor or examiner?
>                 (The endorsements are examined by each new instructor
>                 or examiner for the above tests as well as rating
>                 tests.)

Well, If you had it scanned, you could just print a copy and show it..
If not you could produce the hard copy records.

>         How do you conveniently update it when you are away from home?
>                 (I don't own a laptop, and like to update my log
>                 as soon as I get to my destination hotel before I
>                 begin days of concentration on the business reasons
>                 for the trip.)

In this case, you would have to transfer the data to the electronic
version when you got home, so I suppose you would have to write it down
on some form, then when you arrive home, enter the data.  I suppose you
could, if you had e-mail access somehow, manage to fit an e-mail front
end to import log entries from there, but if you don't have a lap top,
you don't likely have e-mail, ftp, or even web access.

> 
>         I currently use small (~10x20cm) paper log books.
> I keep my old logs in a safe place, and carry my current (4th)
> log book with me.  Occassionally when I have to fill in forms, I
> wish I had electronic search and compilation.

For you the question would be... "Is it worth it?"  Even the best log
program in the world would be worthless unless you want to take the time
to do the data entry....  For those of us who travel with lap tops
packed in the back (or front) seats of the 172 this is not as much of a
problem.  But it seems you have a very good habbit using the sytem you
now use, so you might want to stick with it...

-= bob =-
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