No matter what job you're applying for in the cockpit, you'll be hired for the knowledge and experiences built over time instead of having a certificate. The logbook, which may seem intimidating with acronyms, rows, and columns, reflects how successful, safe, and professional you are as a pilot.
Logbooks, therefore, may be more crucial than you think. In fact, they'll determine your abilities to get hired in some cases. Luckily, experts at Momentum Flight Training are here to help you learn some basic rules to ensure your logbook looks professional and stays pristine for the rest of your aviation journey.
Tips to Keep Pilot Logbooks Professional
#1- Form Good Logging Habits Early
The initial logbooks often look the most disorganized and messy. When pilots start training, they're bound to make some common mistakes. However, try logging flights as a professional pilot from the early days.
While no one expects you to be perfect at this point, it's recommended to make an effort each time you add an entry. Considering logbooks are essentially legal documents, they must be organized, legible, totaled, and signed properly.
Keep them protected from damage by keeping them in a dry and clean place. Exposing them to a humid atmosphere can ruin the logs, so always use waterproof bags when you're on the go. It will help prevent ink smudges, unpleasant smells, wrinkled pages, and other disasters.
Maintaining electronic logs alongside paper copies early on can save you countless hours and headaches later. Back written ones with scans or pictures and keep them in an organized file on your computer. Don't forget to sync them to an online server so that you won't be robbed of dozens of hours of progress if you lose a copy.
#2- Tabs to Designate Endorsements and Certificates
Whenever an interviewer goes through the logbooks, they must be able to find your milestones quickly, including both certificate endorsements and requirements. Keep a separate tab for every date you qualify for a new certificate. It's recommended to show the flight and date that earned you every loggable experience. Use a different section or color for endorsements to make it easier to find them.
#3- Think Before You Leap
Many pilots tend to make do without this critical step. Always sit down and think before putting entries in the logbook. The more you concentrate, the fewer mistakes you'll make.
When applying to a new airline with some credible airline time already under your belt, ensure you include the routes and flight numbers in the comments and the approaches conducted.
Always use black or blue ink pens whenever possible. Avoid pencil and make sure the signature on each page is in pen, with each and every logbook page signed properly.
#4- Correct Corrections Correctly
Making mistakes is common, especially when someone starts a flying career. Even if you do make an error, make sure corrections are neat. Cross through all mistakes with a single line and write 'see the next line for correction' in the margins.
You can rewrite the correct entry on the line below while clarifying the error made in the previous line. Whiteout is another form of correcting, but not all interviewers prefer this choice.
Since pilots must maintain a high level of professionalism throughout their careers, make sure your logbook represents your proficiency and journey. Keep the logbooks up to date and maintained so you never have to worry about presenting yourself as a prepared and professional pilot with lots of potential for the employer.
If your goal is to work for a regional air carrier that operates smaller jets like the Canadair Regional Jet (CJR), don't miss out on the chance to learn from aviation experts at Momentum Flight Training.
CFI or commercial rating pilots looking to transition into regional airlines or those looking to polish their skills for increased proficiency can opt for our 1-day, 3-day, and 5-day aviation simulator training programs.
We use a top-of-the-line CRJ simulator with realistic components and systems that reflect the original deck flight environment of american airlines canadair regional jet 550, 700, and 900. Qualified instructors walk two students per class through operational training, flows, call-outs, systems, and other procedural training using an Advanced Aviation Training Device.
If you are moving upward and beyond to the regional airlines and will be flying the CRJ, call [833] 427-5876 for more information about our pre-set programs or speak to our instructor for tailored programs that effectively meet your learning goals.