So, I set about researching online Pilot Logs and apps that might inspire me to get my record keeping in order. I figured my iPad was less likely to get lost than some old uni-purpose book!
Not Cheap, These Log Book Apps
The first thing I discovered was that many of the pilot log apps for iPad cost $79 or more, or they are free or super cheap. The latter concerns me. This is supposed to be an official document; is a free or $1.99 app going to cut it? The former, however, was also alarming. Where am I, a struggling student pilot, going to find that kind of money? (Several of the apps are even over $100 – are they REALLY that good?!)
Confusing
The next challenge I found was that many of the apps I saw screenshots of didn't seem all that intuitive. Or they had waaaay too much information (I'm not bound for the airlines, just want to get licensed to fly a Cessna 150!) Or even worse, they were all FAA based, which is fine and good except that I'm CANADIAN!!!
Then I stumbled across Dauntless Software’s Safelog website and app. The app was reasonably priced, seemed to offer Canadian options, and looked relatively streamlined. I also remembered Dauntless from their CanadaPilot.com site, which offers PSTAR study apps and other Canadian Pilot prep materials, so I knew they were not without some experience in the field of aviation solutions!
I have to confess that at first I was (perhaps ironically?) a bit daunted by their product: You see, the Safelog App is not a stand-alone solution. That is, in order to use it, you must have a safelogweb acct online. This made me nervous. Despite my sometimes prolific blogging, I am somewhat of a luddite. I neither understand nor have the patience to really explore this whole syncing and cloud thing. I need simple, push-one-button-and-it-all-works, solutions!
I was soon on my way.
Custom Solutions for Diverse Pilots
Once I logged onto the safelog website, there was an initial time investment required, but it was well worth it, and fairly easy to figure out. The idea is that users set up their log book in a way that will best suit their individual aircraft and flying needs, so that later, when logging each flight, it can be done using a set of simple, customized menus.
As I worked through the initial set up phase, during lunch hour at school one day last week, I found that each section was explained in an easy-to-understand manner, and once I had selected my options, the log book was set up for me to use anywhere, anytime I have Internet access.
Off-line Logging, Too!
The app is an add-on solution, so that you can take your iPad in the plane with you, enter your flight info, and then sync whenever you happen to be next online. The sync happens automatically when you open the app and you have internet. Nothing complicated. Easy as pie!
The best part of this app, in my opinion, is that some things don't have to be re-entered or calculated all the time; the app does it for you with the help of drop down menus and automatic calculators built right into the program!
So, yes, there is an initial investment of time, but once that's been done, logging future flights is a pleasure!