<div>So I started a flying log from my first day to current. I am new and have only flown 19 flights (I know because of my log). So I was curious if any of you keep a flight log. I will write down the day, my instructor, the weather conditions, the wind, cross or gusty, what I practiced or learned, and what I need to work on next.</div><div></div><div>I note my crashes, my successes and any other thing that I would like to look back on, I know, most just want to forget the crashes, but IMHO they serve as great learning experiences just as do the first time you took off or landed.</div><div></div><div>I will sit during my break and go over the flights, make notes and think about what I will work on for my next flight. I figure that I can look back and see my progress, what was difficult and what helped me progress? Mostly, because I have time while at the field that I might as well keep a log, right?</div><div></div><div>TB</div>

Good idea.
I have flight logs dating back to 66' for 1:1's as do most every pilot. The details of your experiences will give you a leg up on most R/Cers, especially if you detail control settings, needle valve settings, trims, handeling characteristics, etc.of each airplane.

I keep logs of all my flights. I use a program call Flight Log ( http://www.lammers.ca/FlightLog/ ) to track my flights. This program does more than just track flights. It helps me keep an inventory of engines, radios, servos, receivers, and just about anything else I use. Check it out. It's a real help.

Ken

Of course I do. I also wash my hands about 100 times a day and NEVER step on the cracks when I walk on a sidewalk. If you'll excuse me, I have to go wash my hands.

i dont have that kinda patience, if i logged everyone of my flights id spend half the day flying and half the day logging.

Hi TB,
your log seems to be a bit more advanced than mine. I have a simple log where I register date, flight time and repairs/modifications. This way I can keep track of (roughly) the total number of hours for the engine and airplane.

I log it into my head

I started out keeping a log, but seemed to simply forget to update it after a flight or after a flying day. It's something that I think is worth while, but seem to never get it done.

Ken's suggestion of that program looks pretty neat. The only problem I have with it is that a written log of daily activities would probably be necessary followed by an update to the computerized database at home afterwards... or bring a laptop/notebook to the field with us.

However, it is a good idea and worth merit. I would start it but then I don't know if I'd ever follow through with it later on.

It does give you a good idea of the engine time, fuel consumption, and battery status, which is probably something that would be good to know and serve as a reminder of things to do either before flying (check things out based on the log) or after we fly and return home.

CGr.

In ten years of going to the field, I've met one guy who kept a log and it was for his A123 batteries in a trainer...I am ADHD so theres no way I could stay on that kind of course....I would buy a log book, fill it in with no detail maybe twice, then it would sit in a corner gathering dust...but thats just the nature of the beast....Rog

I thought about doing this when I started out, but never got around to it. I could see it being most useful for determining how many hours are on a piece of equipment, or how many cycles a battery has been through.

I just wouldn't want a written record of how many times I cartwheeled, dead-sticked, got my prop tangled in the tall grass, etc...

It's kind of like keeping track of how much money I have spent in this hobby. If I saw it in writing, I would probably cry.

<div>I did not really think about keeping track of the engine time, but that sounds like a great thing to do. I use my iphone to keep my log so it is not that much trouble. I usually will fly two flights then take a break; this is when I sit for a few and write my log entries. Now if I can get the program that RCken mentioned to work with my iphone, that would be cool.</div><div></div><div>I can see once I get flying on my own that my log will be more simplistic, time on engine, adjustments and settings.</div><div></div><div>TB</div>

I have blank cards I take with me to the field in my radio box. After each flight when I put my radio away I simply jot down the plane and how long I flew for. Then when I get home I take the card to my computer and transfer that data to the program. Takes less than 5 minutes to update the program. Trust me, being in the IT field I'm not patient with programs. If they are combersome or difficult to use then I usually don't use them. Flight log is very simple to use and it's easy to keep up with.

Ken

I also keep a flight log. I use a sheet that i believe came from a Arf build manual that asks for kit purchase date, finish construction date, and other info. I write the Balance info and weight, props used and radio setting on this sheet. I keep it in one binder. Logs are simple-Date, list how many flights and any details that need to be considered for repair ect..
At the end of the year I total flights and record service performed for storage. Handy when tracking 15 to 20 planes and amount of time on them. I find I fly some of coarse more than others and can track actual hours on the engine.
I find each year I fly around 250 to 300 times.
It's a little anal, but easy to do, takes no time and I would really recommend it if you have several planes. My two cents!

I wish that I was that organized, but I just know that I wouldkeep it for a little, then forget about it, then do it again. Flying for me is a big bonus in my life, I want to make it as enjoyable as possible for the few times that I actually get to the field.

Jon

I use the flight log program listed above, I like it alot, I have my laptop at the field, I jot down notes and then when the Rx battery needs a charge, or for whatever reason I'm just gonna stay on the ground for a bit I'll enter it in, sometimes.  Other times I'll just do it when I get home, I don't worry that much about missing anything but it is nice to get general trends, and to detect early problems (comparing settings and trims and things, being different than normal, etc.)

As I said above, if software doesn't help me out then I won't use it. The FLight Log software has helped me more than just tracking my flights. It helps me keep inventory of parts, which has saved me many times from going out and buying a part that I already had on hand. It let's me track my hardware such as engines, radios, receivers, servos, and such. This is very handy to keep track of the usage for all of these items. But the biggest advantage for this software is printing out a listing for my insurance agent. Most everybody's home oweners policy will replace stolen items, or items lost to fire, storm, etc. However, what most don't know is that there is usually a limit to what will be replaced on a standard policy. By taking the printout to my agent i was able to see that I didn't have enough coverage to replace everything if it was all lost. A simply rider on my policy now has everything I own for the hobby covered. One last plus for a system like this, you can have a simple printout to check things if they are stolen. You know exactly what was stolen, and the serial numbers if there are any. This program is much much more than simply logging flights.

Ken

RCKen - good info all. Tried to install the app. Em, Win 7 x64 and the 16-bit installation package don't play well. I tried various compatibility modes - all failed. Bein' in IT 'n all do you have any suggestions that might get me over this hurdle?

Hey, is there a Win 7 x16? Ok, ok, just kiddin' ...

I'm with you on this one.

Is all that detail really necessary? After all this is a hobby and that logging just sounds like a lot of work for very little gain. The reason I don’t log my flights is that:

- I don’t see what useful information I would get out of it
- Takes time away from other more enjoyable aspects of the hobby - like building and flying
- I doubt I would read the log anyway
- At the end of the day is it going to improve the way I fly or keep me from crashing?

Unless there is some over riding reason to log flight hours (like a real pilot) then I think its overkill for a hobby, but to each their own. Maybe because I need to manage every detail at work, I just want to get away from that and have fun. Who knows? Seems like too much work, but if it improves the experience for you, have at it.

Well, you guys forget that RCKen does model reviews for RCU... many model reviews. He also reviews engines, radios, and just about anything RC related. This is his best way to keep track of what happens and to the detail that he needs for his review reports that we read all the time on RCU.

CGr.

CGR,

Okay understand RCKen has a need for more notes than me, but his case is the exceptional one not the norm. If I need to know how many engines I have, I count them. Its a crude system, but effective.

Like RCKen stated - it's a tool. If you need the tool use it. If you don't have a use for the tool, cool.

"Flying Log"

I bet it has a stump puller of a motor huh? [8D] Sorry I couldn't help myself!

Hey Ken,
I just downloaded the software but I haven't been able to install it.
It did unpack the files but the setup.exe does not start...

What OS do you have on your computer??

Ken

Windows XP, I asked to one of my colleague and he couldn't install it too... I'll try from home.