Using Your Logbook to Get Your Next Flying Job

In the current uncertain economic climate many pilots are competing for each available aviation job, to reduce the number of paper applications that have to be read and processed many employers have decided only to accept online applications.

In this electronic age the ease of communicating information has increased peoples appetites for more and more details. In previous times employers would accept a paper Curriculum Vitae and then sort them by hand to determine the most likely interview prospects. Today web applications are becoming the norm and detailed information required from each candidate has increased considerably. This modern method can quickly sort applications with minimal human intervention and can give the interviewer more details to form a judgement. The disadvantage for the prospective employee is that applying for each job involves many hours work with a paper logbook and calculator. Should a mistake be made the candidate may then be questioned further at the interview increasing stress levels and creating an unfavourable impression.

It is a fact that a computer logbook will initially increase your workload when transferring flights from a paper logbook. Reduce this workload by getting an electronic flight logbook as soon as possible in your flying career. Once the electronic logbook is up to date the time to complete each new entry may then be quicker than writing a paper log due to smart features predicting each entry detail. An electronic logbook can also hold more detailed information about each flight than a paper logbook.

The benefit of a computerised logbook will quickly be seen when the application form requires you to sort flight times according to aircraft types, producing total times for each type, these totals can then be grouped into jet, turboprop and piston engine times. Some application forms may request other totals, for example, glass-cockpit or tail-wheel experience; or may require hours to be grouped by aircraft masses. With an electronic logbook it is easy to sort and total your flight data as required to complete each application form. Other relevant information could be researched by the candidate for example ‘last time I operated to airport X was in 2006 in a 737’ this type of information may be given during at the interview stage or included on a covering letter or e-mail.

Prepare now, arm yourself with Swift-E-Logbook and transfer your flight records into an electronic format ready for your next job application. Beat the completion by having a fast and accurate response to employment opportunities.

 

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