When switching from a paper logbook to a digital logbook, converting all past logbook entries into individual digital entries may not be desirable. This article describes using "catch-up" entries to start the digital logbook from a specific date. Catch-up entries are single entries that summarize a block of time.
Step 1: Choose a Transition Date
Decide on a date to start your digital logbook. Entries before this date will be summarized in catch-up entries, while those after will be individual entries in ForeFlight.
- Transition Date: Add new entries individually for any flight starting on this day or later.
- Transition date to six Months Ago: Create individual entries for any flight from the transition date to the last six months. These entries will cover General, Night, and IFR currency (part 91).
- Transition date to 12 Months Ago: Create individual entries for flights in the past year for insurance purposes.
For all flights not individually created for the purposes above, create catch-up entries as described below.
Step 2: Determine the Entry Detail
Choose how detailed the catch-up entries will be:
- Total Time Only: Single entry summarizing total time, PIC, SIC, Instrument, etc. This method is the easiest.
- Time by Type (Make + Model): Summarize time by aircraft type (e.g., Cessna 172 as C172). This method would suffice for most pilots.
- Time by Aircraft ID: Track hours for each specific aircraft. This method provides the most detail without entering every flight.
Step 3: Create Catch-Up Entries
To create a catch-up entry, do the following:
- Open ForeFlight Mobile.
- Go to More > Logbook.
- Select the (+) button.
- Choose New Entry.
- Complete the entry based on the following desired detail chosen:
- Total Time Only: Enter totals without an aircraft ID (aircraft will show as "unknown").
- Time by Type (Make + Model): Use a generic aircraft ID matching the type (e.g., C172). Enter bulk time for each category (PIC, SIC, Night, Instrument, etc.). Make new logbook entries for each aircraft type flown.
- Time by Aircraft ID: Use the actual aircraft registration. Enter bulk time for each category. Make new logbook entries for each aircraft flown.
The following webinar demonstrates how to create a catch up logbook entry. Move the video to the 12:15 mark.
NOTE: For assistance in creating a spreadsheet from a paper logbook, consider www.aculogconversion.com.
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