Section 1

Learn About Pilotlogbook

Pilotlogbook is an invaluable addition to your toolkit as a pilot. Our goal is to equip you with all the information you need to make the most of its features. Simply click or tap each tab to explore and learn more.

Introduction +

Why Pilotlogbook?

Pilotlogbook is a templated spreadsheet designed to help pilots track flight hours and maintain accurate personal logbooks in compliance with CASA CASR Part 61 regulations. It provides a structured and user-friendly solution for recording and managing flight data essential for regulatory compliance and personal record-keeping.

Who can use Pilotlogbook?

Pilotlogbook is designed for use by both private and commercial pilots. It serves as a valuable tool for pilots at all stages of their careers, from trainees to experienced aviators, ensuring seamless tracking of required flight information.

Overview of Features

Pilotlogbook offers comprehensive tracking of all hours mandated by CASR Part 61, including but not limited to:

  • Flight Hours Categories: Single-Engine Aeroplane (SEA), Multi-Engine Aeroplane (MEA), ICUS, DUAL, COMMAND, Co-Pilot Time. These are separated into tracking for day and night operations.
  • Instrument Time: Both SIM and IN-FLIGHT instrument hours.
  • 3 Customisable Columns
  • Take-offs and Landings
  • Instrument Approaches: Log specific approach types including 2D, 3D, CDI, and Azimuth.

Additionally, Pilotlogbook features:

  • Advanced Analytics: Provides visual insights and summaries of logged data.
  • Print and Export Options: Easily generates reports for printing or sharing.
  • Recency Tracking: Monitors compliance for IFR and VFR recency requirements.
  • Document Management: Tracks expiration dates for essential documents, ensuring pilots stay compliant.

Pilotlogbook is built to simplify data entry while providing powerful tools for managing and analysing flight information, making it an essential resource for pilots.

System Requirements +

Supported Operating Systems

  • Pilotlogbook is compatible with the following operating systems:
    • Windows (Excel Desktop Application or Excel Online via browser)
    • macOS (Excel Desktop Application or Excel Online via browser)
    • iOS (Excel Mobile App or Excel Online via Safari)
    • Android (Excel Mobile App or Excel Online via supported browsers)

Minimum Software Versions Required

  • Microsoft Excel 2013 or later for Windows and macOS.
  • Excel Mobile App (latest version) for iOS and Android.
  • Excel Onlinevia web browsers, such as:
    • Google Chrome (latest version)
    • Microsoft Edge (latest version)
    • Safari (latest version for macOS and iOS)
    • Firefox (latest version)

Hardware Requirements

  • Desktop/Laptop: Compatible with Windows or macOS capable of running supported Excel versions.
  • Tablet/Smartphone: iOS or Android devices capable of running the Excel Mobile App.
  • Screen Resolution: Minimum 1280 x 720 for desktops and laptops; optimised for tablet and mobile screens.
  • Internet Connection: Required for Excel Online and updates on mobile devices.
Installation and Setup +

Downloading and setting up your Pilotlogbook is quick and easy, ensuring you always have access to the latest updates. Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1: Access Your Purchase Confirmation

  • After completing your purchase, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions.
  • This email will prompt you to create an account, which is required to manage and access updates for your logbook.

Step 2: Create Your Account

  • Use the same email address you provided during the purchase process to create your account.
  • Your account ensures secure access to downloads and updates whenever needed.

Step 3: Download Your Logbook

  • Log in to your Portal using your account credentials.
  • From the portal, you can request a download link at any time.
  • A download link will be sent to your email, usually within 30 seconds (although delivery may take slightly longer in rare cases).

Step 4: Open the Spreadsheet

  • Download and save the file to your device.
  • Open the file using Excel Desktop, Excel Online, or the Excel Mobile App (depending on your device).

Section 2

Using Pilotlogbook

Now that you've downloaded Pilotlogbook, this section will provide you with the essential knowledge to master all its features.

Getting Started +

Overview of Layout and Tabs

Pilotlogbook consists of five main sheets:

  • INFORMATION – General instructions and setup details.
  • LOGBOOK DATA – Primary area for entering flight details.
  • DASHBOARD HUB – Summarises key statistics and progress.
  • ADVANCED ANALYTICS – Provides in-depth data analysis and trends.
  • PRINT PILOTLOGBOOK – Formats data for printing or export.

How to Navigate the Spreadsheet

Navigating the spreadsheet is straightforward. Tabs are located at the bottom of the Excel window. While most sections are locked to protect formulas and formatting, users can freely enter data in designated fields.

INFORMATION Sheet +
INFORMATION Sheet Screenshot

1: Legal Disclaimer

Contains the terms of use and a legal disclaimer to protect the intellectual property rights of Pilotlogbook.

2: Advanced Analytics Information

Provides an important note on the use of Advanced Analytics sheet. To learn more go to ‘ADVANCED ANALYTICS’ section of this manual.

3: Purchase Details and Support Links

This section includes:

  • Purchase Confirmation – Displays your order details for verification purposes.
  • Social Media Links – Connect with us on social platforms for updates and tips.
  • Review Link – Provides an easy way to leave feedback and reviews.

4: User Information and Order Details

Displays the user’s name and order information for reference.

LOGBOOK DATA Sheet +
LOGBOOK DATA Sheet Screenshot

The LOGBOOK DATA sheet is the primary area for entering and managing your flight logs. This sheet is pre-configured to align with CASA CASR Part 61 requirements and includes customisable fields to suit your specific needs.

1: Headers for Logbook Data

  • The top row contains headers for each data column, clearly labelling the type of information required (e.g., Date, Aircraft Type, Flight Time, etc.).
  • Use these headers as a reference guide to ensure all entries are accurate and properly categorised.

2: Entering Data

  • Input Method:
    • 1. Click in the cell where you want to enter data.
    • 2. Type your information.
    • 3. Press TAB to move to the next cell in the row or left-click the adjacent cell to continue entering data.
    • 4. To move to the next row, click the last cell in the current row and press TAB again.
  • Important Note:
    • Ensure every entry includes a date in the designated column. Dates are required for the Advanced Analytics sheet to function properly.
DASHBOARD HUB Sheet +
DASHBOARD HUB Screenshot

The DASHBOARD HUB provides a centralized view of your flight data, recency status, and document expirations. It consolidates key metrics and analytics into an easy-to-read format, allowing quick access to critical information.

1: Main Dashboard Overview

  • Displays totals for all logged data, using modified headers from the Logbook Data sheet.
  • Key statistics include (by aircraft type):
    • Total Hours
    • Take-offs and Landings (To/L)
    • Instrument Approaches
    • Aircraft Recency Tracking
    • Total Flights and Total Hours
    • Days Since Last Flight, shown in the top-left corner for quick reference.

2: Aircraft Currency, IFR Currency, and Flight Hours

Aircraft Currency

  • Helps track currency for carrying passengers per CASA requirements (minimum of 3 take-offs and landings within the last 90 days).
  • Setting the required minimum:
    1. Locate the ‘Minimum’ field labeled SET MINIMUM.
    2. Enter the required number of days in numeric format.
  • Displays:
    • Actual To/L totals from the past 90 days (Day and Night).
    • Color Indicators:
      • Green – You are compliant with your set minimum.
      • Yellow – Close to losing recency by 3 days.
      • Red – No longer recent.

IFR Recency Tracker

  • Tracks compliance with CASA IFR recency requirements (minimum of 1 approach of each type and 3 approaches total within the last 90 days).
  • Setup:
    1. Enter the minimum required approaches under ‘Minimum’.
    2. Logged approaches appear under ‘Actual’.
  • Color Indicators:
    • Green – You are compliant with your set minimum.
    • Yellow – Approaching non-compliance by 3 days.
    • Red – Non-compliant.

Flight Hours Tracker

  • Helps monitor hours flown within a set number of days and allows you to set a maximum flight time.
  • Input:
    • Set the timeframe in days under SET DAYS.
    • Set the maximum allowed flight time under SET MAX HOURS.
  • Displays:
    • Actual time flown within the set days.
    • Color Indicators:
      • Green – More than 1.5 hours remaining.
      • Yellow – 1.5 hours or less until breach.
      • Red – Flight hours breached.

3: Flight Hours Totals by Callsign and Year

  • Flight Hours by Callsign:
    • Enter your Callsign exactly as logged in the Logbook Data sheet.
    • Total hours associated with that callsign appear in the adjacent cell.
  • Flight Hours by Year:
    • Displays total hours grouped by year for historical reference.

4: Date Expiry Display

  • Displays:
    • No Minimum Set: No numerical value inputted in section 2.
    • OUT OF RECENCY: No longer recent based on metrics set in section 2.
    • If a date is displayed, it indicates the latest time you will stay recent with your inputted values in section 2.

5: Document Expiry Tracker

  • Helps monitor document expirations for compliance.
  • Input:
    • Document Name under Documents.
    • Expiration Date under Expires On.
  • Displays:
    • Days Remaining until expiration.
    • Color Indicators:
      • Yellow – Document nearing expiration.
      • Red – Document expired.
ADVANCED ANALYTICS Sheet +
ADVANCED ANALYTICS Screenshot

The Advanced Analytics sheet provides interactive visual graphs and controls to help you analyse your flight data effectively. It offers insights into trends, totals, and key performance metrics.

1: Information and Contents

Contents Overview:

  • Left Panels:
    • Summary of Hours – Total logged hours categorised by role.
    • Command Time Totals – Hours logged as Pilot-in-Command (PIC).
    • Dual Time Totals – Hours logged as dual instruction received.
    • ICUS Time Totals – Hours logged as In Command Under Supervision (ICUS).
    • Co-Pilot Time Totals – Hours logged as a Co-Pilot.
  • Right Panels:
    • Flights Per Month – Trends showing flight frequency.
    • Specialist Hour Totals – Tracks specialised hours logged in custom columns.
    • IFR Approaches – Totals categorised by approach type (2D, 3D, etc.).
    • Time as PIC – Breaks down total PIC hours by category.
    • Top Routes – Displays most frequently flown routes.
    • Top Registrations – Highlights aircraft registrations with the most logged hours.

Data Refresh:

  • Automatic Refresh: Data refreshes each time the spreadsheet is opened.
  • Manual Refresh:
    • Desktop: Go to 'Data > Queries & Connections > Refresh All'.
    • Online: Use 'Data > Refresh All' in Excel Online.
    • Search Option: Use the top search bar and type "Refresh All" for quick access.

Filter Notes:

  • If a graph displays the message 'All values are filtered out', it means no data exists in your logbook for that specific metric.
  • Filters are dynamic and only display options where data is available.
  • Device Limitations:
    • Filters work on Excel for Windows, Mac, and Excel Online in a browser.
    • Filters do not work in the Excel Mobile App for iOS or Android.
    • For mobile filtering, open the logbook in a browser like Safari or Chrome.

2: Using Graph Controls (Slicers)

Each graph is paired with slicers, which act as filters for adjusting what data is displayed.

How to Use Slicers:

  • 1. Select a Slicer: Click on any slicer (drop-down menu or buttons) to filter data.
  • 2. Multi-Select Options: Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Command (Mac) to select multiple options or click ‘Multi-Select’ (Checkmarks, top right of slicer).
  • 3. Clear Filters: Click the Clear Filter (funnel icon) button to reset the slicer.
  • 4. Interactive Updates: Graphs update in real-time as you adjust slicers, providing instant visual feedback.

3: Graphs and Dynamic Updates

  • All graphs are dynamic and automatically update based on the data you select in the slicers.
  • Graphs reflect totals, trends, and comparisons, making it easy to visualise your flight activity.
  • Each graph is tailored to a specific data set, providing insights without requiring manual calculations.
PRINT PILOTLOGBOOK Sheet +
PRINT PILOTLOGBOOK Screenshot

The PRINT PILOTLOGBOOK sheet allows you to export or print your logbook in a professional, structured format that meets regulatory requirements. It is designed for easy formatting and customisation before printing or exporting as a PDF.

Printing Your Logbook

To print your logbook:

  • Go to ‘File > Print’ in Excel.
  • Adjust the print settings, such as paper size, orientation, and margins, to suit your preferences.
  • Preview the layout before printing to ensure the format appears as expected.

Exporting to PDF:

  • Go to ‘File > Print > Export as PDF’.
  • Save the exported file to your desired location for digital storage or email submission.

1: Expanding the Data for Printing

The PRINT PILOTLOGBOOK sheet automatically populates your data into the designated cells but does not expand automatically to accommodate additional rows. Expanding the data is done manually by following these steps:

  • 1. Select the Second Page Template:
    • Navigate to the second page in the sheet.
    • Click the top-left corner of the data section (starting with the Date Cell).
  • 2. Highlight the Entire Page Template:
    • Hold Shift and click the bottom-right corner of the second page template.
    • This will select the full data block for that page.
  • 3. Copy the Template:
    • Right-click and select Copy or press Ctrl+C (Windows) or Command+C (Mac).
  • 4. Paste the Template Below:
    • Scroll to the bottom of the existing data and select the first empty row.
    • Paste the copied template by right-clicking and selecting Paste, or pressing Ctrl+V.
  • 5. Repeat as Needed:
    • Continue adding templates until all your logbook data is displayed.