How Should I Start A Logbook?

[JaiAviation]

Hi, I recently picked up a decently large notebook, hoping to start logging any spots from now on, since in the past I've just held onto photos. What kind of information should I include, and how should I format it to get the most out of the space I have available? I'd love to see any examples you have. Thanks in advance!

[iainpeden]

After 50 years of “spotting” my records now are solely airshow checklists - of which I have boxes full.

If you want to be able to search your log efficiently, as opposed to flicking through on a cold winter’s night reminiscing about what you have seen, I think you need a simple database program. Headings such as airfield, type, nationality, unit should give you enough flexibility.

I think there are commercially available programs available.

Then there will be the need for a time machine to check what you saw 10 years ago.

I did manage to log the complete RAF Phantom F-4J (UK) fleet - all 15.

[csnewton2701]

I use excel, you can filter sort and I even have a hyperlink to a photograph of it.

Chris

[Malcolm]

If you're talking about a hand written pen and paper log book, then it's your hobby, so your rules apply.

I normally note down serial, type and unit. I also tend to do it on a separate piece of paper for each day. The reason for this is twofold - I have left a log book on a channel ferry before, and in the seat back on a plane (although I did get that one back - phew!). Also some countries can get a bit up tight, and confiscate notes of stuff they don't like you having. It's much better to loose one day's worth of logs rather than the whole trip, or even several weeks/months. If you want it all in one log book, then write up the separate pieces of paper into a logbook kept in a secure location after the event.

Oh and don't forget to write when (date) and where you are when taking the log. 30 years down the line the old grey cells may not be able to remember where you saw that slotter of an F-15/Lightning/Hunter...

It would be helpful if all air-forces agreed to put barcodes or QR codes on the outside of their aircraft so we could just scan them in. Would save a whole load of aggro, but for some reason my idea hasn't been adopted yet.

[POL]

Notes app on my phone, list of aircraft registrations.

Get home, copy and paste in to my database.

Jobs a good-un.

[Freeman Lowell]

Hi Jai,
What Malcolm said, and:
Everyone has their own style. You will refine yours over time. Nobody who looks back over their spotting years regrets logging too much information.
You might record times - times of movements, times at a particular base.
You might record whether an aircraft was active, static, complete or partially complete.
You might records serials, codes, special markings, callsigns.
What I would recommend you do is to differentiate your original sightings and notes from any notes you might add at a latter date and, if you choose to add anything to your notes, where that additional information comes from.
If you choose to use a database, retain your original notes.
Most importantly, have fun.
Freeman

[JaiAviation]

Thanks to everyone for the advice, I'll take this into account!

[slogen51]

You want a note pad that fits in your pocket and is fairly robust and a selection of reliable pens

For Mil I like the Serial , Code , Type , Squadron if known or colour and callsign if it is moving - plus any special markings

For civil I just do Reg , Type , Operator.

Quite often I will just jot stuff down on a cheap note pad and write it up neatly later.