Pilots Log

This application is written by a pilot(but software engineer by day to pay for the habit) for pilots. It is designed with the intent to make a pilot logbook software that keeps the average general aviation single engine plane pilot in mind. It is not intended for guys going for ATP ratings, glider pilots, balloon pilots. The reason is that these require additional fields to be captured in the logbook. I don't have those licenses/ratings so it has not been high on my todo list. For example, glider pilots require number of tows, this might change in the future, but as it stands the design has been targeted to the single engine airplane, general aviation pilot.

The following are the key goals in designing this software.

  • Easy deployment on user's computer using Java Webstart.
  • Runs on multiple opertating systems (Windows, MAC OS X, Linux, Solaris).
  • User/pilot friendly looks like a logbook.
  • Pilot can set thresholds of notification of FAA flight currency.
  • Configure FAA Flight currency warnings to flash when application starts.
  • Wide variety of reports. Total times, time in aircraft, take off and landings.
  • Import and export data from other logbook software.
  • Generate FAA form 8710 from logbook entries.
  • Built in E6B calculator tool.
  • Validates cross-country entries against distance requirements.

Easy deployment

Another key component of Java based technology was it was intended for the distributed environment. The latest web based technology for the desktop environment is known as WebStart. This in a way supercedes the old 1990's applets, we come to love and hate. Java WebStart allows a user to click a link from their web browser and starts automatic download and installtion of the software through a security and validation framework. Laymans term: one click download through a browser and certain guarantee that you are getting files from the publisher. This is not activeX components or anything scarey like that. See for yourself how easy it is to install with Java WebStart. From the development standpoint, the build process is handled by Maven version 1.x. A nice little build framework that works on top of old Ant builds. Maven allows dependency on jars or libraries to be included or downloaded into the project based on a definition of files. This makes it easier than including these libraries into the project repository itself. This makes for cleaner versioning or jarmagedon (not to be confused with Armagedon, which is just as bad). Another nice little feature of Maven is that it automatically runs unit tests any time a build is done. This way the code can be verified that it is working properly. Reports and statistics can also be generated such as Checkstyle, dependency, and todos. It also helps generate this site you are reading.

Multiple Desktop Environment

Microsoft windows is everywhere. The problem is there are the die hard MAC fans, the nothing but open source software extremist of Linux, FreeBSD. In the end, they leave themselves out in the cold for a lot of software varieties that are written for Microsoft Windows. The aim here is to give these guys some variety or options from what they may be stuck with because not enough software developers write for those "fringe" platforms. This is one reason Java was chosen. Sure C++ could be an option, but then don't you break the first mantra of "easy deployment". There would have to be compiles for each OS and special deployments for each one.

User Friendly

This is pretty vauge. What's friendly to one user is not friendly to another. So going to the old school of paper logbooks. This application is made to look like an old school paper logbook. There are a few things that this does that your paper logbook doesn't. such as add numbers. It has an E6b built as a menu item. Sure your paper logbook has a string with an attached E6b, but only developers can cut the string to this E6b. There are other many things too, like printable reports. Charts that show your monthly flying statistics, tracking hours for the FAA 8710 form or quick checking if you are current for some flight operations.

Professional Looking

Java swing can be ugly or pretty. One problem is that Java Swing applications are so powerful that they let the developer shoot themselves in the foot. That is by making ugly looking applications. One way to make an application look pretty is by using the right swing libraries, and applying common "hacks" or standards is found in a majority of native applications. To respond to this challenge, use of JGoodies libraries, and Swing Hacks techniques the end result is a better looking Java desktop application. Not forgetting the pilot friends out there, this is rolled up into a tried and true virtual paper looking logbook.

Beyond Logging

What good is a logbook that you only log your flight time? About as good as a regular paper logbook, but only worse because a paper logbook works without electricity. To go beyond just logging, there were a few thoughts that could make this pilot logbook application better. Lots of pilots like to see how many hours they flew, or the hours in a type of airplane or type of flying they have done. So we added a totals to the bottom of the logbook. Pilots like to train for their next rating and they also like to know how many more hours they need to complete that rating. When they figure that out, they have to added a bunch of different number to fill out the FAA 8710 form. There is a special report for the 8710 to track these hours. In addtion, the FAA 8710 wizard can be used help walk the pilot through and printing of the actual 8710 form. The nice thing is that lots of the fields are magically prefilled from the totals in the logbook.

The FAA likes to do ramp checks(sometimes). So, why not find out if you are current before you get ramp checked? There is a simple logbook analyzer for part 61 and 91 operations, that determines if you are current for night flight with passengers, or current to carry passengers during daylight. Granted this analyzer is only as good as the person who enters information into the log book software. In the end, it is still the pilot's responsibility he/she has the correct information.

Import Export

Some folks like to try different software. Hey, that's great! If the software doesn't meet your expectations you should be allowed to try others. Just to make it easier for you there is an import and export wizard feature. This allows reading of CSV (Comma separated value) files to import into this application, and also export CSV to other application. Heck, maybe you want to export to spreadsheet or you hate the spreadsheet logbook you are using and want to use this software instead, it's your perogative. We just give you the tools to allow you to do what you want.