Tip #4: Go Digital!
Logten Pro's interface on the Mac and iPhone.
Get your logbook out of the book and put it on your computer. Now you have a logbook that is instantly copyable. Want to put it on CD, then copy it to a CD. Backing up to an external hard drive? Then copy your logbook along with your other files.
There are several options out there for digital logbooks. I’ve looked at a lot of free logbook solutions, but the best I’ve come across is “Electronic Logbook II” It’s a simple Excel spreadsheet with basic time totaling and statistical functions.
When it comes to something more professional, there are only two serious contenders. For Windows and Palm handheld users: Logbook Pro. For Mac and iPhone fans: LogTen Pro.
Even if you decide to go with a digital logbook, I suggest you maintain a paper one as well. Hard drives fail. Computers crash. Data loss happens. Be careful, its your pilot logbook for Pete’s sake!
As an added thought: I was just listening to a great podcast: MacBreak Weekly ( go to http://www.twit.tv ) and they were discussing backing up important data. Sound familiar?
Heres the point the host made: If it isn’t in three locations, it isn’t real. Keep your backups in three different locations. So if you go digital make some copies and spread them around!