ATPL Application & Eletronic Logbooks

[200hr Wonder]

Having just submitted my ATPL application to TC for their blessing I got a call with regards to my logbook. So from the horses mouth to save everyone some time:

Electronic Signatures are not good enough you need to personally physically sign each and every page. I know I get a hand cramp just thinking about doing this when I printed off 190 odd pages.

Why is my electronic signature good enough for everyone else but TC? I can apply for a mortgage these days and never physically sign a peace of paper.

[Captain X]

I submitted my book 3 years ago in Edmonton.. no electronic or handwritten signatures on each page. No problems. I was told that they "liked" the electronic style. as its easier to read then chicken scratch that they usually see.

Everyone at TC seems to want something different in my opinion.....

[aurora]

piece of paper
Aviation is old school, they have video games more advanced than the G1000 these days. Try not to let it bother you.

[KK7]

So from the horses mouth to save everyone some time

The problem with the horse's mouth at TC, is that there are numerous horse's mouths. Unfortunately you have to pick your battles with each mouth, and this one is just not worth it, so the best thing to do is get on the horn and contact your nearest office to find out how they want the application and logbook done, and then send them what they are expecting. It'll save you a whole lot of headaches later, and often get you your licence quicker.

[ahramin]

Yep. Make sure you find out what type of horse you are dealing with. Some are competent and can process an ATPL in a day, and some are 3 months behind with goofy requirements.

[lowapproach]

Will Transport Canada accept you certifying your own logbook, or will you have to contact all flightschools, or employers whose aircrafts you have flown?

[fingersmac]

Will Transport Canada accept you certifying your own logbook, or will you have to contact all flightschools, or employers whose aircrafts you have flown?

Yes, just sign each page in your logbook where it says "I certify that the entries in this logbook are true" (or some sort of variation of that statement).

I handed in a printed copy of my Logten Pro software logbook with nothing else but my signature on each page certifying the entries. My ATPL was processed without any issues.

[KK7]

Will Transport Canada accept you certifying your own logbook, or will you have to contact all flightschools, or employers whose aircrafts you have flown?

Again, the only way to know for sure for each specific TC person who signs off ATPLs, is to ask them. You'll get about 10 different answers on here, and they are all correct because each region and each office will have a different answer. It depends where you are, and who you see. Call the LOCAL TC office to get the right answer.

[justwork]

Having just submitted my ATPL application to TC for their blessing I got a call with regards to my logbook. So from the horses mouth to save everyone some time:

Electronic Signatures are not good enough you need to personally physically sign each and every page. I know I get a hand cramp just thinking about doing this when I printed off 190 odd pages.

Why is my electronic signature good enough for everyone else but TC? I can apply for a mortgage these days and never physically sign a peace of paper.

That sucks man. Maybe if you had attached a signed notice that covered your ass. Like: I swear that all entries in this logbook are, to my knowledge, true and correct. Then signed by you.

Will Transport Canada accept you certifying your own logbook, or will you have to contact all flightschools, or employers whose aircrafts you have flown?

I never understood this whole thing about having your logbook "certified" by your training facility or past employers. I haven't read anything that says you must do this, I never have and I've been flying for a long time, no one has ever questioned me on it either. If someone needs proof that you did this or that flight they can do the leg work and dig up the old logbooks.

On another note, I had 2 pages in my first logbook that were a total dogs breakfast. I had crossed out so much and then re-entered everything in error again. You know how they say you can't use white out? Well I sure as heck did, those two pages were practically paint. I even had to draw the lines back on. I put everything in correctly, then wrote on the margin that the pages were originally entered in error but now show to be correct, and signed it. I submitted that book for my AA, picked it and my license up a few days later with no hassle.

Don't quote me on this but I always thought that the CARs said pilots had to keep a record of their flight hours, and that this was more to prove currency. I have never read they had to be signed, or "certified" by previous employers. But ya, just play the game. Do what they ask unless it's ridiculous, then just pick up your book and paper work and mail it to another office.

[Beefitarian]

While using correction fluid is bad form in your personal log there was never a rule against it. That rule was for the Plane's logs.

I quit doing it and use a single line like you are abliged to in the Plane's logs just because it gives a better feel of, "I made an honest mistake." versus, I'm going to make this better.

I know the electronic logs are easier but I am way above average lazy in addition to hating paper work and I actually kind of enjoy filling out my personal log, it's only a single line to record each flight.

It's nice to have the book too, as it gets worn and starts to have it's own special smell and feel it becomes a little part of you. Getting it stamped and signed off as correct is pretty easy every five years or more also and then there it is, transport or a perspective employer won't question you on it. Could speed up getting that rating. Digital storage is ok but you will have to move it to the next medium everytime it changes otherwise it will be on super-8 and then what? My father in law has his father's log book and my kids can read it if they want to.

I wish I had used the remarks lines better on cross country flights to place reminders of interesting things that happened.