Builders Log Question
 

I am a first time builder just about to start building the RV12 empennage. Will the FAA accept the use of a software based builders log or is a paper logbook required? I have been considering using the KitLog Pro software.

Thanks Bob

I'm quite sure the FAA doesn't care whether your log is handwritten or printed, as long as it is legible. Maybe Mel can weigh in on this from the DAR perspective. I have been using KitLog and it works well for me. See: http://www.mykitlog.com/BigJohn/

The only knock I have heard on the product is that only 3 pictures are allowed per entry. Usually that's plenty for me, but if you want more you can aleays put in two entries.

Welcome to the club. Hope you enjoy building as much as I have.

My DAR wanted to see a copy of my log. When I told him I didn't have a paper copy but could burn him a CD with my 1) website (KitLog wasn't around when I started but I created a web log) and 2) my KitLog files plus pictures for the last couple of years of the build, he was satisfied. Same when I went to the FSDO for my repairman's certificate; in fact, they went out of their way to say they really loved all the pictures.

In fact, if there's anything I'd like to see added to Kitlog, it would be a log reader program (kinda like the PowerPoint reader MS has) so I could bundle it with my log database and someone who doesn't have KitLog could still see my logs.

Builder's Log
 

Since there is no 51% rule for the ELSA there is no requirement to prove you did the majority of the work, which is the purpose of a builder's log. I don't keep one because it is not required.

Kitlog can produce a report in pdf, html, and several MS formats. I routinely create a PDF for archival purposes as well as a hardcopy that I keep in a binder.

As BigJohn mentioned, most don't care about the format the logs are kept. I've seen something as minimal as hand written dates and comments on the plans get accepted. The only caveat is that you may get asked more questions about the build depending on the quality of documenting the build and your participation.

I used Kitlog as well. It's not perfect, but it's pretty easy to use. As mentioned there is the three picture limitation and there is a limit on the length of text per entry. The work around is to use multiple entries.

With ELSA, a builder's log, per se, is not required. However, you must be able to show that the plans and instructions were followed verbatim.

Log not required
 

I agree with JohnF that a log is not required for an E-LSA. A log is only required for E-AB. The purpose of a log is to prove that an Experimental-Amateur Built was more than half constructed by amateurs. Since an E-LSA does not have to be built by amateurs and can be legally built by professionals, no log is required. However, I like to keep my options open, so I wrote the date on the plans as I completed each step. And I also took pictures periodically. I intend to register as E-LSA, but could register as E-AB if desired and if the RV-12 kit is determined to be eligible.
Joe

Joe has a very good point here. It's always good to keep your options open.
A small point; if you somehow make a change that takes the aircraft out of light-sport parameters and you have it certificated as amateur-built, your airworthiness certificate would not be invalid.

logging my work in the plans
 

I'm just annotating in the margins of Van's plans as I build. I mark off each paragraph as I complete it and also put down the date and any other issues or items I need to work on. I'm also taking various progress pictures along the way and uploading them to my web pages. I add captions to the pictures that describe what was done.

One thing I'm not doing is keeping track of my hours spent on the project. It is not a race.

Welcome to VAF!!!!
 

Bob, good to have you aboard, wise choice to join up.

Enjoy!!