Pilots can leverage spreadsheet software program like Microsoft Excel for environment friendly and arranged flight logging, notably for cross-country flights. Knowledge from flight planning and digital flight bag (EFB) purposes, equivalent to ForeFlight, can usually be exported in suitable codecs (e.g., CSV) for seamless import into these spreadsheets. This permits for automated inhabitants of fields like dates, instances, routes, and plane info, minimizing handbook entry and decreasing the danger of errors. A well-structured spreadsheet can then be used to trace flight time, calculate totals for particular functions (e.g., foreign money, certifications, insurance coverage), and generate reviews for evaluation.
Digital flight logging presents vital benefits over conventional paper logbooks. It facilitates correct record-keeping, simplifies complicated calculations, and allows sturdy information evaluation for efficiency monitoring and pattern identification. This streamlined strategy not solely saves time but in addition offers a safer and searchable archive of flight historical past. The flexibility to import flight information straight from EFB purposes additional enhances effectivity and information integrity. This digital transformation in flight logging mirrors the broader pattern of aviation embracing technological developments for improved security, effectivity, and data-driven decision-making.
This text will discover the sensible steps concerned in importing flight information right into a spreadsheet, together with really helpful spreadsheet construction, information formatting strategies, and methods for sustaining information accuracy and integrity. It’s going to additionally handle widespread challenges encountered in the course of the import course of and supply options for troubleshooting potential points.
1. ForeFlight Knowledge Export
ForeFlight information export is prime to environment friendly cross-country flight logging utilizing Excel. It offers the essential hyperlink between digital flight planning and digital logbook administration. Exporting flight information from ForeFlight eliminates handbook information entry, decreasing errors and saving vital time. The export perform sometimes generates a comma-separated worth (CSV) file, a format readily suitable with spreadsheet software program like Microsoft Excel. This compatibility ensures seamless information switch, enabling pilots to shortly populate their logbooks with correct flight info.
Contemplate a pilot who ceaselessly flies cross-country routes. Manually logging every flight’s detailsdate, departure and arrival instances, airports, routes, and plane informationis time-consuming and susceptible to errors. Exporting this information straight from ForeFlight, the place it’s already meticulously recorded throughout flight planning and execution, streamlines the logging course of. This automated strategy ensures accuracy and frees the pilot to give attention to different essential duties, equivalent to pre-flight planning and post-flight evaluation. Moreover, ForeFlight’s logging capabilities, coupled with its information export performance, enable pilots to trace important metrics, like complete flight time, cross-country hours, and night time flying hours, that are essential for sustaining certifications and assembly insurance coverage necessities. This built-in strategy to flight logging presents a considerable benefit over conventional strategies.
Efficiently leveraging ForeFlight information export for environment friendly logbook administration requires understanding the platform’s export choices and information codecs. Correctly configured exports guarantee information integrity and reduce potential formatting points in the course of the Excel import course of. This, in flip, facilitates correct calculations and sturdy information evaluation. Pilots should additionally pay attention to the constraints of knowledge export and guarantee their chosen spreadsheet software program accurately interprets the info, preserving its accuracy and context. Environment friendly information administration, starting with ForeFlight information export, underpins a strong and compliant digital flight logging system.
2. Excel Import Course of
The Excel import course of is integral to leveraging ForeFlight information for environment friendly cross-country flight logging. It bridges the hole between flight information captured in ForeFlight and the analytical capabilities of spreadsheet software program. A well-executed import course of ensures information integrity and units the inspiration for correct record-keeping, calculations, and reporting. The method sometimes includes importing a comma-separated worth (CSV) file, a typical export format from ForeFlight, into an Excel spreadsheet. Understanding the nuances of this import course of, together with information formatting and spreadsheet construction, is essential for maximizing its effectiveness.
Contemplate a situation the place a pilot must calculate complete cross-country flight time for a particular interval. After exporting flight information from ForeFlight as a CSV file, the pilot makes use of Excel’s import performance to carry this information right into a spreadsheet. The import course of accurately maps the info fields from the CSV file to corresponding columns within the spreadsheet, guaranteeing that dates, instances, departure and arrival airports, and different related info are precisely represented. This correct information illustration permits the pilot to use formulation inside Excel to calculate complete flight time for every leg after which sum these instances to find out the general cross-country flight time for the reporting interval. With no seamless import course of, information integrity might be compromised, resulting in inaccurate calculations and probably affecting compliance with regulatory necessities or insurance coverage stipulations.
Efficient utilization of the Excel import course of requires consideration to element. Accurately mapping information fields throughout import is crucial to keep away from information mismatches and subsequent errors in calculations. Understanding information varieties and formatting inside Excel is essential for performing correct calculations and producing significant reviews. As an example, date and time fields should be acknowledged as such inside Excel to allow correct time distinction calculations. Moreover, a well-structured spreadsheet, with clearly outlined columns for related information factors, simplifies the import course of and enhances the general usability of the logbook. Mastering the Excel import course of, coupled with a well-designed spreadsheet, empowers pilots to remodel uncooked flight information into useful insights for monitoring progress, assembly necessities, and enhancing flight operations.
3. Knowledge Formatting
Knowledge formatting performs a essential function in efficiently importing flight information from ForeFlight into Excel for cross-country flight logging. Correct formatting ensures information integrity in the course of the import course of and allows correct calculations and evaluation inside the spreadsheet. Inconsistencies or errors in information formatting can result in information mismatches, incorrect calculations, and in the end, an unreliable flight log. For instance, date codecs should be constant (e.g., YYYY-MM-DD) to permit Excel to carry out correct period calculations between takeoff and touchdown instances. Equally, numerical information, equivalent to flight time or distances, needs to be formatted with out extraneous characters or items to facilitate correct mathematical operations inside the spreadsheet.
Contemplate a situation the place flight instances are recorded in several codecs inside the imported information. Some entries may embody hours and minutes (e.g., 2:30), whereas others may signify the identical period in decimal format (e.g., 2.5). This inconsistency prevents Excel from straight performing calculations on the whole dataset. A pilot trying to calculate complete flight time would first have to standardize the format throughout all entries. This provides an additional step to the method and introduces the potential for errors in the course of the conversion. Constant information formatting from the outset streamlines the method and reduces the danger of such points.
Cautious consideration to information formatting is crucial for constructing a strong and dependable flight log. Understanding how Excel interprets totally different information varieties (e.g., textual content, quantity, date) is essential for guaranteeing correct calculations and significant evaluation. Using constant formatting conventions all through the spreadsheet, equivalent to utilizing particular date codecs and standardized numerical representations, ensures information integrity and facilitates correct reporting. This meticulous strategy to information formatting in the end helps knowledgeable decision-making based mostly on dependable flight information evaluation.
4. Spreadsheet Construction
Spreadsheet construction is paramount for efficient cross-country flight logging utilizing imported ForeFlight information. A well-organized spreadsheet ensures information integrity, facilitates correct calculations, and allows environment friendly evaluation. A logical construction, with clearly outlined columns for every information level (date, departure time, arrival time, origin airport, vacation spot airport, plane kind, and so on.), permits for seamless information import from ForeFlight and minimizes the danger of errors. This construction additionally helps the appliance of formulation for calculating flight instances, complete distances, and different related metrics. With no sturdy construction, information administration turns into cumbersome, rising the probability of inaccuracies and hindering efficient evaluation. For instance, a spreadsheet missing a devoted column for plane kind may complicate analyses of flight efficiency throughout totally different plane.
Contemplate a pilot monitoring flight hours for various certifications. A well-structured spreadsheet permits for straightforward filtering and sorting of flight information based mostly on plane kind, date ranges, or particular flight traits. This functionality simplifies the method of extracting the required info for every certification requirement, saving vital effort and time in comparison with manually looking out by means of a disorganized logbook. Moreover, a structured spreadsheet facilitates the technology of customized reviews, equivalent to summaries of flight hours by plane kind or analyses of flight instances throughout totally different routes. These reviews can present useful insights into flight operations and help data-driven decision-making.
Efficient spreadsheet construction is prime to leveraging the total potential of imported ForeFlight information. It transforms uncooked information right into a manageable and analyzable format, enabling pilots to trace progress, meet regulatory necessities, and acquire useful insights into their flight operations. Challenges in sustaining a constant construction can come up with evolving information wants or adjustments in ForeFlight’s export format. Addressing these challenges proactively, by means of cautious planning and adaptable spreadsheet design, ensures the long-term effectiveness of the digital flight log.
5. Flight Time Calculation
Flight time calculation is inextricably linked to the method of logging cross-country flights utilizing imported information from ForeFlight into Excel. Correct flight time calculations are important for sustaining a compliant logbook, assembly foreign money necessities, and monitoring flight expertise. Importing flight information from ForeFlight into Excel offers the inspiration for automated and exact time calculations. The spreadsheet setting permits for formulation and features to be utilized to departure and arrival instances, robotically calculating flight durations for every leg. This automation minimizes handbook calculation errors and ensures consistency in logbook entries. Correct time calculations aren’t merely a matter of record-keeping; they straight influence a pilot’s skill to exhibit compliance with rules and keep flight privileges. For instance, a pilot getting ready for an instrument proficiency verify should exhibit a particular variety of instrument flight hours inside a current timeframe. Correct flight time calculations, facilitated by information imported from ForeFlight, make sure the pilot can readily present this info.
The sensible significance of this connection extends past primary timekeeping. Analyzing flight time information inside a structured spreadsheet permits for the identification of tendencies and patterns in flight operations. As an example, constant discrepancies between deliberate and precise flight instances on particular routes might point out recurring air visitors management delays or different operational inefficiencies. Such insights can inform pre-flight planning and contribute to improved operational effectivity. Moreover, precisely logged and calculated flight instances are sometimes important for insurance coverage functions, notably when demonstrating expertise ranges for particular plane or flight operations. The mixing of ForeFlight information with Excel streamlines this course of, guaranteeing that pilots have readily accessible and verifiable flight information.
In conclusion, correct flight time calculation, facilitated by the import of ForeFlight information into Excel, is an important part of efficient flight logging. It helps regulatory compliance, informs operational decision-making, and offers important information for insurance coverage functions. Challenges might come up from inconsistencies in time zones or information formatting inside the imported information. Addressing these challenges requires cautious consideration to element in the course of the import and formatting processes, guaranteeing that point calculations stay correct and dependable. This meticulous strategy to information administration helps the integrity of the flight log and contributes to total flight security and operational effectivity.
6. Cross-country Necessities
Cross-country flight necessities are intrinsically linked to the observe of logging flights utilizing imported information from purposes like ForeFlight into spreadsheet software program equivalent to Excel. These necessities, usually stipulated by regulatory our bodies just like the FAA, dictate particular standards for a flight to be labeled as “cross-country.” These standards usually contain minimal distances, particular navigational procedures, and touchdown at airports aside from the departure level. Correct logging, facilitated by information import and administration inside a spreadsheet, turns into important for demonstrating compliance with these necessities. Exact information of dates, instances, routes, and airports visited present verifiable proof of assembly cross-country standards. This connection is essential for pilots looking for certifications or scores that mandate a particular variety of cross-country flight hours. As an example, a industrial pilot certificates requires a particular variety of cross-country hours, together with solo flights and flights exceeding a sure distance. Meticulous logging, supported by information import from ForeFlight right into a well-structured spreadsheet, permits pilots to exhibit compliance with these necessities effectively and transparently.
The sensible significance of this connection extends past mere compliance. Analyzing logged cross-country flight information inside a spreadsheet can reveal patterns and tendencies in flight operations. A pilot may establish ceaselessly flown routes, analyze flight instances for effectivity enhancements, or observe gas consumption throughout totally different cross-country flights. This data-driven strategy facilitates knowledgeable decision-making for future flight planning and contributes to enhanced operational effectivity. Furthermore, an in depth log of cross-country flights, enriched by information from ForeFlight, serves as a useful document for insurance coverage functions. It offers verifiable proof of flight expertise, notably related for pilots looking for insurance coverage protection for particular plane or operational classes. This complete document will also be essential within the occasion of an incident or accident investigation, offering investigators with correct information concerning pilot expertise and flight historical past.
In abstract, the correct logging of cross-country flights, supported by information import from ForeFlight and administration inside a spreadsheet setting, is crucial for assembly regulatory necessities, enhancing operational effectivity, and supporting insurance coverage wants. Challenges can come up from inconsistencies in information codecs, differing interpretations of cross-country standards, or errors in information entry. Addressing these challenges requires a meticulous strategy to information administration, emphasizing consistency, accuracy, and a transparent understanding of relevant rules. This diligent strategy ensures the integrity of the flight log and contributes to the general security and professionalism of flight operations.
7. Logbook Compliance
Logbook compliance is paramount for pilots, serving as a verifiable document of flight expertise and adherence to regulatory necessities. It’s intrinsically linked to the method of logging cross-country flights utilizing imported information from purposes like ForeFlight into spreadsheet software program like Excel. Sustaining a compliant logbook is just not merely a procedural job; it’s a authorized {and professional} obligation with vital implications for pilot certifications, insurance coverage, and profession development. Digital logbook administration, facilitated by information import and spreadsheet group, presents benefits in accuracy and effectivity, however cautious consideration of knowledge integrity and regulatory necessities stays essential for guaranteeing compliance.
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Accuracy and Integrity of Knowledge
Correct information entry and sturdy information integrity are cornerstones of logbook compliance. Importing flight information from ForeFlight into Excel helps automate this course of, decreasing handbook entry errors. Nevertheless, pilots should validate the imported information and guarantee its accuracy earlier than counting on it for official information. Inaccurate or falsified logbook entries can have critical penalties, together with authorized penalties and the revocation of flight privileges. Knowledge integrity additionally contains defending the logbook from unauthorized alterations or tampering. Digital logbooks provide benefits on this regard by means of options like information backups and audit trails.
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Adherence to Regulatory Necessities
Logbook entries should adhere to particular regulatory necessities, which range relying on the governing aviation authority. These necessities usually dictate the format of logbook entries, the varieties of info recorded, and the strategies used for document protecting. Utilizing imported information from ForeFlight can streamline compliance by guaranteeing important information factors are captured throughout flight planning and execution. Nevertheless, pilots stay answerable for understanding and adhering to all relevant rules, together with these associated to digital logbook codecs and information storage. For instance, rules may stipulate particular necessities for endorsements or approvals associated to flight coaching, which should be precisely documented within the logbook.
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Endorsements and Signal-offs
Sure flight actions, equivalent to finishing a particular coaching course or attaining a brand new certification, require endorsements or sign-offs from licensed flight instructors or examiners. These endorsements should be precisely recorded within the logbook to keep up compliance. Whereas digital logbook methods might provide options for digital signatures and endorsements, pilots should guarantee these strategies adjust to regulatory necessities. In some instances, unique signatures or bodily documentation should still be required. Sustaining correct information of endorsements, together with dates, teacher info, and particular particulars of the coaching or certification achieved, is crucial for demonstrating compliance and sustaining legitimate flight credentials.
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Knowledge Backup and Safety
Sustaining the safety and integrity of logbook information is essential for compliance. Digital logbooks, created by means of the import of ForeFlight information into Excel, require sturdy backup and safety measures to forestall information loss or unauthorized entry. Common backups, saved securely and independently from the first logbook file, are important for recovering information in case of {hardware} failure or unintended deletion. Password safety and encryption can additional improve information safety. Pilots also needs to pay attention to potential vulnerabilities related to digital logbook methods and take applicable measures to mitigate these dangers, equivalent to utilizing robust passwords and protecting software program up to date. This ensures the logbook stays a dependable and compliant document of flight exercise.
In conclusion, sustaining logbook compliance is a essential facet of accountable piloting. Leveraging digital instruments like ForeFlight and Excel can streamline the logging course of and improve accuracy. Nevertheless, pilots bear the final word accountability for guaranteeing their logbooks adhere to all relevant rules. This contains validating imported information, understanding formatting necessities, securing obligatory endorsements, and implementing sturdy information backup and safety measures. Meticulous logbook administration not solely helps compliance but in addition offers a useful document of flight expertise for profession development, insurance coverage functions, and demonstrating a dedication to professionalism inside the aviation neighborhood.
8. Knowledge Evaluation and Reporting
Knowledge evaluation and reporting signify an important last stage within the means of logging cross-country flights utilizing information imported from purposes like ForeFlight into spreadsheet software program equivalent to Excel. The meticulously logged information turns into a useful useful resource for extracting significant insights into flight operations, figuring out tendencies, and supporting data-driven decision-making. This connection transforms the logbook from a easy record-keeping device into a strong useful resource for efficiency evaluation and operational enhancement. Spreadsheet software program presents sturdy analytical capabilities, permitting pilots to calculate key metrics, generate visualizations, and establish patterns inside their flight information. For instance, a pilot may analyze flight instances throughout totally different routes to establish essentially the most environment friendly flight paths, considering elements equivalent to wind situations and air visitors management delays. This evaluation may reveal a persistently quicker route that saves time and gas, straight impacting operational effectivity and price financial savings.
Moreover, information evaluation facilitates the identification of potential security issues or areas for enchancment. Analyzing touchdown efficiency information, as an example, may reveal a pattern of unstable approaches at a selected airport. This perception might immediate the pilot to evaluate strategy procedures, think about further coaching, or regulate touchdown strategies for that particular airport, contributing to enhanced security margins. Equally, analyzing gas consumption information throughout totally different flights may reveal alternatives for optimization, resulting in diminished gas prices and a smaller environmental footprint. Past operational concerns, information evaluation additionally helps compliance and reporting necessities. A pilot can readily generate reviews summarizing flight hours by plane kind, demonstrating compliance with foreign money necessities for particular certifications or scores. This functionality streamlines the reporting course of and ensures pilots can readily present verifiable proof of their flight expertise.
In conclusion, information evaluation and reporting are integral elements of efficient flight logging, notably when leveraging digital instruments like ForeFlight and Excel. This functionality transforms uncooked flight information into actionable insights, supporting improved operational effectivity, enhanced security margins, and streamlined compliance reporting. Challenges can come up from the complexity of knowledge evaluation, requiring proficiency in spreadsheet software program and a transparent understanding of related metrics. Addressing these challenges by means of coaching and the adoption of greatest practices in information evaluation ensures that pilots can successfully leverage their flight information for steady enchancment and knowledgeable decision-making.
Regularly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread queries concerning the method of logging cross-country flights utilizing information imported from ForeFlight into Microsoft Excel.
Query 1: What information from ForeFlight is often imported right into a spreadsheet for cross-country flight logging?
Knowledge sometimes imported contains date, departure and arrival instances, origin and vacation spot airports (ICAO and IATA codes), plane kind, and complete flight time. Further information factors, equivalent to route info, altitudes, and gas consumption, will also be imported relying on particular person wants and spreadsheet construction.
Query 2: How does one guarantee information integrity in the course of the import course of from ForeFlight to Excel?
Knowledge integrity is maintained by means of cautious consideration to information formatting consistency inside ForeFlight and correct mapping of knowledge fields in the course of the import course of. Verifying the imported information in opposition to the unique flight information in ForeFlight is essential. Using standardized date and time codecs can also be really helpful.
Query 3: What are the advantages of utilizing a spreadsheet for cross-country flight logging in comparison with conventional paper logbooks?
Spreadsheets provide benefits in information evaluation, reporting, and automatic calculations. They facilitate complicated calculations, equivalent to complete flight time for particular durations or plane varieties, and allow the creation of customized reviews for varied functions, together with regulatory compliance and insurance coverage necessities.
Query 4: How can potential formatting points arising from the import course of be addressed?
Formatting points are sometimes resolved by means of constant information formatting inside ForeFlight earlier than export. Understanding Excel’s information formatting choices and using options like text-to-columns and formatting features may assist appropriate inconsistencies inside the spreadsheet.
Query 5: What are some widespread challenges encountered when importing flight information, and the way can they be overcome?
Widespread challenges embody information mismatches resulting from inconsistent formatting, incorrect date and time interpretations, and lacking information fields. These challenges are mitigated by means of cautious information validation, constant formatting practices, and a transparent understanding of the import course of inside Excel.
Query 6: How can spreadsheet software program help in assembly cross-country flight necessities for certifications or scores?
Spreadsheet software program aids in monitoring and calculating required cross-country flight hours by enabling filtering and sorting based mostly on standards equivalent to flight date, distance, and plane kind. This simplifies the method of compiling flight information required for demonstrating compliance with particular certification necessities.
Correct and well-organized flight logging is crucial for any pilot, particularly these pursuing superior certifications or scores. Using digital instruments enhances effectivity and accuracy in sustaining a compliant and informative flight document.
The subsequent part will delve into particular examples and sensible tutorials demonstrating the implementation of those strategies.
Important Suggestions for Efficient Cross-Nation Flight Logging Utilizing ForeFlight and Excel
This part offers sensible steerage for optimizing the method of logging cross-country flights by leveraging information imported from ForeFlight into Microsoft Excel. The following tips purpose to reinforce information accuracy, streamline workflow, and maximize the analytical capabilities of spreadsheet software program for flight log administration.
Tip 1: Standardize Knowledge Codecs in ForeFlight.
Constant information codecs inside ForeFlight are important for seamless import into Excel. Set up standardized codecs for dates, instances, and different numerical information to forestall conversion errors and guarantee information integrity. This proactive strategy minimizes the necessity for information manipulation inside the spreadsheet after import.
Tip 2: Construction the Spreadsheet Logically.
A well-structured spreadsheet is essential for environment friendly information administration and evaluation. Create devoted columns for every information level, equivalent to date, departure/arrival instances, airports, plane kind, and flight time. This organized construction simplifies information sorting, filtering, and calculations.
Tip 3: Validate Imported Knowledge.
All the time validate imported information in opposition to the unique ForeFlight information to make sure accuracy. Knowledge discrepancies can come up resulting from formatting inconsistencies or errors in the course of the import course of. Common validation prevents inaccuracies from propagating all through the logbook.
Tip 4: Leverage Excel Formulation for Calculations.
Excel’s method capabilities automate flight time calculations and different important computations. Make the most of formulation to calculate flight durations, complete flight instances, and different related metrics. This automation minimizes handbook calculation errors and saves vital time.
Tip 5: Make use of Knowledge Validation Strategies.
Excel’s information validation options improve information integrity by stopping invalid entries. Use information validation guidelines to limit entries to particular codecs or ranges, guaranteeing information consistency and decreasing the danger of errors. That is notably helpful for fields like dates and airport codes.
Tip 6: Recurrently Again Up Logbook Knowledge.
Common information backups are important to guard in opposition to information loss. Create backups of the spreadsheet logbook ceaselessly and retailer them securely. This observe ensures that useful flight information is recoverable in case of {hardware} failure or unintended deletion.
Tip 7: Perceive Related Laws for Logbook Compliance.
Familiarize your self with the precise logbook rules stipulated by the governing aviation authority. These rules usually dictate the required information factors, formatting, and record-keeping practices. Adhering to those rules is essential for sustaining a compliant logbook.
Tip 8: Make the most of Pivot Tables for Knowledge Evaluation.
Excel’s pivot desk performance allows highly effective information evaluation. Use pivot tables to summarize and analyze flight information based mostly on varied standards, equivalent to date ranges, plane varieties, or airports. This performance reveals tendencies and patterns inside flight operations, supporting data-driven decision-making.
Adhering to those suggestions ensures correct, compliant, and readily analyzable flight logs, supporting knowledgeable decision-making and enhancing flight operations.
The next conclusion summarizes the important thing benefits and reinforces the significance of those strategies for efficient flight logging.
Conclusion
This exploration has detailed the method of leveraging ForeFlight and Excel for environment friendly cross-country flight logging. Key benefits embody streamlined information entry by means of automated import, diminished danger of transcription errors, enhanced information evaluation capabilities, and simplified compliance reporting. Correct spreadsheet construction, constant information formatting, and rigorous information validation are important for maximizing these advantages. Understanding relevant rules stays essential for sustaining a compliant logbook, whatever the chosen logging technique. The mixing of digital instruments presents vital potential for enhancing flight log administration, offering pilots with readily accessible, correct, and analyzable flight information.
Correct and complete flight logging is paramount for secure and environment friendly flight operations. Leveraging technological developments like ForeFlight and Excel empowers pilots to keep up meticulous information, analyze flight information for efficiency enhancements, and meet regulatory necessities with better ease. This data-driven strategy not solely advantages particular person pilots but in addition contributes to the broader aviation neighborhood by selling security, effectivity, and knowledgeable decision-making inside the business. Steady refinement of digital flight logging practices, knowledgeable by evolving expertise and regulatory steerage, will additional improve aviation security and professionalism.
