database to replace aerodata

[rj]

Hi have had Aerodata for years but just bored with it as it has never been developed. Have ruled out ADU for various reasons like having to use airport codes and its seemingly long winded logging system. So a database that has all aircraft (within reason), is capable of transfering my 100K aerodata loggings into it. One that you don't have to use airport codes one that has good search routines like historic registers and historic airline fleets. Anybody know about Planebase? Seems you have to know the right people first though? Any thoughts welcome

Rob

[graham]

Hi Rob

I moved over to PlaneBase from my old Excel spreadsheets about two years ago and find it to be a superb resource. You need to have a sponsor but I'd be happy to do that if required. I know that the guys who run it have various ways of transferring logs across to PlaneBase but I don't know if Aerodata is compatable so would need to ask the question.

It's completely free to use although they ask for donations every March/April to help with the running and maintenance. There are usually two updates per week which come down the line and you just need to click to install them. There's a support group to assist should you have any issues.

It's the first proper database I've used so I don't know how it compares with ADU, Aerodata, etc but I can just press a button to see how many of a specific type I've seen, airline fleets and how many I've seen of that fleet, I can put up logs from every show or trip I've ever done, it has a "history ID" function so if for example you're logging a PA28 that you saw in the US, or any other country that reuses registrations, it will display all aircraft that have carried that reg for you to choose the correct entry. Similarly, it also lists all military aircraft that carry a specific serial, so for example, if you enter the serial "257", it will display something like 20 aircraft that have carried that serial, regardless of whether they are active, preserved, written off or whatever.

The tools, options and reports it can turn out are almost limitless. It's highly recommended to back the files up regularly, I do it a couple of times per week to an external hard drive but again, once set up, it does it for you if you click on the button.

It also runs alongside PlaneBase mobile which I have on my phone, this enables you to check a reg when you're out and about, even if you don't have internet access. It does a whole lot more too.

Finally, the guy who writes all the programmes is Nic Storey, who also writes the programmes for PlanePlotter and the two are compatable. Planebase enables you to build a SQB file for PlaneBase mobile and PlanePlotter mobile and I have mine set to only show needed frames.

I know several members on AFA use Planebase and I'm sure they most likely know a lot more about its capabilities than I do

Cheers
Graham

[rugbyref]

I have used Planebase for about 3 years, and have had no problems at all. As Graham says, the totals and searching functions are really simple and I particularly like the tick box that locks the chosen date, so I can log all of a day’s captures without repeating the date.

[rj]

Thanks for the info, would like to know more on Planebase, like the tie in with Planeplotter as I use that for all my OTT viewing. I am quite happy to pay a fee with no problem, Aerodata costs me £8 a month. Graham if you could get me some contact details about transfering my data that would be great.
thanks

[graham]

Morning Rob, if you could PM me your full name, address and email details, I can propose you to the guys that run PlaneBase. Once that's done and you have been accepted, they will be able to advise on the suitability of your Aerodata logs for transfer. With regard to the upkeep of the programme, I donate £50 every March time but of course, the amount is up to the individual

My old Excel spreadsheets weren't in a compatable format unfortunately so I had little option but to input everything manually. Fingers crossed that won't be necessary for you.

[rj]

Thanks to Graham i now have plane base, and it is pretty impressive, far better search routines than aerodata and no need to know every airport code like ADU. Plus they will transfer any previous loging for afee.

[graham]

Hi Rob, wow, that was quick, and glad your initial impressions are favourable. As said in our PM exchange, I'm far from an expert on everything PB is capable of doing but if you do have any issues, give me a shout and if I don't know the answer, I'm sure that other users here will