This is an area where the right method and correct terms should be used for several reasons, the main one being TO PRESERVE AS MUCH VALUE FOR YOUR AIRCRAFT AS POSSIBLE. The "LOGS" for your aircraft could decrease the value of it by several thousand dollars, if you ever decide to sell it.
The best way to become knowledgeable in this area is to spend time with your A&P or preferably an A&P/I.A. (with years and years of experience) EVERY TIME anything is written in the engine or airframe logbooks. Use their experience to gain an education.
Pay attention to what is entered and what is not, and how it is worded. One example ... If you find inspect and find some corrosion on a strut attachment, strip the paint there, eliminate the corrosion, prime with zinc chromate, and repaint it... The logs could say:
A) Stripped Inspected and Refinished all strut attachments.
or it could say:
B) After inspecting all strut attachments, found corrosion on lower two. Cleaned off corrosion and repainted all.
(A) would be good for your airplane's $$ (B) Would NOT.
Log requirements and how to complete them best, only comes with experience. Don't try to do it alone. Buddy-Up with an A.I. and get coached.
As to the format, Most mechanics use the sticky-label and word processor these days. This allows you to take the label home and stick it on the next page of your logs, yourself. On my helicopter, --helicopter logs are INTENSE and 2x as important as fixed wing because there are so many life-limited parts -- I used the ADLog system which allows you to use 8.5x11 paper and a ring binder. That way you can use a word processor for all entries, or you can stick the A&P's sticky labels on the page. Each page is then 4x as big as a typical logbook.
ADLog provides you with a Ring Binder and appropriate tabs. They also send you every A.D. that has ever came out on YOUR plane. The Red Bordered A.D. Cards are the Recurring ones. The Green Bordered A.D. Cards are the "Do-Once" ones.
Real nice system that makes record keeping easier and adds value to your aircraft.
Aerotech Publications Inc.
PO Box 1359
Southold, NY 11971-0965
1-800-235-6444
In NY 1-631-765-9375
FAX: 1-631-765-9359
www:
http://www.adlog.com