The Configuration tab stores the foundational settings for an aircraft. The choices you make here affect how data is entered and displayed across the entire Fleet module, the Pilot App, and connected modules like Finance and Schedule.
Complete this tab first when adding a new aircraft. In particular, the Hobbs meter format must be set correctly before any operational data is entered.
Opening the Configuration tab
- Open Fleet from the main navigation.
- Click the aircraft you want to configure.
- Select the Configuration tab.
Aircraft identity fields
These fields define how the aircraft appears throughout the platform:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| A/C Type | The general aircraft type category. This value is used in the A/C Type filter on the aircraft list. |
| Registration | The official registration mark (e.g., PH-ABC, G-ABCD). This is the primary identifier shown in lists, the scheduler, and the Pilot App. |
| ICAO Type Designator | The standardized ICAO code for the aircraft type (e.g., C172, P28A). Used for interoperability and reporting. |
| Manufacturer | The aircraft manufacturer (e.g., Cessna, Piper). Searchable from the aircraft list. |
| Model | The specific model designation (e.g., 172S, PA-28-181). |
| Internal name | An optional internal name or nickname for the aircraft. Useful when your organization refers to aircraft by names rather than registrations. |
| Wingspan | The wingspan measurement. Used as a reference value. |
| Length | The aircraft length measurement. Used as a reference value. |
| Notes | A free-text field for any additional information about the aircraft. Visible to administrators only. |
Hobbs meter type
This is one of the most important settings in Fleet. It controls how Hobbs values are entered and displayed everywhere the aircraft Hobbs appears.
Warning
Set this correctly before anyone enters operational data. Changing the format after flight logs have been recorded can create confusion because existing values will not be automatically converted.
Choose one of two formats:
| Format | Entry style | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Decimals | Decimal numbers | 1234.5 means 1234 hours and 5 tenths |
| Minutes | Hours and minutes notation | 1234:30 means 1234 hours and 30 minutes |
This setting affects:
- How Hobbs start and Hobbs end are entered in the Flight log
- How the Maintenance threshold is entered
- How Current Hobbs is displayed on the aircraft list
- How pilots enter Hobbs values in the Aerolync Pilot app during departure and arrival
How to set the Hobbs meter type
- Open the Configuration tab for the aircraft.
- Locate the Hobbs meter type setting.
- Select either Decimals or Minutes.
- Save the record.
Insight statistics
The Include A/C with insight statistics toggle controls whether this aircraft is included in insight-level reporting and statistics across the platform.
- Turn this on when the aircraft should contribute to fleet-wide statistics and analytics.
- Turn this off when the aircraft should be excluded from statistical reporting, for example if it is temporarily out of service or is used for non-standard purposes.
Defect reporting settings
Two separate toggles control how the Aerolync Pilot app interacts with defect reporting for this aircraft:
- Accept defect reporting in Aerolync-Pilot app -- when enabled, pilots can submit a defect report during the arrival flow in the app. The defect is created in Fleet with the status
In Review. When disabled, the defect reporting option does not appear in the app for this aircraft.
- Show open defects in Aerolync-Pilot app -- when enabled, pilots can see unresolved defects for this aircraft before departure. This gives pilots awareness of known issues. When disabled, open defects are not visible in the app.
Tip
These two settings are independent. You can enable one without the other. For example, you might want pilots to see open defects (for awareness) without allowing them to create new ones.
How to enable defect reporting
- Open the Configuration tab for the aircraft.
- Turn on Accept defect reporting in Aerolync-Pilot app.
- Optionally turn on Show open defects in Aerolync-Pilot app.
- Save the record.
- Inform pilots that defect reporting is available for this aircraft.
For more information on how defects work, see Defects.
Aircraft image
You can upload an image of the aircraft from this tab. The image serves as a visual reference within the Fleet module.
- To upload an image -- use the image upload area on the Configuration tab. Select an image file from your device.
- To remove an image -- use the remove option on the existing image.
Note
The image is optional and does not affect any operational functionality.
Step-by-step: Setting up a new aircraft
- Add the aircraft from the Fleet subnavigation (see Aircraft overview).
- Open the new aircraft and go to the Configuration tab.
- Fill in the identity fields: A/C Type, Registration, ICAO Type Designator, Manufacturer, and Model.
- Set the Hobbs meter type to match how your organization records aircraft time.
- Decide whether to include the aircraft in insight statistics.
- Configure defect reporting settings based on whether pilots should report and/or view defects for this aircraft.
- Optionally upload an aircraft image.
- Save the record.
- Proceed to the Maintenance tab to set the next maintenance threshold.
- If the aircraft is available for rent, proceed to the Rental tab.
Good practices
- Always set the Hobbs meter type before any flight logs are created. This prevents data entry confusion and ensures consistency.
- Keep the Registration and ICAO Type Designator accurate. These values are used for search, filtering, and reporting.
- Fill in all identity fields completely. Incomplete records make the aircraft list harder to search and filter.
- Review defect reporting settings periodically. If your operational procedures change, update these toggles to match.
- Use the Notes field for any internal context that does not fit in the structured fields, such as special operating limitations or temporary notes.