CrewLounge PilotLog vs Wingman: Which Pilot Logbook App Is Better for EASA Airline Pilots?
- Mar 24
- 12 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
Last Updated: 13 Apr 2026 | 6 min read | Pilot Logbook Apps
CrewLounge PilotLog has been a fixture in the EASA pilot community for over a decade. Originally launched as mccPILOTLOG, it built a loyal following among European airline pilots who wanted a feature-rich, desktop-centred logbook with deep regulatory report support. Following its acquisition by AvioBook, a Thales Group company, it now operates as part of a broader aviation software suite and has rebranded accordingly.
On the surface, PilotLog looks like an impressive product. It claims 150+ reports, 200+ airline roster formats, support for FAA, EASA, ICAO, and more, and a free student tier. It runs on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and even Blackberry and Amazon Kindle.
Look closer, and a more complicated picture emerges. The roster import requires a separate subscription to a separate app. The desktop software is a Mono-based cross-platform port with a documented history of sync discrepancies and Mac compatibility issues. The free tier caps at just 100 flight records. And pilots who purchased lifetime licences under the mccPILOTLOG brand found themselves asked to pay again when the platform transitioned to CrewLounge.
This comparison is for EASA airline pilots who want to understand what they are actually getting with PilotLog versus Wingman: what each product genuinely delivers, where each falls short, and which is the better daily tool for an airline pilot logging sectors in 2026.
What Is CrewLounge PilotLog?
CrewLounge PilotLog (formerly mccPILOTLOG) is a desktop-first electronic pilot logbook developed by CrewLounge AERO, now owned by AvioBook, part of the Thales Group. It is available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Blackberry, and Amazon Kindle.
The architecture is important to understand. PilotLog is primarily a desktop application. The mobile apps are companion apps. According to the product's own Google Play listing: you must install the desktop app to take full advantage of this software. This is not a modern, cloud-first app that works equally well on any device. It is a desktop application with mobile extensions.
The roster import function, one of the product's headline claims, does not sit within PilotLog itself. It requires a separate CrewLounge app called CONNECT, which is a separate subscription. PilotLog and CONNECT are separate modules of the CrewLounge AERO suite. Each module has its own subscription plan. A pilot who wants both automatic roster sync and a fully functioning logbook is therefore paying for two products, not one.
PilotLog's pricing, purchased through the website, is €39.99/year for Enterprise and €46.99/year for Enterprise+. These are notably lower than competitors on headline price. However, the true cost of the full feature set, including CONNECT for roster import, is higher than it appears at first glance.
The Five Differences That Define the Comparison
1. Desktop Dependency vs. True Cloud Platform
This is the most important structural difference between the two products.
PilotLog was built as a desktop application and the mobile apps were added later. To get full functionality, you install the desktop software, then sync your mobile devices with it. The desktop runs on a Mono cross-platform framework rather than being natively built for Mac or Windows, which is the source of the well-documented compatibility issues including an ongoing Mac Monterey launch failure that required a terminal command workaround detailed in CrewLounge's own support documentation.
Sync discrepancies between desktop and mobile are the most common complaint across App Store reviews, Google Play, and Trustpilot. One pilot reported a difference of nearly 300 hours between their desktop and mobile totals despite both showing as synced. Another reported the app crashing at 75% when attempting to load more than three days of historical data at once.
Wingman was built as a cloud-first platform from day one. There is no desktop installation required. Every device, whether iPhone, Android phone, tablet, or web browser on a PC or Mac, accesses the same live cloud database. Sync is not a separate step. It is continuous and automatic. The numbers on your phone and the numbers in your browser are always identical because they are the same record.
2. Roster Import: Built-In vs. Separate Subscription
PilotLog's claim of 200+ airline roster formats is impressive. The reality requires an important footnote: this roster import is handled by CrewLounge CONNECT, a separate app with its own separate subscription. A pilot who wants automatic roster sync in their PilotLog logbook must subscribe to both PilotLog and CONNECT.
When CONNECT does work, the integration between the two apps requires event sharing to be configured correctly. When it does not work, pilots have reported issues with specific airline formats, roster imports that fail to pull more than a few days of history, and support responses that acknowledge the issue without a clear resolution timeline.
Wingman's roster import is built directly into the logbook itself. There is no second app, no second subscription, and no configuration bridge between two separate products. Connect your airline scheduling system once, and flights import automatically on a daily basis. 400+ airlines are supported through direct connections to AIMS eCrew, ARMS, CAE Crew Access, Sabre, NavBlue RAIDO, CESAR, Netline, CAE FLICA, PDC CrewConnex
3. The Free Tier: 100 Flights vs. 250 Hours
PilotLog's Student Edition is free but limited to 100 flight records in total. For a student pilot building toward a CPL, 100 flights typically represents three to six months of training, after which the free tier is exhausted and a paid subscription is required.
Wingman's free tier allows up to 250 flight hours with full feature access and no record limit. For most student pilots, 250 hours covers the entire journey from first solo to CPL issue. There is no artificial record cap forcing an early subscription.
This distinction matters most for student pilots and cadets evaluating their first digital logbook. PilotLog's free tier is, in practice, a trial. Wingman's free tier is a genuinely usable product for the duration of your training.
4. Data Retention Risk: 18-Month Deletion Policy
This is a feature of PilotLog that receives almost no attention but carries significant risk for pilots who take career breaks, transition between roles, or simply stop flying temporarily.
PilotLog's FAQ states clearly: in the event you no longer use the software, all data is stored for 18 months on the server. After receiving reminders with no reply, all data is automatically deleted after 18 months, in line with EU GDPR regulations.
Your entire flight career, every hour logged, every approach, every type rating endorsement, is permanently deleted after 18 months of inactivity. For a pilot on a career break, recovering from a medical, grounded by injury, or simply between airline positions, this policy poses a genuine risk to career records that cannot be replaced.
Wingman does not have an equivalent data deletion policy. Your logbook data is retained as long as your account exists, and the free tier provides continued access to your complete flight history without requiring ongoing payment or activity.
5. Global Authority Coverage
PilotLog supports EASA, FAA, and ICAO formats with genuine depth, and also includes CA-27, CA-39, FAA-8710, and UK-1183 official forms. For EASA-licensed pilots in Europe, this coverage is comprehensive.
Where PilotLog falls short is in the authorities that matter to the large population of pilots flying internationally from EASA-licensed bases. FAA, GCAA (UAE), GACA (Saudi Arabia), DGCA (India), HKCAD (Hong Kong), NZCAA (New Zealand), and CASA (Australia) are not covered with the same depth.
For EASA pilots who also hold DGCA licences, fly on Gulf-based carriers, or transition between European and international operations, PilotLog's authority coverage requires supplementary tools or manual export formatting.
Wingman supports 15+ aviation authorities with over 50 export formats. The direct eGCA upload for DGCA-licensed pilots is a feature PilotLog does not offer. For the large community of European-trained pilots working for Middle East and Asian carriers, Wingman's authority breadth is a meaningful practical advantage.
Where PilotLog Genuinely Excels
A fair comparison requires acknowledging what PilotLog does well, because in several areas it is genuinely excellent.
The breadth of its logbook record fields is unmatched. Pilots can log up to 60 different items on a single flight entry, including OOOI hours, crew list, fuel uplift, delay code, training notes, and expense records. For pilots who want a comprehensive operational record beyond flight time, PilotLog's depth is difficult to match.
Its report library of 150+ outputs, including official state forms across multiple jurisdictions, is the most extensive of any logbook app in this comparison series. The Google Maps and SkyVector route plotting feature is a distinctive addition that no other app in this series offers.
The worldwide airfield database of 41,000+ entries, including heliports, offshore oil rigs, safari lodges, and hospital rooftop pads, serves a broader range of aviators than any app with a conventional airport database.
And for pilots whose airlines are among the 200+ roster formats supported through CONNECT, when the integration functions correctly, it is a powerful combination.
When PilotLog makes sense: if you are a EASA-licensed General Aviation or helicopter pilot who wants the deepest possible record-keeping capability, who values desktop-based report generation, and who flies in an environment where the 600+ roster formats of CONNECT reliably covers your airline, PilotLog is a genuinely capable choice. Its €39.99/year enterprise price, purchased through the website, also makes it the most affordable premium option in this comparison series by headline price.
Wingman vs. CrewLounge PilotLog: Side by Side
Feature | Wingman | CrewLounge PilotLog |
Price | $59/year | €39.99/year Enterprise (~$43) |
Roster import included | Yes, built-in | No, requires separate CONNECT subscription |
Airlines supported | 400+ direct | 600+ via CONNECT (separate subscription) |
iOS | Yes, full native | Yes, mobile companion app |
Android | Yes, full native | Yes, mobile companion app |
Web browser | Yes, full access | Yes, from Version 6 (2023) |
Desktop required | No | Yes, for full functionality |
Architecture | Cloud-first | Desktop-first, Mono framework |
Free tier | 250 hours, full features | 100 flight records only |
Data deletion policy | No deletion policy | Auto-deleted after 18 months inactivity |
EASA FCL.050 export | Yes | Yes |
FAA §61.51 export | Yes | Yes |
DGCA eGCA upload | Yes, direct | No |
GCAA, GACA exports | Yes | Limited |
Supported authorities | 15+ | FAA, EASA, ICAO primarily |
Export formats | 50+ | 150+ reports, 100 logbook formats |
Assisted migration | Yes, full-service | Self-service import wizard |
Sync reliability | Cloud, continuous | Desktop-mobile sync, documented issues |
The Hidden Cost of PilotLog
PilotLog's €39.99/year headline price is the lowest in this comparison series. For pilots who compare on price alone, it appears to be the obvious choice.
The true cost calculation is more nuanced.
The roster import that makes an airline logbook app genuinely useful for line operations requires CONNECT. CONNECT is a separate subscription. PilotLog + CONNECT together cost more than either product alone, and the pricing of CONNECT is not prominently displayed on the PilotLog pricing page.
If you purchase through the iOS App Store rather than the website, pricing is 30% more expensive. This is stated in PilotLog's own pricing footnotes, making it one of the few apps that explicitly charges more for the same product through Apple's channel.
And if you purchase a lifetime licence, as many mccPILOTLOG users did, that licence does not guarantee continuity when the product is rebranded or acquired. Multiple pilots who paid for lifetime access to mccPILOTLOG found themselves migrating to CrewLounge and faced with new subscription costs, a pattern that a Trustpilot review from a verified user described plainly: many customers purchased lifetime licences, only to be forced into paying annual fees later on.
Wingman's pricing is transparent. $59/year for full Pro access, free up to 250 hours with no time limit, and roster import is included in the subscription with no second app required.
What Pilots Are Saying About Wingman
"The automatic roster import is a game changer. It simplifies logging by eliminating manual entries, saving me time and ensuring accuracy. I highly recommend it to any pilot." Captain, major Middle East carrier
"The AIMS import feature is a life saver. With just 2 clicks, I have all my flights imported. I have tried so many apps and roster import just does not work in them." Airline First Officer
"I have used logbook apps previously. Data input in them was a tedious task. Wingman has a much better user experience and it takes minimal effort to fill up my logbook." Line pilot, wide-body operations
"Wingman is a saviour for pilots, especially in times of change when DGCA has suddenly decided to go digital. It saved me months worth of time. 5 years of experience uploaded in literally a couple of days." DGCA-licensed pilot, Indian carrier
Who Should Choose Wingman?
EASA airline pilots flying line operations. Wingman's direct roster import for 400+ airlines eliminates manual entry without requiring a second subscription to a second app.
Pilots who need a genuinely usable free tier. At 250 hours with full features and no record cap, Wingman's free tier covers your entire training period. PilotLog's 100-record cap is exhausted within months of serious training.
Pilots concerned about data retention. Wingman does not delete your logbook data after a period of inactivity. PilotLog explicitly does, after 18 months.
EASA pilots who also fly internationally or hold FAA, EASA, DGCA, GCAA, or GACA licences. Wingman's 15+ authority coverage and direct eGCA upload serve pilots whose careers span multiple regulatory environments.
Pilots frustrated by desktop-mobile sync discrepancies. Wingman's cloud architecture means your logbook is always the same on every device because it is one record, not a sync between two separate databases.
Pilots who want a straightforward, honest pricing model. One subscription, one price, all features included.
Who Might Still Choose PilotLog?
If you are a EASA-licensed GA or helicopter pilot who wants the deepest possible record-keeping with 60 fields per entry, the 150+ report library, route mapping on Google Maps and SkyVector, and the 41,000+ airfield database, PilotLog's feature breadth is difficult to match.
If your airline is reliably supported by CONNECT and the integration has been stable for you, the combination of PilotLog and CONNECT works well for line operations.
And if you primarily fly in a EASA environment with no international licence complications, PilotLog's European regulatory depth is genuinely comprehensive.
The honest answer is that PilotLog is an excellent product for a specific kind of pilot: the technically engaged, desktop-comfortable aviator who wants maximum feature depth and is willing to manage the setup complexity that comes with it. For that pilot, €39.99/year is outstanding value.
For the majority of airline pilots who want their logbook to work automatically, on every device, without a desktop install, without a second subscription, and without worrying about data being deleted during a career break, Wingman is the more practical daily choice.
How to Switch from PilotLog to Wingman
Wingman supports migration from CrewLounge PilotLog directly. The process is straightforward.
Export your PilotLog data from the desktop application using File > Export or the built-in export wizard
Download Wingman on iOS, Android, or open it at Wingman Pilot Logbook
Create your account and select your primary regulatory authority
Contact the Wingman team with your export file and they will complete the full migration
Connect your airline roster for automatic import going forward
Upgrade to Pro at $59/year when you are ready, with no hidden tiers
Your complete flight history transfers without loss. You do not start over.
The Verdict
See the full feature comparison CrewLounge PilotLog is not a weak product. In specific areas, particularly report depth, airfield database breadth, and record field granularity, it is the most capable logbook in this comparison series. For the technically engaged pilot who values feature completeness above all else, it earns its reputation.
But for the EASA airline pilot who flies line operations and wants their logbook to simply work, the structural limitations matter. A desktop dependency, a roster import that requires a second subscription to a second app, a 100-record free tier cap, an 18-month data deletion policy, and a documented history of sync discrepancies between desktop and mobile are not minor inconveniences. They are friction in a tool that should have none.
Wingman does not have PilotLog's report library. It does not have 60 record fields per entry. It does not plot your routes on Google Maps.
What it has is a logbook that imports your roster automatically from 400+ airlines with no second subscription required, works identically on every device without a desktop install, keeps your data permanently without a deletion clock running in the background, covers 15+ regulatory authorities including direct eGCA upload, and costs $59/year with a genuinely free tier that lasts your entire training period.
For most EASA airline pilots in 2026, that is the better daily tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CrewLounge PilotLog free?
PilotLog offers a free Student Edition capped at 100 flight records. Once 100 records are logged, a paid subscription is required. The Enterprise plan costs €39.99/year and Enterprise+ costs €46.99/year, both purchased through the CrewLounge website. Purchasing through the iOS App Store costs 30% more.
Does CrewLounge PilotLog include roster import?
Not directly. Roster import requires a separate CrewLounge app called CONNECT, which has its own separate subscription. PilotLog and CONNECT are separate modules of the CrewLounge AERO suite. The 600+ airline roster formats claimed by PilotLog require the CONNECT subscription to access.
Does Wingman work for EASA pilots?
Yes. Wingman generates EASA FCL.050 compliant logbook exports and supports all major EASA renewal and endorsement formats. It also supports 14 additional authorities including FAA, DGCA, GCAA, GACA, UK CAA, CASA, NZCAA, and HKCAD.
What happens to my PilotLog data if I stop flying?
PilotLog's own FAQ states that all data is automatically deleted after 18 months of inactivity following reminder notices. This applies to pilots on career breaks, medical groundings, or who simply stop using the app. Wingman does not have an equivalent data deletion policy.
Can I migrate from CrewLounge PilotLog to Wingman?
Yes. Wingman supports migration from CrewLounge PilotLog. Export your data from the PilotLog desktop application and send it to the Wingman team, who will handle the full migration at no additional cost.
Why is the PilotLog desktop app reportedly buggy on Mac?
PilotLog's desktop application is built on a Mono cross-platform framework rather than being natively developed for macOS. This has caused compatibility issues including a documented launch failure on macOS Monterey and later, requiring a terminal command workaround. CrewLounge has announced a new browser-based desktop app but the current desktop version relies on the Mono framework.
Does Wingman require a desktop installation?
No. Wingman is a cloud-first platform that runs entirely in the browser and through native iOS and Android apps. No desktop software is required at any point. Your logbook is accessible from any device at any time.
How does Wingman's pricing compare to PilotLog?
Wingman Pro is $59/year with full features and a free tier up to 250 hours. PilotLog Enterprise is €39.99/year (~$43), but roster import requires a separate CONNECT subscription. For pilots who need both logbook and roster import, the combined cost of PilotLog and CONNECT is comparable to or exceeds Wingman's single subscription price.
Does PilotLog support DGCA pilots in India?
PilotLog includes CA-39 report generation and notes India eGCA export in its feature list. However, it does not offer direct eGCA upload from within the app. Wingman is the only personal logbook app with direct eGCA upload built into the product, making it the stronger choice for DGCA-licensed pilots.
Which app is better for EASA airline pilots specifically?
For airline pilots flying line operations under EASA, Wingman's built-in roster import, cloud-first architecture, and clean daily workflow make it the more practical choice. For GA or helicopter pilots under EASA who value maximum report depth and a desktop-rich experience, PilotLog's feature breadth is compelling.
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