The Group also provides you with access and free use of a number of additional resources:
- Facebook Page
- Flickr Photo Pages
- Planeplotter linked to the Database and your Loggings
- Direct, simple Autologging in Planeplotter
10.1 Facebook Page
This can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Pacificaviation
10.2 Our Flickr Photo Pages
For those of you interested in aircraft photography or just looking at photographs of aircraft, our Flickr group now has just under 20,000 photographs some dating back to the era of Black and White!!!!, some taken recently.
The group can be accessed at https://www.flickr.com/groups/1322575@N21/pool
If you are interested, go and have a look.
Flickr is FREE to join and you can post quite a number of pictures, all free.
If you enjoy then you can join up and become a PRO on Flickr for an annual fee but it is not a requirement.
10.3 Planeplotter linked to the Database and your Loggings
Leon Loberman has written a program (PacModeS2020) which uses your log file in a batch process to create a basestation.sqb database that can be used by Planeplotter. In particular, frames that have already been logged can be identified on the Planeplotter screen.
This batch process should be run after each set of updates to maintain the currency of the data. It takes about a minute to run on a decent spec Windows 10 machine.
10.4 Direct, simple Autologging in Planeplotter
Leon Loberman has written a second program (PacModeSLogging) which lets you log an airframe by simply selecting it from a dropdown list of aircraft that Planeplotter has picked up in your selected area on-screen.
11. ABBREVIATIONS
Selected Abbreviations used in the Database and/or often associated with aircraft records are given below.
| AES | Air Electronics School |
| AHUK | Aviation Heritage UK |
| B/u | Broken Up |
| BAPC | British Aviation Preservation Council |
| CAA | Civil Aviation Authority (UK) |
| c/n, C/N, CN, Con No | Construction Number |
| c/s | Colour Scheme |
| Canx | Cancelled |
| Civ | Civil |
| DB | Database |
| DBR | Damaged Beyond economic Repair |
| DD | Delivery Date |
| FF | First Flight date |
| GIA | Ground Instructional Airframe |
| HEX, Hex | Hexadecimal code (aircraft code used with ADS-B tracking for identification) |
| IATA | International Air Transport Association |
| ICAO | International Civil Aviation Organization |
| ID | Identity |
| MDPO | Made Dropped Paintscrape Outstanding |
| Mil | Military |
| MSN, msn | Manufacturer's Serial Number (same as Construction Number) |
| Op | Operator (as in Op Note) |
| opb | Operated By |
| opf | Operated For |
| PWFU | Permanently Withdrawn From Use |
| Reg | Registration |
| SelCal | Selective Calling (callsign for HF communications) |
| t/o | Trustee Of |
| TC | Total Cycles (cycle = take-off & landing i.e. flights) |
| tr | Trading as |
| TT | Total Time (flight hours) |
| TWFU | Temporarily Withdrawn From Use |
| W/O, w/o | Write-off (destroyed, beyond economic repair) |
| W&Rs | Wrecks & Relics |
AIRCRAFT RECORD DATA
The number of Frames and number of them logged is also shown – this is useful where the registration has been applied across a number of different aircraft.
[An additional, ‘Edit’, column/link is included on the database Editors’ screen.]
The Reg is underlined (hyperlinked). If you click on this the summary aircraft information page shown below in the second screenshot is presented.
The Aircraft Details screen lists all airframes that have used the searched-for registration. Multiple records can occur where a country reuses registrations once the airframe changes to another country’s register or is destroyed. The illustration shows the re-use of D-ABEN. Here, for historic registrations, the current location rather than base is shown, the Hex is omitted as no longer relevant.
You now select the one of interest by clicking each registration record and viewing extra details in the table which appears on the right of the screen.
Additional Notes on this table.
- Op
Operator. - Note
Any useful information to add. - Unit
Military unit the aircraft is assigned to. - Tail
Tail code – typically for a military aircraft or glider. - acCode
Aircraft code. - Other Reg
(see 1.3) - Special
Special markings details. - Name
Any name worn. - P.I.
Previous identity/identities - Group Note
Any general comments for the airframe.
You then double-click the record’s registration and a full aircraft page of data is presented – here, PH-XRC provides example information.
Additional Notes on this table:
- ICAO
ICAO code for the aircraft type. - FF
The date the aircraft First Flew. - 1st CofA
Date of first Certificate of Airworthiness. - WFU
Withdrawn From Use. End of active service life. Cancellation date. - Note
A note on the Operator added by an Editor. - Flt No
Flight Number - Spec Marks
Special markings details. - Located
Base, IATA airfield code, ICAO airfield code - TT
Total Time in hours at service end. - TC
Total Cycles during service life – one cycle is a take-off and landing i.e. a flight. - MDPO
When you log a registration for the FIRST TIME, in the column MDPO it will mark M (Made)
When you log that registration against the same frame for a second or subsequent time, it marks it D (Drop)
If you then log a different registration against the same frame, it marks it P (PaintScrape)
If you log something that is not in the Database, it marks it O (Outstanding)
Scroll right for unit details, etc >>>>
Check with the slider whether there is additional information given to the right on Note, Unit, Code, Aircraft Name. - Personal Notes
You can number in ‘Sort’ any notes you add under ‘Personal Note’. A Note is limited to 50 characters. Scroll within the Note to read it all. Scroll up/down to move between Notes.
There are a series of buttons along the top of the screen to enable you to look up additional information from popular, useful sources.
On the right are three very useful features: - Add Log
Click on this and a screen opens so you can log the aircraft. Add as many details as you wish.
Note that after you have added a logging with the ‘Save to Log’ button on the input list above, in the Loggings table you can manually change any data on a loggings line e.g. Operator, MDPO, Notes. You are no longer constrained by a drop-down list – you can overwrite the contents of the drop-downs for the purpose of loggings if you wish.
- Add Flight
See 9.6 - Add Photo
You can add photos to any airframe. Details of how to do this are contained here: Photographs
and click on ADD FLIGHT at bottom or ABANDON FLIGHT if you don’t want to save it.
9.7 Anti-Virus Software Blocking RunPADG Files
Some anti-virus software block RunPADG files and these files have to be set as exceptions in the anti-virus settings.
9.7.1 BitDefender
- Open the main Dashboard [Screen says ‘You are safe’]
- Select Protection [Protection Features]
- Select Online Threat Prevention – Settings [Online Threat Prevention]
- Select Manage exceptions – Add an Exception [Manage exceptions – Exceptions options]
Enter in turn each file below into the input box that appears
Repeat for the next file.
The Protection Feature will show the ‘Online Threat Prevention’ switch is turned on (blue)
Save
c:\RunPADG
c:\RunPADG\CompactRunner.exe
c:\RunPADG\DAORunner.exe
c:\RunPADG\RunPADG.exeAfter all are input the Manage exceptions screen will show the four files listed.
Return to the main Dashboard
9.7.2 McAfee Anti-Virus
‘I went to open the database and McAfee quarantined Run PADG and now I cannot open the database.’
If you experience McAfee suddenly deciding to quarantine the main RunPADG.exe and also sometimes the SSEInternetUpdater.exe, even though the application has been running fine, this may be due to a new set of virus rules that McAfee has recently introduced (early 2025).
To resolve, ensure that you have added the following exceptions to McAfee:
RunPADG.exe
SSEInternetUpdater.exe
CompactRunner.exe
DAORunner.exe
Uninstall-RunPADG.exe
Just as a further update on this topic, McAfee will automatically remove a program from its exclusion list if it sees a new version is installed.
Leon advises that he will write to McAfee to see if there is an option to suppress this but he suspects not.
So, he will try and remember to advise McAfee users in advance if he releases a new version of RunPADG but because the version upgrade checks and installs are built into the program, he thinks that you may still get issues that will need resolving.
9.8 How can I obtain a past Update?
These are all available on the Pacific website. To retrieve a copy:
- On the main screen, click the ‘Pacific Aviation Website’ button
- Select ‘LOG IN’
- Enter your Username or Email Address and your Password, click ‘Log In’
- Hover over ‘MEMBERS ONLY SECTION’ and scroll down to select ‘Update Files Sep 2022 DB->’
- Scroll down to the update you want (e.g Update 157 is called ‘157_datupdate.zip’) and click its ‘Download’ button
- Go to your Downloads folder e.g. c:/Downloads and unzip the .zip file
- Ensure the database is closed, then Double-click the resultant .mdb file(e.g. 157_database.mdb) to run it in.
10. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Group also provides you with access and free use of a number of additional resources:
- Facebook Page
- Flickr Photo Pages
- Planeplotter linked to the Database and your Loggings
- Direct, simple Autologging in Planeplotter
10.1 Facebook Page
This can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Pacificaviation
10.2 Our Flickr Photo Pages
For those of you interested in aircraft photography or just looking at photographs of aircraft, our Flickr group now has just under 20,000 photographs some dating back to the era of Black and White!!!!, some taken recently.
The group can be accessed at https://www.flickr.com/groups/1322575@N21/pool
If you are interested, go and have a look.
Flickr is FREE to join and you can post quite a number of pictures, all free.
If you enjoy then you can join up and become a PRO on Flickr for an annual fee but it is not a requirement.
10.3 Planeplotter linked to the Database and your Loggings
Leon Loberman has written a program (PacModeS2020) which uses your log file in a batch process to create a basestation.sqb database that can be used by Planeplotter. In particular, frames that have already been logged can be identified on the Planeplotter screen.
This batch process should be run after each set of updates to maintain the currency of the data. It takes about a minute to run on a decent spec Windows 10 machine.
10.4 Direct, simple Autologging in Planeplotter
Leon Loberman has written a second program (PacModeSLogging) which lets you log an airframe by simply selecting it from a dropdown list of aircraft that Planeplotter has picked up in your selected area on-screen.
11. ABBREVIATIONS
Selected Abbreviations used in the Database and/or often associated with aircraft records are given below.
| AES | Air Electronics School |
| AHUK | Aviation Heritage UK |
| B/u | Broken Up |
| BAPC | British Aviation Preservation Council |
| CAA | Civil Aviation Authority (UK) |
| c/n, C/N, CN, Con No | Construction Number |
| c/s | Colour Scheme |
| Canx | Cancelled |
| Civ | Civil |
| DB | Database |
| DBR | Damaged Beyond economic Repair |
| DD | Delivery Date |
| FF | First Flight date |
| GIA | Ground Instructional Airframe |
| HEX, Hex | Hexadecimal code (aircraft code used with ADS-B tracking for identification) |
| IATA | International Air Transport Association |
| ICAO | International Civil Aviation Organization |
| ID | Identity |
| MDPO | Made Dropped Paintscrape Outstanding |
| Mil | Military |
| MSN, msn | Manufacturer's Serial Number (same as Construction Number) |
| Op | Operator (as in Op Note) |
| opb | Operated By |
| opf | Operated For |
| PWFU | Permanently Withdrawn From Use |
| Reg | Registration |
| SelCal | Selective Calling (callsign for HF communications) |
| t/o | Trustee Of |
| TC | Total Cycles (cycle = take-off & landing i.e. flights) |
| tr | Trading as |
| TT | Total Time (flight hours) |
| TWFU | Temporarily Withdrawn From Use |
| W/O, w/o | Write-off (destroyed, beyond economic repair) |
| W&Rs | Wrecks & Relics |
AIRCRAFT RECORD DATA
This shows the Registration (Reg), Type, Construction Number (C/N), Build year, Operator, likely Base, Hex (Hexadecimal) Code, Status, Operator country flag, Logging status (F, R), Number of Photos in the database (Pix), [Edit – for Editors only], whether Active, whether Extant.
Note that the Operator, not the owner, is shown – these can differ e.g. many airliners are owned by leasing companies, some airline services are flown by other companies on their behalf.
If given, the aircraft’s Base together with its 3-letter IATA code and 4-letter ICAO code e.g. Heathrow LHR EGLL is shown. These can change as operators change.
Status options include Active; B/u (Broken up); Derelict; Destroyed; GIA (Ground Instructional Airframe); Not Completed; On Order; Part out/Salvage; Pending Delivery; Preserved; Refurbish; Restoration; Status Unsure; Stored; To be scrapped; War Loss; Withdrawn
Two codes are given – F and R.
F signifies that you have logged the airframe.
R signifies that you have logged it under its current (now) registration. Therefore, if only F is shown, you logged the airframe under a previous registration.
An extremely useful visual indication of F and R is shown by the whole line being highlighted in green if you have seen the aircraft with its current registration on, or in yellow if you have only seen it with a previous registration on.
The number of Frames and number of them logged is also shown – this is useful where the registration has been applied across a number of different aircraft.
[An additional, ‘Edit’, column/link is included on the database Editors’ screen.]
The Reg is underlined (hyperlinked). If you click on this the summary aircraft information page shown below in the second screenshot is presented.
The Aircraft Details screen lists all airframes that have used the searched-for registration. Multiple records can occur where a country reuses registrations once the airframe changes to another country’s register or is destroyed. The illustration shows the re-use of D-ABEN. Here, for historic registrations, the current location rather than base is shown, the Hex is omitted as no longer relevant.
You now select the one of interest by clicking each registration record and viewing extra details in the table which appears on the right of the screen.
Additional Notes on this table.
- Op
Operator. - Note
Any useful information to add. - Unit
Military unit the aircraft is assigned to. - Tail
Tail code – typically for a military aircraft or glider. - acCode
Aircraft code. - Other Reg
(see 1.3) - Special
Special markings details. - Name
Any name worn. - P.I.
Previous identity/identities - Group Note
Any general comments for the airframe.
You then double-click the record’s registration and a full aircraft page of data is presented – here, PH-XRC provides example information.
Additional Notes on this table:
- ICAO
ICAO code for the aircraft type. - FF
The date the aircraft First Flew. - 1st CofA
Date of first Certificate of Airworthiness. - WFU
Withdrawn From Use. End of active service life. Cancellation date. - Note
A note on the Operator added by an Editor. - Flt No
Flight Number - Spec Marks
Special markings details. - Located
Base, IATA airfield code, ICAO airfield code - TT
Total Time in hours at service end. - TC
Total Cycles during service life – one cycle is a take-off and landing i.e. a flight. - MDPO
When you log a registration for the FIRST TIME, in the column MDPO it will mark M (Made)
When you log that registration against the same frame for a second or subsequent time, it marks it D (Drop)
If you then log a different registration against the same frame, it marks it P (PaintScrape)
If you log something that is not in the Database, it marks it O (Outstanding)
Scroll right for unit details, etc >>>>
Check with the slider whether there is additional information given to the right on Note, Unit, Code, Aircraft Name. - Personal Notes
You can number in ‘Sort’ any notes you add under ‘Personal Note’. A Note is limited to 50 characters. Scroll within the Note to read it all. Scroll up/down to move between Notes.
There are a series of buttons along the top of the screen to enable you to look up additional information from popular, useful sources.
On the right are three very useful features: - Add Log
Click on this and a screen opens so you can log the aircraft. Add as many details as you wish.
Note that after you have added a logging with the ‘Save to Log’ button on the input list above, in the Loggings table you can manually change any data on a loggings line e.g. Operator, MDPO, Notes. You are no longer constrained by a drop-down list – you can overwrite the contents of the drop-downs for the purpose of loggings if you wish.
- Add Flight
See 9.6 - Add Photo
You can add photos to any airframe. Details of how to do this are contained here: Photographs
- In general, aircraft are entered against the original designer/manufacturer.
- Replicas, look-alikes, developments (legitimate or otherwise) produced by other companies or individuals are either entered against the original type that they are based on (e.g. Super Cub replicas, look-alikes – ‘clones’) or have their own listings: American Legend, Cub Crafters, Javron and Backcountry all have their own listings.
- Some with their own listing may be added to the ‘family’ of the original type so a search on ‘Family’ will show them all.
Taking the Piper Aircraft PA-18 as an example, a ‘Production List’ search shows the decision box
Choosing ‘Specific Production List’ will list all Piper Aircraft PA-18s but not the PA-18 ‘clones’.
Choosing ‘Family Production List’ will list all Piper Aircraft PA-18s and include the PA-18 ‘clones’.- For many smaller, less well-known, aircraft types, references to the type may not mention the original designer/manufacturer
- Where the punctuation is unexpected e.g. I.C.P. – not ICP, it can confuse.
To avoid confusion in finding the aircraft type you want, use the Find Type feature below.
1.16 Find Type
To avoid confusion in finding the aircraft type you want, type in any one part of the Type that you know and a listing of all types with that character string will be shown. Then just select the one(s) you want.
Note: For a military register in 1.17 – 1.19 the qualifications mentioned above before 1.12 apply.
1.17 Mil Extant Military Extant
Select a Country from the drop-down list for its military aircraft register of current aircraft.
1.18 Mil Historic Military Historic
Select a Country from the drop-down list for its civil aircraft register of historic aircraft that once were registered there. These are listed under their latest, current, registration.
1.19 Mil Combi Military Combined
Select a Country from the drop-down list for its military aircraft register of current and historic aircraft.
1.20 Military Unit Military Unit
Search by a specific military unit operating an aircraft.
1.21 Military Code Military Code
Search by a military code.
1.22 Loc Search Location Search
Press ‘Clear’ to delete the remnants of any such previous searches. Type in the name of an Airfield or Museum then…
1.23 Airfields
For Airfield searches, select the left-most drop-down icon and select the required country from the list. Then select the right-most drop-down icon and select the required location from the list. Press GO.
1.24 Museums
For Museum searches, select the left-most drop-down icon and select the required country from the list. Then select the right-most drop-down icon and select the required location from the list. Press GO.
1.25 Coordinates
Select the left-most drop-down icon and select the required country. Select from the right-hand drop-down icon the region/county/state you want and then select ‘Airfield’ or ‘Museum / W&R’ (W&R stands for Wrecks & Relics).
For ‘Airfield’, a message box will show : “The file ‘qryGoogleCountry.xlsx’ already exists. Do you want to replace the existing file? Yes / No”
‘Yes’ – replaces the file ‘qryGoogleCountry.xlsx’ in a default folder displayed – edit the folder to where you want it.
‘No’ – lets you choose the filename and folder slightly more easily.
For ‘Museum/W&R’, the default file is ‘qryGoogleCountryNF.xlsx’
Airfield data shown (partial extract)
Museum data shown
Position/Coordinates are Latitude, Longitude. Only 4 decimal places are needed to locate to the nearest 10 metres.
2. PACIFIC WEBSITE & AIR SHOWS
This Section provides quick links to some useful information sites.
2.1 Pacific Aviation Website
Our main website. Acquaint yourself with its contents.
2.2 Database Wiki
This Wiki (manual). If you can’t find some information that you want, ask on pacificforum@googlegroups.com – it will be provided and added to this Wiki.
Air Shows
2.3 UK
Links to Flightline UK for UK air shows.
2.4 EU
Links to Flightline UK for EU/European air shows.
2.5 MilAvia
Links to Milavia.
2.6 Royal Aero Club
Links to the Royal Aero Club for UK air shows.
2.7 Scramble
Links to the Dutch Aviation Society’s ‘Scramble’ list of air shows.
Below these links are a list of air shows that are coming up soon.
3. MULTI-CRITERIA SEARCH (CURRENT FRAMES)
Select as many criteria as you need in order to isolate a listing of the aircraft you are interested in.
4. LOGBOOK
4.1 Autolog
If you type the same aircraft in twice, click on the grey box at the beginning of the input line, it will turn black, then press delete on your keyboard. If you do leave them both in, the system will only enter the aircraft once – this is reassuring when you input a long list of sightings where you have read off the same aircraft multiple times but did not have time to check them through.
4.2 Dynamic Logbook
Here you can view your loggings for any selected location and time period.
To delete entries in the dynamic logbook, highlight the aircraft’s line of data by clicking the 1st column of the data then press the ‘delete’ key on your keyboard
4.3 My Full Log
Your full set of loggings are shown in spreadsheet form. Use the filters as you wish to select your required records.
These can be exported to Excel for further analysis. See Export Loggings to Excel
4.4 Logbook Stats Logbook Statistics
4.5 Logbook Stats Ops
4.6 Logbook Stats Where
4.7 Flight Log
Shows your Flight Log. Right-clicking a column allows useful filtering and sorting.
4.8 Import Loggings
When the ‘Import Loggings’ screen opens, select all by clicking in the grey square at the top left (Or press Ctrl-A).
Paste your records into the grid
Registration / Aircraft / CN / Operator / Where / When / Notes
Registration, Where and When are mandatory fields and the others may be left blank. However the more fields you can complete, the easier it will be to accurately tie up the frame later on.
Example
When you have pasted your records into the grid, close the form and open the ‘Dynamic Logbook’
You will see your loggings in the two boxes at the bottom of the screen…
The top box is records that can be tied up to a current registration. If you are happy the tie-up is correct, select the record in the little square at the left of the record and double-click the red ‘log’ button for that record.
The bottom box is records that can be tied up against a historic registration. In the example above the frame ties against 4 historic records. This is because the frame has had four ownership changes over its life. If happy that this the frame then select the record in the little square at the left of the record and double-click any one of the four ‘LOG’ buttons.
When you logged all the records you can open ‘My Full Log’
All the current tie ups have been logged with current information, but the historic logging may not be the operator you intended. You can change this manually
Another Example
A solution to a User issue is detailed by selecting the link here Import Loggings – Reply to Query. It also illustrates how to manually change a historic logging where the operator is not the one you want.
4.9 MATCH Current
4.10 MATCH Historic
4.11 My Photo Log
4.12 Refresh Photo Count
5. DATABASE STATISTICS
5.1 Build Stats Build Statistics
Pressing this will update the statistics for each aircraft type as the database is updated. ‘Counting and Listing Records!’ is shown, press ‘OK’ and wait a few seconds until ‘Counting and Listing Completed!’ is shown, press ‘OK’. It is recommended that you do this after each batch of updates is run in.
5.2 Show Stats Show Statistics
Lists Types with the number of airframes of that type in the database. Clicking a type opens its Production List.
5.3 Frames
5.4 Histories
5.5 Operators
6. CODE LOOK-UPS
6.1 IATA Operator International Air Transport Association
To look-up an Operator with a 2 character code e.g. ‘BA’. A box asks you to ‘Enter two character IATA code’. Do this, ‘OK’ it then a ‘Results’ box shows Operator, IATA and ICAO codes, with buttons for Detail and Fleet.
6.2 ICAO Operator International Civil Aviation Organization
To look-up an Operator with a 3 character code e.g. ‘BAW’. A box asks you to ‘Enter three character ICAO code’. Do this, ‘OK’ it then a ‘Results’ box shows Operator, IATA and ICAO codes, with buttons for Detail and Fleet.
Clicking on the Operator – here ‘British Airways’ – brings up an Operator Details panel with any background details that have been entered into the database.
6.2 IATA Airfield
To look-up an Airfield with a 3 character code e.g. ‘LGW’. A box asks you to ‘Enter three character IATA (or other) code’. Do this, ‘OK’ it then an ‘Airfield Checklist’ box comes up with (where available) Country, County / State, Location (latitude, longitude) and Airfield Residents. Where Location is filled in, a Google Map showing the airfield can be shown by clicking the icon
Options to save as a PDF file or to Print are provided.
6.3 Aircraft (ICAO)
To look-up an Aircraft ICAO code, click ‘ICAO’. A box comes up asking you to ‘Enter Aircraft ICAO code’. Do this, e.g. PA32, ‘OK’ it then a ‘Results’ box comes up with
Aircraft ICAO codes can be 2, 3 or 4 characters.
7. MISCELLANEOUS
7.1 Operator Comment
Any information about the aircraft in service with the specific Operator.
7.2 Reservations
This gives a list of all aircraft known to have a reserved registration planned. You can sort it by clicking on the button for Reg(istration), Type, C/N or Operator. Note that not all reservations are eventually taken up. If one is not (sometimes referred to as ‘NTU (Not Taken Up)’) the reservation is excluded from the database.
7.3 Group Notes
Editors may add extra information about an aircraft as a Group Note. Type in the box keywords which you wish to search on for a possible list. You can sort it by clicking on the button for Reg(istration), Type, C/N or Note.
An example is to search on ‘TT’ which will show a list of many retired aircraft for which TT (total time in hours) and TC (Total Cycles – take-off & landing pairs) are available.
7.4 Auto Correct
The Microsoft Office AutoCorrect feature opens giving you control over changes you want for specific formatting and word replacement as you type.
See also 9.3 for confusion that can be caused by this feature when in operation.
7.5 Clear Photo Log
This is a potentially DANGEROUS feature that you can choose if you ever want to delete your log of photos. Use with extreme care as once-deleted, all the time-consuming work in compiling the log is lost and cannot be restored.
7.6 Logging default
This sets the default location for loggings to speed up logging. You can change it if required.
7.7 Photo Path
This specifies the folder in which your Photographs are placed. You can change it if required.
7.8 Backup Location
This specifies the folder in which your logging data is stored. The current file is ‘privatelogs.mdb’, earlier ones are called ‘(number)_PRIVATELOGS.MDB)’. You should regularly copy the current file to a backup location e.g. an external drive, USB stick etc as a protection in case your computer fails in any way. You can change it if required.
7.9 Days since
- Backup
Days since you last stored your logging data. - Compact
‘Compacting’ reduces the physical size of the database by removing any excess space created by deleting and modifying data. The more additions, deletions and modifications made to a database, the more often it should be compacted. You should compact at least once every 3-4 weeks. Check the ‘Days since…’ box regularly.
To remind you to backup your loggings and compact regularly, the ‘Backup’ and ‘Compact’ fields are green by default. After 21 days (3 weeks) they change to amber, and after 29 (roughly a month) they turn red. A reminder box will also notify you when you open the database.
7.10 Next Backup
This is the number of your next backup.
7.11 Backup
This creates a backup of your loggings in the Backup Location.
It is recommended that you do this after you have added new loggings. Don’t keep dozens of backups in your backups folder. If your hard disk fails then your loggings AND your backups are gone. Consider backing up online, or at least invest in an external hard drive.
Note that your loggings are independent of the database and, should you stop using the database, your personal loggings data is safe and available.
In order to do a backup, all the tables in the loggings database are disconnected from the front end to allow the loggings database to be copied. When the backup has been created the tables are reconnected to the front end.
What can go wrong? If a file exists in the backup folder with the same number as the new backup being created then the process stops dead and the loggings tables are left disconnected. If the backup location specified does not exist then the same thing will happen. Result in both cases: the front end is destroyed.
Make sure your specified backup location actually exists, and if it does keep it tidy. If you must keep many of them then periodically move them out of the backup folder and archive them safely out of the way.
7.12 Compact
This compacts the database to reduce its size. When you do this, heed all the warnings in the message box. When you are happy, press the ‘Continue >>>>>>>>>’ button.
You can compact to your heart’s content as many times a day as you want, but after the first compact there is nothing more to remove, so you may as well relax and compact again in about 3-4 weeks.
Every time you compact the dataset a backup of your loggings is taken first, so all of the above applies. The compacting process builds a copy of the dataset with a new name. When the new database is completed, the original is deleted and the new database takes the dataset.mdb name. By this time it is 20% or so lighter because all of the ‘gubbins’ that accumulates in databases over time has been removed. The compact process unlinks ALL tables from the front end for the duration of the process. It then relinks them at the end.
What can go wrong? If the compact process is interrupted in any way then it will not relink any tables and will be destroyed.
Be patient, the compact can take up to 30 minutes on a slow computer. Do not allow the compact routine to be interrupted. Keep a tidy DataAir folder with all unnecessary files, old database backups, old updates, etc either deleted, or moved out of the operating folder to a safe place of your choosing.
8. COMPUTER SET-UP & OPERATION
8.1 Database Performance Recommendations
A 2023 survey of members’ computer specifications and operating performance concluded the following points.
8.2 Access Runtime
We can install Access Runtime to run the database so that a User doesn’t have to own a copy of Access.
A small registry change has to be made to declare the DataAir folder as a trusted location, and that’s it.
Updates have to be run in from a subfolder of c:\DataAir – it is recommended that this is c:\DataAir\Updates
8.3 Setting the PAC Icon and sending it to the Taskbar
To set the PAC icon onto the Taskbar for easy launch if it isn’t easy to do:
- From the DataAir folder right click on the RunDataAir2.accdb file.
- Select Send to > then Desktop (create shortcut)
- Right click on the RunDataAir2.accdb shortcut on the desktop and select Properties
Changing the Icon - Select the Change Icon… button
- Browse… for the PAC icon where you have downloaded it, select it and press OK
Sending the Icon to the Taskbar - Add the word explorer and a space before the Target address
- Click Apply and OK
- Now right click on the new Icon on the desktop and select Pin to taskbar (or Pin to Start if you prefer to launch the database from there).
This procedure applies generally.
8.4 Short Date
Short date should be set to dd-mm-yy or dd/mm/yy
8.5 Files you should Have
Your main C:/DataAir folder should contain the following files:
- dtset.mdb
- RunDataAir2.accdb
- RunDataAir2.ico
- template.mdb
plus two sub folders: - SysDA
- My Logs.
You also need to create a backup folder C:/DataAirBackup. This contains the loggings back ups but keep the number of files kept in here to around 20.
8.6 Running-in Updates
The recommended way to process the regular weekly updates is as follows…
- Make sure your database is closed
- Download the zipped Updates files from the Updates email into your Downloads folder*
- Go to the Downloads folder. Select all the downloaded updates and extract them to the Updates folder* in the C:\DataAir\ folder
- Double-click on each of the extracted files in turn to run them into your database
- When you have finished all of them, open your database to confirm they have all run in correctly
- When you are happy they have all been run in correctly it is safe to remove them to the recycle bin, or elsewhere if you wish to keep them.
TIP! Create a shortcut on your Desktop to the C:\DataAir\Updates\ folder so that you can easily and quickly get there.
* The Updates folder is recommended, because any database files should always be run from a ‘Trusted Location’, and the C:\DataAir and its subfolders is such a trusted location – see below.
8.7 Setting a Trusted Folder
If your C:\DataAir folder is not set as a trusted folder then do this:
– Open Access
– Select Options
– Select Trust Center
- Select Trust Center Settings… button
- Select Trusted Locations
- If ‘C:\DataAir\’ is in the list, highlight it, in any case…
- Select Add new location…
- add C:\DataAir\ if it is missing
- Tick ‘Subfolders of this location are also trusted’
- Come out of Access via successive ‘OK’s
8.8 Backup your ‘RunDataAir2.accdb’ file – at least monthly.
The most common cause of issues is a faulty ‘RunDataAir2.accdb’ file. This file cannot be copied across from another user – it contains code uniquely linked to you.
Select, copy and paste the file – it may be in the ‘c:\DataAir’ folder – to create a new file ‘RunDataAir2 – copy.accdb’.
If you are ever advised to replace the file with a backup, rename the ‘RunDataAir2.accdb’ file to ‘OLDRunDataAir2.accdb’ then rename the ‘RunDataAir2 – copy.accdb’ file to ‘RunDataAir2.accdb’. Then run the database as normal.
8.9 Downloading & Running-in Updates
To minimise issues when downloading and running-in updates you should backup and compact your database regularly.
If you get an error message during the update process, close the update and return to the main (front) page. Press the ‘Compact’ button, read and heed the warning note then proceed with the Compact. Once it has completed, repeat the updating – it should now work. If you have any problems, email the PAC Forum at pacificforum@googlegroups.com for advice.
Best advice is
-
- run ‘Backup’ after you have entered a batch of loggings to protect them.
- run ‘Compact’ at least every 3 weeks
8.10 Macro Name: mcrTheBizz Error Number: 3167
‘I’m trying to install update 140 into the database and this has appeared on screen any help would be greatly appreciated.’
The database needs compacting. Please try and do a compact. Once done, retry the update.
8.11 Restore privatelogs from backup
‘I cannot find how to restore privatelogs from the backup folder.’
With the database closed:
Rename the file Privatelogs.mdb in your MyLogs folder and call it Privatelogsold.
Rename your file you want to restore in your Backups folder to Privatelogs.mdb and copy it to the MyLogs folder.
9. USER ISSUES & QUESTIONS
In this section the reported issue is given in italics.
9.1 How can I delete Dropped Loggings [or Paints]
‘Is there a way to delete all the dropped frames for a trip in bulk, or does it have to be one by one?’
There are two ways to do this.
1. In ‘Dynamic Logbook‘, select the date of your trip, and where, then select ‘Drop’. This will list your Dropped frames. Select (press) in the left-most margin the first Dropped, then press and hold down the SHIFT key (upward arrow key above the Ctrl key) while you select your last Dropped in the margin. All the lines between and including the first and last Dropped are highlighted. Press Delete. A message box will note that ‘You are about to delete x record(s)’ and warn ‘If you click Yes, you won’t be able to undo this Delete operation. Are you sure you want to delete these records?’ Then choose Yes or No. If you choose Yes they will instantly go forever.
2. Alternatively, you can adopt a similar approach by opening ‘My Full Log‘. Select the Location, Date and Status (“D” for Dropped). Select (press) in the left-most margin the first Dropped, then press and hold down the SHIFT key while you select your last Dropped in the margin. All the lines between and including the first and last Dropped are highlighted. Press Delete. The same message box will appear for you to choose whether to delete them or not.
Similarly, you can choose to delete any loggings which are ‘Paints’ – aircraft (airframes) that you’ve seen before but with other registrations.
9.2 How can I get a Printout of a page?
Sometimes there may not be a specific button to get a printout of a page, or you may want to create a tailored printout.
There is a way to do this that makes use of the basic Microsoft ‘Select All’ – ‘Copy’ – ‘Paste’ commands.
As an example to illustrate the process, if you wish to list aircraft needed at Newark Museum, these are the full step by step instructions:
- Select ‘Museums / W&Rs’ at the bottom of the left-hand green column of the main menu
- Select ‘G’ and then ‘Newark:- Newark Air Museum’ from the drop-downs (down arrows)
- Press ‘Go’
Museum listing appears - Right-click on any ‘F’ appearing in the 6th column across
(Note the Two codes given – F and R.
F signifies that you have logged the airframe.
R signifies that you have logged it under its current (now) registration. Therefore, if only F is shown, you logged the airframe under a previous registration.
If you want to just show aircraft that you haven’t seen with their current registration, right-click any ‘R’) - Left-click ‘Filter Excluding Selection’ in the menu that opens – this will then exclude any airframe you have seen by excluding any aircraft with an ‘F’ against it
A reduced Museum listing appears showing the aircraft you need - Left-click any value outside Column 1 i.e. Type, C/N, Operator, Hex (values not hyperlinked)
- Click “ctrl” + “A” (this selects all the data. Note that nothing seems to happen in Steps 7 & 8 but 9 shows they worked)
- Click “ctrl” +”C” (this copies it to the clipboard)
- Open a blank Excel sheet and put cursor in top left box and press “ctrl” + “V” (this inserts the data)
- Delete any Columns that you don’t need and reformat the required data as you wish
Sometimes you may have to select an empty cell before activating “ctrl” + “A”.
9.3 Registration keeps getting changed
‘The registration PH-HSI which is a Transavia B7378K2WL of Transavia Airlines comes up with PH-HIS which is a TB9. When you go back to where you inputted PH-HSI, the search shows PH-HIS.
I had to use the c/n to find the correct frame but it still won’t let me log it.’
(Another example: ‘Virgin Atlantic A330 G-VEYR comes up as G-VERY’)
This is caused by Microsoft Office’s ‘AutoCorrect’ feature. It is baffling when first encountered.
On the main screen select the green ‘Auto Correct’ bullet under ‘MISCELLANEOUS’.
Scroll down to ‘ihs’ and you will see that it is set to be replaced by ‘his’ (to correct what appears to be a misspelt word).
Click ‘ihs’ and both words will appear highlighted and in the Replace: / With: boxes.
Press ‘Delete’ and ‘OK’ to stop future such replacement.
Rather than switching ‘AutoCorrect’ off , it can be worth keeping it on so that you can set abbreviations for much-used words or phrases – just delete built-in replacements as you come to them.
9.4 RunPADG is not visible but is still running
‘My RunPADG is not on my screen but still running. If I click on RunPADG, it tells me to close anything that is using it.
I’ve looked through the Task Manager and tried to find something. But no success. It doesn’t even clear with a restart.’
Have a look in your C:/DataAir directory and see if there are any files called dtset.ldb and RunDataAir2.laccdb. If there is, delete them and try running RunPADG again. (The ‘l’ at the start of the filename denotes a locked file)
9.5 The ‘Getting CTL data’ screen is not progressing
If the screen is showing ‘Getting CTL data’ for a long period it normally means you have a hidden message box.
Try ‘Alt+tab’ to cycle through your open windows to find and respond to the message box.
9.6 How do I Log My Flights?
From the opening screen choose the Aircraft you flew on eg, G-DBCA, press ‘GO’.
Double-click the registration (it’s in blue, underlined). On the top line of buttons, select the ‘Add Flight’ button. Fill in details on the form
and click on ADD FLIGHT at bottom or ABANDON FLIGHT if you don’t want to save it.
9.7 Anti-Virus Software Blocking RunPADG Files
Some anti-virus software block RunPADG files and these files have to be set as exceptions in the anti-virus settings.
9.7.1 BitDefender
- Open the main Dashboard [Screen says ‘You are safe’]
- Select Protection [Protection Features]
- Select Online Threat Prevention – Settings [Online Threat Prevention]
- Select Manage exceptions – Add an Exception [Manage exceptions – Exceptions options]
Enter in turn each file below into the input box that appears
Repeat for the next file.
The Protection Feature will show the ‘Online Threat Prevention’ switch is turned on (blue)
Save
c:\RunPADG
c:\RunPADG\CompactRunner.exe
c:\RunPADG\DAORunner.exe
c:\RunPADG\RunPADG.exeAfter all are input the Manage exceptions screen will show the four files listed.
Return to the main Dashboard
9.7.2 McAfee Anti-Virus
‘I went to open the database and McAfee quarantined Run PADG and now I cannot open the database.’
If you experience McAfee suddenly deciding to quarantine the main RunPADG.exe and also sometimes the SSEInternetUpdater.exe, even though the application has been running fine, this may be due to a new set of virus rules that McAfee has recently introduced (early 2025).
To resolve, ensure that you have added the following exceptions to McAfee:
RunPADG.exe
SSEInternetUpdater.exe
CompactRunner.exe
DAORunner.exe
Uninstall-RunPADG.exe
Just as a further update on this topic, McAfee will automatically remove a program from its exclusion list if it sees a new version is installed.
Leon advises that he will write to McAfee to see if there is an option to suppress this but he suspects not.
So, he will try and remember to advise McAfee users in advance if he releases a new version of RunPADG but because the version upgrade checks and installs are built into the program, he thinks that you may still get issues that will need resolving.
9.8 How can I obtain a past Update?
These are all available on the Pacific website. To retrieve a copy:
- On the main screen, click the ‘Pacific Aviation Website’ button
- Select ‘LOG IN’
- Enter your Username or Email Address and your Password, click ‘Log In’
- Hover over ‘MEMBERS ONLY SECTION’ and scroll down to select ‘Update Files Sep 2022 DB->’
- Scroll down to the update you want (e.g Update 157 is called ‘157_datupdate.zip’) and click its ‘Download’ button
- Go to your Downloads folder e.g. c:/Downloads and unzip the .zip file
- Ensure the database is closed, then Double-click the resultant .mdb file(e.g. 157_database.mdb) to run it in.
10. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Group also provides you with access and free use of a number of additional resources:
- Facebook Page
- Flickr Photo Pages
- Planeplotter linked to the Database and your Loggings
- Direct, simple Autologging in Planeplotter
10.1 Facebook Page
This can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Pacificaviation
10.2 Our Flickr Photo Pages
For those of you interested in aircraft photography or just looking at photographs of aircraft, our Flickr group now has just under 20,000 photographs some dating back to the era of Black and White!!!!, some taken recently.
The group can be accessed at https://www.flickr.com/groups/1322575@N21/pool
If you are interested, go and have a look.
Flickr is FREE to join and you can post quite a number of pictures, all free.
If you enjoy then you can join up and become a PRO on Flickr for an annual fee but it is not a requirement.
10.3 Planeplotter linked to the Database and your Loggings
Leon Loberman has written a program (PacModeS2020) which uses your log file in a batch process to create a basestation.sqb database that can be used by Planeplotter. In particular, frames that have already been logged can be identified on the Planeplotter screen.
This batch process should be run after each set of updates to maintain the currency of the data. It takes about a minute to run on a decent spec Windows 10 machine.
10.4 Direct, simple Autologging in Planeplotter
Leon Loberman has written a second program (PacModeSLogging) which lets you log an airframe by simply selecting it from a dropdown list of aircraft that Planeplotter has picked up in your selected area on-screen.
11. ABBREVIATIONS
Selected Abbreviations used in the Database and/or often associated with aircraft records are given below.
| AES | Air Electronics School |
| AHUK | Aviation Heritage UK |
| B/u | Broken Up |
| BAPC | British Aviation Preservation Council |
| CAA | Civil Aviation Authority (UK) |
| c/n, C/N, CN, Con No | Construction Number |
| c/s | Colour Scheme |
| Canx | Cancelled |
| Civ | Civil |
| DB | Database |
| DBR | Damaged Beyond economic Repair |
| DD | Delivery Date |
| FF | First Flight date |
| GIA | Ground Instructional Airframe |
| HEX, Hex | Hexadecimal code (aircraft code used with ADS-B tracking for identification) |
| IATA | International Air Transport Association |
| ICAO | International Civil Aviation Organization |
| ID | Identity |
| MDPO | Made Dropped Paintscrape Outstanding |
| Mil | Military |
| MSN, msn | Manufacturer's Serial Number (same as Construction Number) |
| Op | Operator (as in Op Note) |
| opb | Operated By |
| opf | Operated For |
| PWFU | Permanently Withdrawn From Use |
| Reg | Registration |
| SelCal | Selective Calling (callsign for HF communications) |
| t/o | Trustee Of |
| TC | Total Cycles (cycle = take-off & landing i.e. flights) |
| tr | Trading as |
| TT | Total Time (flight hours) |
| TWFU | Temporarily Withdrawn From Use |
| W/O, w/o | Write-off (destroyed, beyond economic repair) |
| W&Rs | Wrecks & Relics |
AIRCRAFT RECORD DATA
This shows the Registration (Reg), Type, Construction Number (C/N), Build year, Operator, likely Base, Hex (Hexadecimal) Code, Status, Operator country flag, Logging status (F, R), Number of Photos in the database (Pix), [Edit – for Editors only], whether Active, whether Extant.
Note that the Operator, not the owner, is shown – these can differ e.g. many airliners are owned by leasing companies, some airline services are flown by other companies on their behalf.
If given, the aircraft’s Base together with its 3-letter IATA code and 4-letter ICAO code e.g. Heathrow LHR EGLL is shown. These can change as operators change.
Status options include Active; B/u (Broken up); Derelict; Destroyed; GIA (Ground Instructional Airframe); Not Completed; On Order; Part out/Salvage; Pending Delivery; Preserved; Refurbish; Restoration; Status Unsure; Stored; To be scrapped; War Loss; Withdrawn
Two codes are given – F and R.
F signifies that you have logged the airframe.
R signifies that you have logged it under its current (now) registration. Therefore, if only F is shown, you logged the airframe under a previous registration.
An extremely useful visual indication of F and R is shown by the whole line being highlighted in green if you have seen the aircraft with its current registration on, or in yellow if you have only seen it with a previous registration on.
The number of Frames and number of them logged is also shown – this is useful where the registration has been applied across a number of different aircraft.
[An additional, ‘Edit’, column/link is included on the database Editors’ screen.]
The Reg is underlined (hyperlinked). If you click on this the summary aircraft information page shown below in the second screenshot is presented.
The Aircraft Details screen lists all airframes that have used the searched-for registration. Multiple records can occur where a country reuses registrations once the airframe changes to another country’s register or is destroyed. The illustration shows the re-use of D-ABEN. Here, for historic registrations, the current location rather than base is shown, the Hex is omitted as no longer relevant.
You now select the one of interest by clicking each registration record and viewing extra details in the table which appears on the right of the screen.
Additional Notes on this table.
- Op
Operator. - Note
Any useful information to add. - Unit
Military unit the aircraft is assigned to. - Tail
Tail code – typically for a military aircraft or glider. - acCode
Aircraft code. - Other Reg
(see 1.3) - Special
Special markings details. - Name
Any name worn. - P.I.
Previous identity/identities - Group Note
Any general comments for the airframe.
You then double-click the record’s registration and a full aircraft page of data is presented – here, PH-XRC provides example information.
Additional Notes on this table:
- ICAO
ICAO code for the aircraft type. - FF
The date the aircraft First Flew. - 1st CofA
Date of first Certificate of Airworthiness. - WFU
Withdrawn From Use. End of active service life. Cancellation date. - Note
A note on the Operator added by an Editor. - Flt No
Flight Number - Spec Marks
Special markings details. - Located
Base, IATA airfield code, ICAO airfield code - TT
Total Time in hours at service end. - TC
Total Cycles during service life – one cycle is a take-off and landing i.e. a flight. - MDPO
When you log a registration for the FIRST TIME, in the column MDPO it will mark M (Made)
When you log that registration against the same frame for a second or subsequent time, it marks it D (Drop)
If you then log a different registration against the same frame, it marks it P (PaintScrape)
If you log something that is not in the Database, it marks it O (Outstanding)
Scroll right for unit details, etc >>>>
Check with the slider whether there is additional information given to the right on Note, Unit, Code, Aircraft Name. - Personal Notes
You can number in ‘Sort’ any notes you add under ‘Personal Note’. A Note is limited to 50 characters. Scroll within the Note to read it all. Scroll up/down to move between Notes.
There are a series of buttons along the top of the screen to enable you to look up additional information from popular, useful sources.
On the right are three very useful features: - Add Log
Click on this and a screen opens so you can log the aircraft. Add as many details as you wish.
Note that after you have added a logging with the ‘Save to Log’ button on the input list above, in the Loggings table you can manually change any data on a loggings line e.g. Operator, MDPO, Notes. You are no longer constrained by a drop-down list – you can overwrite the contents of the drop-downs for the purpose of loggings if you wish.
- Add Flight
See 9.6 - Add Photo
You can add photos to any airframe. Details of how to do this are contained here: Photographs
This Wiki / User Manual helps you to get the most information from the database.
When you use the database, if you hover the cursor over an input field, after a short pause an explanatory message will appear. This Wiki provides additional information on each feature where appropriate together with advice and illustrations.
For the latest details of new features in the database, see Latest Developments
If you have any problems, email the PAC Forum at pacificforum@googlegroups.com for advice.
The Wiki goes through each section of the main screen in the order below then adds information on additional resources, abbreviations and user aspects. The sub-screens are also detailed. Information is hyperlinked where appropriate.
1. Searches
2. Pacific Website & Air Shows
3. Multi-Criteria Search
4. Logbook
5. Database Statistics
6. Code Look-ups
7. Miscellaneous
————————————
8. Computer Set-Up & Operation
9. User Issues & Questions
10. Additional Resources
11. Abbreviations
————————————
12. Aircraft Record Data
1. SEARCHES
You have the option of using the TAB key or selecting GO to run a search.
Note that you can use wildcards (? or *) in Current/Historic Reg and Con No searches.
? is for a single wildcard character, ?? for two etc. For example G-ABC? will fetch G-ABCA, G-ABCB, etc.
* is for single or multiple wildcard characters e.g. G-AB* will fetch all from G-ABAA to G-ABZZ.
Searches covers various types of information:
- Aircraft
- Operators
- Civil Aircraft Register
- Production Lists
- Find Type
- Military Aircraft Registers
- Military Units & Codes
- Locations
- Airfields
- Museums
- Coordinates
1.1 Current Reg (Registration)
Search by the Current Registration.
If you can’t find a registration,
- Check that the registration is in the correct format. Beware registrations with or without hyphens: these can cause problems for Latin American countries and military serials.
-
Try searching on part of the registration using the ? and * characters. The airframe is probably in the database but without the partial or full registration. Note that when an aircraft is exported, initially only the country it is exported to is often known so an Editor will only input the country prefix. Once the full registration is available, this is updated.
-
Do a search on the c/n if you know what it is
-
Request an aircraft update for a new registration, or a new aircraft addition on the Forum at pacificforum@googlegroups.com stating in the message title which of these it is together with the registration and aircraft type so that the appropriate Editor will pick it up and action it. In the message main text, please give as much information as you can and the information source.
-
Aircraft with BAPC (British Aviation Preservation Council) numbers – the BAPC is now known as Aviation Heritage UK or AHUK – are entered in the format ‘BAPC.019’ for consistency. The rule adopted is that they are listed under their BAPC number, except where a frame still carries a current civil registration then this is used and the BAPC number is shown under ‘Other Reg’.
If the registration is not found to be current, the following dialogue box appears.
Select the appropriate option.
If the aircraft to be logged is neither current nor historic, it is new and can be added by selecting Add to log as outstanding.
If it is found, a line of data is displayed for each record with that registration.
A full description of the record information pages can be found at Aircraft Record Data
1.2 Historic (Registration)
Search by a registration that you know to be no longer current.
1.3 Other Reg (Registration)
A registration carried on the aircraft which is not the current true registration. Typically where a historic aircraft is painted to represent a famous aircraft or that of a famous pilot.
1.4 Line No.
The order in which an aircraft is built on the production line e.g. 37 denotes the 37th aircraft built of the specific model. Note, however, that the order in
which a specific aircraft is built can be changed while retaining its Line No. e.g. a military aircraft is given priority for a customer with an acute operational
need.
Where an aircraft is built by a subcontractor or by an individual in kit form, in this database, the Line No. shows the Manufacturer’s Serial Number and
CN shows the subcontractor/individual’s number.
1.5 C/N (also sometimes shown as CN, C/n, c/n)
Construction Number (c/n) or Manufacturer’s Serial Number (MSN) – the unique identifier number for the aircraft carried from factory build through its
operational life to eventual scrappage. Search by a manufacturer’s/builder’s unique construction number. Sometimes an aircraft may have more than one e.g. a Light Aircraft Association project number plus the home-builder’s own personal number.
1.6 1st C/N
This is the original c/n when, for whatever (unusual) reason, an aircraft c/n is changed.
1.7 Hex
The Hexadecimal (6 character) unique code carried by an aircraft for ModeS / ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast) identification on aircraft tracking systems. Trackers such as SBS-1/3 and Radarbox onwards use an external database to decode the Hex code into a current registration.
The Hex code can change if the aircraft’s registration or country of registration changes, dependent on the country.
1.8 ID
A unique identifier number for each aircraft in the database. (Only of use for Editors)
1.9 Ops (Live) Operators (Live)
Select a current Operator from the drop-down list.
1.10 Ops (Past) Operators (Past)
Select a former, non-current, Operator from the drop-down list.
1.11 Inactive Operators
Select a former, non-current, Operator from the drop-down list.
Note: For a civil register in 1.12 – 1.14 and a military register in 1.17 – 1.19
- You can sort it by clicking on the button for Reg(istration), Type, C/N or Operator.
- You can also filter the list for Extant, Active, Inactive, Seen, Required (F = Frame), Required (P = Paint).
- It shows at the top the number of airframes in the register and how many you have Logged.
- A registration will be repeated for each separate operator or where a type has changed. If ‘Private’ or ‘Corporate’ are repeated, they will correspond to different time periods.
1.12 Civil Extant
Select a Country from the drop-down for a list of its Current civil register.
1.13 Civil Historic
Select a Country from the drop-down list for a list of its Historic civil aircraft – aircraft that once were registered there but no longer are.
1.14 Civil Combi Civil Combined
Select a Country from the drop-down list for its civil aircraft register of current and historic aircraft.
1.15 Prod List Production List
Select a Manufacturer and Type from the drop-down list to get a production listing which you can reorder by Reg(istration), Type, construction number (C/N) or operator. Click on a Reg to bring up an aircraft’s basic screen of information.
One problem is that you need to know the manufacturer that has been used in this database. Originally it was the designer who then manufactured his aircraft. However, over time, manufacturers have been taken over by new people and organisations, and renamed accordingly. Types have been developed from the original types and may retain the type name or be given an entirely new name. Thus it is often not obvious how a type is named.
- In general, aircraft are entered against the original designer/manufacturer.
- Replicas, look-alikes, developments (legitimate or otherwise) produced by other companies or individuals are either entered against the original type that they are based on (e.g. Super Cub replicas, look-alikes – ‘clones’) or have their own listings: American Legend, Cub Crafters, Javron and Backcountry all have their own listings.
- Some with their own listing may be added to the ‘family’ of the original type so a search on ‘Family’ will show them all.
Taking the Piper Aircraft PA-18 as an example, a ‘Production List’ search shows the decision box
Choosing ‘Specific Production List’ will list all Piper Aircraft PA-18s but not the PA-18 ‘clones’.
Choosing ‘Family Production List’ will list all Piper Aircraft PA-18s and include the PA-18 ‘clones’.- For many smaller, less well-known, aircraft types, references to the type may not mention the original designer/manufacturer
- Where the punctuation is unexpected e.g. I.C.P. – not ICP, it can confuse.
To avoid confusion in finding the aircraft type you want, use the Find Type feature below.
1.16 Find Type
To avoid confusion in finding the aircraft type you want, type in any one part of the Type that you know and a listing of all types with that character string will be shown. Then just select the one(s) you want.
Note: For a military register in 1.17 – 1.19 the qualifications mentioned above before 1.12 apply.
1.17 Mil Extant Military Extant
Select a Country from the drop-down list for its military aircraft register of current aircraft.
1.18 Mil Historic Military Historic
Select a Country from the drop-down list for its civil aircraft register of historic aircraft that once were registered there. These are listed under their latest, current, registration.
1.19 Mil Combi Military Combined
Select a Country from the drop-down list for its military aircraft register of current and historic aircraft.
1.20 Military Unit Military Unit
Search by a specific military unit operating an aircraft.
1.21 Military Code Military Code
Search by a military code.
1.22 Loc Search Location Search
Press ‘Clear’ to delete the remnants of any such previous searches. Type in the name of an Airfield or Museum then…
1.23 Airfields
For Airfield searches, select the left-most drop-down icon and select the required country from the list. Then select the right-most drop-down icon and select the required location from the list. Press GO.
1.24 Museums
For Museum searches, select the left-most drop-down icon and select the required country from the list. Then select the right-most drop-down icon and select the required location from the list. Press GO.
1.25 Coordinates
Select the left-most drop-down icon and select the required country. Select from the right-hand drop-down icon the region/county/state you want and then select ‘Airfield’ or ‘Museum / W&R’ (W&R stands for Wrecks & Relics).
For ‘Airfield’, a message box will show : “The file ‘qryGoogleCountry.xlsx’ already exists. Do you want to replace the existing file? Yes / No”
‘Yes’ – replaces the file ‘qryGoogleCountry.xlsx’ in a default folder displayed – edit the folder to where you want it.
‘No’ – lets you choose the filename and folder slightly more easily.
For ‘Museum/W&R’, the default file is ‘qryGoogleCountryNF.xlsx’
Airfield data shown (partial extract)
Museum data shown
Position/Coordinates are Latitude, Longitude. Only 4 decimal places are needed to locate to the nearest 10 metres.
2. PACIFIC WEBSITE & AIR SHOWS
This Section provides quick links to some useful information sites.
2.1 Pacific Aviation Website
Our main website. Acquaint yourself with its contents.
2.2 Database Wiki
This Wiki (manual). If you can’t find some information that you want, ask on pacificforum@googlegroups.com – it will be provided and added to this Wiki.
Air Shows
2.3 UK
Links to Flightline UK for UK air shows.
2.4 EU
Links to Flightline UK for EU/European air shows.
2.5 MilAvia
Links to Milavia.
2.6 Royal Aero Club
Links to the Royal Aero Club for UK air shows.
2.7 Scramble
Links to the Dutch Aviation Society’s ‘Scramble’ list of air shows.
Below these links are a list of air shows that are coming up soon.
3. MULTI-CRITERIA SEARCH (CURRENT FRAMES)
Select as many criteria as you need in order to isolate a listing of the aircraft you are interested in.
4. LOGBOOK
4.1 Autolog
If you type the same aircraft in twice, click on the grey box at the beginning of the input line, it will turn black, then press delete on your keyboard. If you do leave them both in, the system will only enter the aircraft once – this is reassuring when you input a long list of sightings where you have read off the same aircraft multiple times but did not have time to check them through.
4.2 Dynamic Logbook
Here you can view your loggings for any selected location and time period.
To delete entries in the dynamic logbook, highlight the aircraft’s line of data by clicking the 1st column of the data then press the ‘delete’ key on your keyboard
4.3 My Full Log
Your full set of loggings are shown in spreadsheet form. Use the filters as you wish to select your required records.
These can be exported to Excel for further analysis. See Export Loggings to Excel
4.4 Logbook Stats Logbook Statistics
4.5 Logbook Stats Ops
4.6 Logbook Stats Where
4.7 Flight Log
Shows your Flight Log. Right-clicking a column allows useful filtering and sorting.
4.8 Import Loggings
When the ‘Import Loggings’ screen opens, select all by clicking in the grey square at the top left (Or press Ctrl-A).
Paste your records into the grid
Registration / Aircraft / CN / Operator / Where / When / Notes
Registration, Where and When are mandatory fields and the others may be left blank. However the more fields you can complete, the easier it will be to accurately tie up the frame later on.
Example
When you have pasted your records into the grid, close the form and open the ‘Dynamic Logbook’
You will see your loggings in the two boxes at the bottom of the screen…
The top box is records that can be tied up to a current registration. If you are happy the tie-up is correct, select the record in the little square at the left of the record and double-click the red ‘log’ button for that record.
The bottom box is records that can be tied up against a historic registration. In the example above the frame ties against 4 historic records. This is because the frame has had four ownership changes over its life. If happy that this the frame then select the record in the little square at the left of the record and double-click any one of the four ‘LOG’ buttons.
When you logged all the records you can open ‘My Full Log’
All the current tie ups have been logged with current information, but the historic logging may not be the operator you intended. You can change this manually
Another Example
A solution to a User issue is detailed by selecting the link here Import Loggings – Reply to Query. It also illustrates how to manually change a historic logging where the operator is not the one you want.
4.9 MATCH Current
4.10 MATCH Historic
4.11 My Photo Log
4.12 Refresh Photo Count
5. DATABASE STATISTICS
5.1 Build Stats Build Statistics
Pressing this will update the statistics for each aircraft type as the database is updated. ‘Counting and Listing Records!’ is shown, press ‘OK’ and wait a few seconds until ‘Counting and Listing Completed!’ is shown, press ‘OK’. It is recommended that you do this after each batch of updates is run in.
5.2 Show Stats Show Statistics
Lists Types with the number of airframes of that type in the database. Clicking a type opens its Production List.
5.3 Frames
5.4 Histories
5.5 Operators
6. CODE LOOK-UPS
6.1 IATA Operator International Air Transport Association
To look-up an Operator with a 2 character code e.g. ‘BA’. A box asks you to ‘Enter two character IATA code’. Do this, ‘OK’ it then a ‘Results’ box shows Operator, IATA and ICAO codes, with buttons for Detail and Fleet.
6.2 ICAO Operator International Civil Aviation Organization
To look-up an Operator with a 3 character code e.g. ‘BAW’. A box asks you to ‘Enter three character ICAO code’. Do this, ‘OK’ it then a ‘Results’ box shows Operator, IATA and ICAO codes, with buttons for Detail and Fleet.
Clicking on the Operator – here ‘British Airways’ – brings up an Operator Details panel with any background details that have been entered into the database.
6.2 IATA Airfield
To look-up an Airfield with a 3 character code e.g. ‘LGW’. A box asks you to ‘Enter three character IATA (or other) code’. Do this, ‘OK’ it then an ‘Airfield Checklist’ box comes up with (where available) Country, County / State, Location (latitude, longitude) and Airfield Residents. Where Location is filled in, a Google Map showing the airfield can be shown by clicking the icon
Options to save as a PDF file or to Print are provided.
6.3 Aircraft (ICAO)
To look-up an Aircraft ICAO code, click ‘ICAO’. A box comes up asking you to ‘Enter Aircraft ICAO code’. Do this, e.g. PA32, ‘OK’ it then a ‘Results’ box comes up with
Aircraft ICAO codes can be 2, 3 or 4 characters.
7. MISCELLANEOUS
7.1 Operator Comment
Any information about the aircraft in service with the specific Operator.
7.2 Reservations
This gives a list of all aircraft known to have a reserved registration planned. You can sort it by clicking on the button for Reg(istration), Type, C/N or Operator. Note that not all reservations are eventually taken up. If one is not (sometimes referred to as ‘NTU (Not Taken Up)’) the reservation is excluded from the database.
7.3 Group Notes
Editors may add extra information about an aircraft as a Group Note. Type in the box keywords which you wish to search on for a possible list. You can sort it by clicking on the button for Reg(istration), Type, C/N or Note.
An example is to search on ‘TT’ which will show a list of many retired aircraft for which TT (total time in hours) and TC (Total Cycles – take-off & landing pairs) are available.
7.4 Auto Correct
The Microsoft Office AutoCorrect feature opens giving you control over changes you want for specific formatting and word replacement as you type.
See also 9.3 for confusion that can be caused by this feature when in operation.
7.5 Clear Photo Log
This is a potentially DANGEROUS feature that you can choose if you ever want to delete your log of photos. Use with extreme care as once-deleted, all the time-consuming work in compiling the log is lost and cannot be restored.
7.6 Logging default
This sets the default location for loggings to speed up logging. You can change it if required.
7.7 Photo Path
This specifies the folder in which your Photographs are placed. You can change it if required.
7.8 Backup Location
This specifies the folder in which your logging data is stored. The current file is ‘privatelogs.mdb’, earlier ones are called ‘(number)_PRIVATELOGS.MDB)’. You should regularly copy the current file to a backup location e.g. an external drive, USB stick etc as a protection in case your computer fails in any way. You can change it if required.
7.9 Days since
- Backup
Days since you last stored your logging data. - Compact
‘Compacting’ reduces the physical size of the database by removing any excess space created by deleting and modifying data. The more additions, deletions and modifications made to a database, the more often it should be compacted. You should compact at least once every 3-4 weeks. Check the ‘Days since…’ box regularly.
To remind you to backup your loggings and compact regularly, the ‘Backup’ and ‘Compact’ fields are green by default. After 21 days (3 weeks) they change to amber, and after 29 (roughly a month) they turn red. A reminder box will also notify you when you open the database.
7.10 Next Backup
This is the number of your next backup.
7.11 Backup
This creates a backup of your loggings in the Backup Location.
It is recommended that you do this after you have added new loggings. Don’t keep dozens of backups in your backups folder. If your hard disk fails then your loggings AND your backups are gone. Consider backing up online, or at least invest in an external hard drive.
Note that your loggings are independent of the database and, should you stop using the database, your personal loggings data is safe and available.
In order to do a backup, all the tables in the loggings database are disconnected from the front end to allow the loggings database to be copied. When the backup has been created the tables are reconnected to the front end.
What can go wrong? If a file exists in the backup folder with the same number as the new backup being created then the process stops dead and the loggings tables are left disconnected. If the backup location specified does not exist then the same thing will happen. Result in both cases: the front end is destroyed.
Make sure your specified backup location actually exists, and if it does keep it tidy. If you must keep many of them then periodically move them out of the backup folder and archive them safely out of the way.
7.12 Compact
This compacts the database to reduce its size. When you do this, heed all the warnings in the message box. When you are happy, press the ‘Continue >>>>>>>>>’ button.
You can compact to your heart’s content as many times a day as you want, but after the first compact there is nothing more to remove, so you may as well relax and compact again in about 3-4 weeks.
Every time you compact the dataset a backup of your loggings is taken first, so all of the above applies. The compacting process builds a copy of the dataset with a new name. When the new database is completed, the original is deleted and the new database takes the dataset.mdb name. By this time it is 20% or so lighter because all of the ‘gubbins’ that accumulates in databases over time has been removed. The compact process unlinks ALL tables from the front end for the duration of the process. It then relinks them at the end.
What can go wrong? If the compact process is interrupted in any way then it will not relink any tables and will be destroyed.
Be patient, the compact can take up to 30 minutes on a slow computer. Do not allow the compact routine to be interrupted. Keep a tidy DataAir folder with all unnecessary files, old database backups, old updates, etc either deleted, or moved out of the operating folder to a safe place of your choosing.
8. COMPUTER SET-UP & OPERATION
8.1 Database Performance Recommendations
A 2023 survey of members’ computer specifications and operating performance concluded the following points.
8.2 Access Runtime
We can install Access Runtime to run the database so that a User doesn’t have to own a copy of Access.
A small registry change has to be made to declare the DataAir folder as a trusted location, and that’s it.
Updates have to be run in from a subfolder of c:\DataAir – it is recommended that this is c:\DataAir\Updates
8.3 Setting the PAC Icon and sending it to the Taskbar
To set the PAC icon onto the Taskbar for easy launch if it isn’t easy to do:
- From the DataAir folder right click on the RunDataAir2.accdb file.
- Select Send to > then Desktop (create shortcut)
- Right click on the RunDataAir2.accdb shortcut on the desktop and select Properties
Changing the Icon - Select the Change Icon… button
- Browse… for the PAC icon where you have downloaded it, select it and press OK
Sending the Icon to the Taskbar - Add the word explorer and a space before the Target address
- Click Apply and OK
- Now right click on the new Icon on the desktop and select Pin to taskbar (or Pin to Start if you prefer to launch the database from there).
This procedure applies generally.
8.4 Short Date
Short date should be set to dd-mm-yy or dd/mm/yy
8.5 Files you should Have
Your main C:/DataAir folder should contain the following files:
- dtset.mdb
- RunDataAir2.accdb
- RunDataAir2.ico
- template.mdb
plus two sub folders: - SysDA
- My Logs.
You also need to create a backup folder C:/DataAirBackup. This contains the loggings back ups but keep the number of files kept in here to around 20.
8.6 Running-in Updates
The recommended way to process the regular weekly updates is as follows…
- Make sure your database is closed
- Download the zipped Updates files from the Updates email into your Downloads folder*
- Go to the Downloads folder. Select all the downloaded updates and extract them to the Updates folder* in the C:\DataAir\ folder
- Double-click on each of the extracted files in turn to run them into your database
- When you have finished all of them, open your database to confirm they have all run in correctly
- When you are happy they have all been run in correctly it is safe to remove them to the recycle bin, or elsewhere if you wish to keep them.
TIP! Create a shortcut on your Desktop to the C:\DataAir\Updates\ folder so that you can easily and quickly get there.
* The Updates folder is recommended, because any database files should always be run from a ‘Trusted Location’, and the C:\DataAir and its subfolders is such a trusted location – see below.
8.7 Setting a Trusted Folder
If your C:\DataAir folder is not set as a trusted folder then do this:
– Open Access
– Select Options
– Select Trust Center
- Select Trust Center Settings… button
- Select Trusted Locations
- If ‘C:\DataAir\’ is in the list, highlight it, in any case…
- Select Add new location…
- add C:\DataAir\ if it is missing
- Tick ‘Subfolders of this location are also trusted’
- Come out of Access via successive ‘OK’s
8.8 Backup your ‘RunDataAir2.accdb’ file – at least monthly.
The most common cause of issues is a faulty ‘RunDataAir2.accdb’ file. This file cannot be copied across from another user – it contains code uniquely linked to you.
Select, copy and paste the file – it may be in the ‘c:\DataAir’ folder – to create a new file ‘RunDataAir2 – copy.accdb’.
If you are ever advised to replace the file with a backup, rename the ‘RunDataAir2.accdb’ file to ‘OLDRunDataAir2.accdb’ then rename the ‘RunDataAir2 – copy.accdb’ file to ‘RunDataAir2.accdb’. Then run the database as normal.
8.9 Downloading & Running-in Updates
To minimise issues when downloading and running-in updates you should backup and compact your database regularly.
If you get an error message during the update process, close the update and return to the main (front) page. Press the ‘Compact’ button, read and heed the warning note then proceed with the Compact. Once it has completed, repeat the updating – it should now work. If you have any problems, email the PAC Forum at pacificforum@googlegroups.com for advice.
Best advice is
-
- run ‘Backup’ after you have entered a batch of loggings to protect them.
- run ‘Compact’ at least every 3 weeks
8.10 Macro Name: mcrTheBizz Error Number: 3167
‘I’m trying to install update 140 into the database and this has appeared on screen any help would be greatly appreciated.’
The database needs compacting. Please try and do a compact. Once done, retry the update.
8.11 Restore privatelogs from backup
‘I cannot find how to restore privatelogs from the backup folder.’
With the database closed:
Rename the file Privatelogs.mdb in your MyLogs folder and call it Privatelogsold.
Rename your file you want to restore in your Backups folder to Privatelogs.mdb and copy it to the MyLogs folder.
9. USER ISSUES & QUESTIONS
In this section the reported issue is given in italics.
9.1 How can I delete Dropped Loggings [or Paints]
‘Is there a way to delete all the dropped frames for a trip in bulk, or does it have to be one by one?’
There are two ways to do this.
1. In ‘Dynamic Logbook‘, select the date of your trip, and where, then select ‘Drop’. This will list your Dropped frames. Select (press) in the left-most margin the first Dropped, then press and hold down the SHIFT key (upward arrow key above the Ctrl key) while you select your last Dropped in the margin. All the lines between and including the first and last Dropped are highlighted. Press Delete. A message box will note that ‘You are about to delete x record(s)’ and warn ‘If you click Yes, you won’t be able to undo this Delete operation. Are you sure you want to delete these records?’ Then choose Yes or No. If you choose Yes they will instantly go forever.
2. Alternatively, you can adopt a similar approach by opening ‘My Full Log‘. Select the Location, Date and Status (“D” for Dropped). Select (press) in the left-most margin the first Dropped, then press and hold down the SHIFT key while you select your last Dropped in the margin. All the lines between and including the first and last Dropped are highlighted. Press Delete. The same message box will appear for you to choose whether to delete them or not.
Similarly, you can choose to delete any loggings which are ‘Paints’ – aircraft (airframes) that you’ve seen before but with other registrations.
9.2 How can I get a Printout of a page?
Sometimes there may not be a specific button to get a printout of a page, or you may want to create a tailored printout.
There is a way to do this that makes use of the basic Microsoft ‘Select All’ – ‘Copy’ – ‘Paste’ commands.
As an example to illustrate the process, if you wish to list aircraft needed at Newark Museum, these are the full step by step instructions:
- Select ‘Museums / W&Rs’ at the bottom of the left-hand green column of the main menu
- Select ‘G’ and then ‘Newark:- Newark Air Museum’ from the drop-downs (down arrows)
- Press ‘Go’
Museum listing appears - Right-click on any ‘F’ appearing in the 6th column across
(Note the Two codes given – F and R.
F signifies that you have logged the airframe.
R signifies that you have logged it under its current (now) registration. Therefore, if only F is shown, you logged the airframe under a previous registration.
If you want to just show aircraft that you haven’t seen with their current registration, right-click any ‘R’) - Left-click ‘Filter Excluding Selection’ in the menu that opens – this will then exclude any airframe you have seen by excluding any aircraft with an ‘F’ against it
A reduced Museum listing appears showing the aircraft you need - Left-click any value outside Column 1 i.e. Type, C/N, Operator, Hex (values not hyperlinked)
- Click “ctrl” + “A” (this selects all the data. Note that nothing seems to happen in Steps 7 & 8 but 9 shows they worked)
- Click “ctrl” +”C” (this copies it to the clipboard)
- Open a blank Excel sheet and put cursor in top left box and press “ctrl” + “V” (this inserts the data)
- Delete any Columns that you don’t need and reformat the required data as you wish
Sometimes you may have to select an empty cell before activating “ctrl” + “A”.
9.3 Registration keeps getting changed
‘The registration PH-HSI which is a Transavia B7378K2WL of Transavia Airlines comes up with PH-HIS which is a TB9. When you go back to where you inputted PH-HSI, the search shows PH-HIS.
I had to use the c/n to find the correct frame but it still won’t let me log it.’
(Another example: ‘Virgin Atlantic A330 G-VEYR comes up as G-VERY’)
This is caused by Microsoft Office’s ‘AutoCorrect’ feature. It is baffling when first encountered.
On the main screen select the green ‘Auto Correct’ bullet under ‘MISCELLANEOUS’.
Scroll down to ‘ihs’ and you will see that it is set to be replaced by ‘his’ (to correct what appears to be a misspelt word).
Click ‘ihs’ and both words will appear highlighted and in the Replace: / With: boxes.
Press ‘Delete’ and ‘OK’ to stop future such replacement.
Rather than switching ‘AutoCorrect’ off , it can be worth keeping it on so that you can set abbreviations for much-used words or phrases – just delete built-in replacements as you come to them.
9.4 RunPADG is not visible but is still running
‘My RunPADG is not on my screen but still running. If I click on RunPADG, it tells me to close anything that is using it.
I’ve looked through the Task Manager and tried to find something. But no success. It doesn’t even clear with a restart.’
Have a look in your C:/DataAir directory and see if there are any files called dtset.ldb and RunDataAir2.laccdb. If there is, delete them and try running RunPADG again. (The ‘l’ at the start of the filename denotes a locked file)
9.5 The ‘Getting CTL data’ screen is not progressing
If the screen is showing ‘Getting CTL data’ for a long period it normally means you have a hidden message box.
Try ‘Alt+tab’ to cycle through your open windows to find and respond to the message box.
9.6 How do I Log My Flights?
From the opening screen choose the Aircraft you flew on eg, G-DBCA, press ‘GO’.
Double-click the registration (it’s in blue, underlined). On the top line of buttons, select the ‘Add Flight’ button. Fill in details on the form
and click on ADD FLIGHT at bottom or ABANDON FLIGHT if you don’t want to save it.
9.7 Anti-Virus Software Blocking RunPADG Files
Some anti-virus software block RunPADG files and these files have to be set as exceptions in the anti-virus settings.
9.7.1 BitDefender
- Open the main Dashboard [Screen says ‘You are safe’]
- Select Protection [Protection Features]
- Select Online Threat Prevention – Settings [Online Threat Prevention]
- Select Manage exceptions – Add an Exception [Manage exceptions – Exceptions options]
Enter in turn each file below into the input box that appears
Repeat for the next file.
The Protection Feature will show the ‘Online Threat Prevention’ switch is turned on (blue)
Save
c:\RunPADG
c:\RunPADG\CompactRunner.exe
c:\RunPADG\DAORunner.exe
c:\RunPADG\RunPADG.exeAfter all are input the Manage exceptions screen will show the four files listed.
Return to the main Dashboard
9.7.2 McAfee Anti-Virus
‘I went to open the database and McAfee quarantined Run PADG and now I cannot open the database.’
If you experience McAfee suddenly deciding to quarantine the main RunPADG.exe and also sometimes the SSEInternetUpdater.exe, even though the application has been running fine, this may be due to a new set of virus rules that McAfee has recently introduced (early 2025).
To resolve, ensure that you have added the following exceptions to McAfee:
RunPADG.exe
SSEInternetUpdater.exe
CompactRunner.exe
DAORunner.exe
Uninstall-RunPADG.exe
Just as a further update on this topic, McAfee will automatically remove a program from its exclusion list if it sees a new version is installed.
Leon advises that he will write to McAfee to see if there is an option to suppress this but he suspects not.
So, he will try and remember to advise McAfee users in advance if he releases a new version of RunPADG but because the version upgrade checks and installs are built into the program, he thinks that you may still get issues that will need resolving.
9.8 How can I obtain a past Update?
These are all available on the Pacific website. To retrieve a copy:
- On the main screen, click the ‘Pacific Aviation Website’ button
- Select ‘LOG IN’
- Enter your Username or Email Address and your Password, click ‘Log In’
- Hover over ‘MEMBERS ONLY SECTION’ and scroll down to select ‘Update Files Sep 2022 DB->’
- Scroll down to the update you want (e.g Update 157 is called ‘157_datupdate.zip’) and click its ‘Download’ button
- Go to your Downloads folder e.g. c:/Downloads and unzip the .zip file
- Ensure the database is closed, then Double-click the resultant .mdb file(e.g. 157_database.mdb) to run it in.
10. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Group also provides you with access and free use of a number of additional resources:
- Facebook Page
- Flickr Photo Pages
- Planeplotter linked to the Database and your Loggings
- Direct, simple Autologging in Planeplotter
10.1 Facebook Page
This can be found at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Pacificaviation
10.2 Our Flickr Photo Pages
For those of you interested in aircraft photography or just looking at photographs of aircraft, our Flickr group now has just under 20,000 photographs some dating back to the era of Black and White!!!!, some taken recently.
The group can be accessed at https://www.flickr.com/groups/1322575@N21/pool
If you are interested, go and have a look.
Flickr is FREE to join and you can post quite a number of pictures, all free.
If you enjoy then you can join up and become a PRO on Flickr for an annual fee but it is not a requirement.
10.3 Planeplotter linked to the Database and your Loggings
Leon Loberman has written a program (PacModeS2020) which uses your log file in a batch process to create a basestation.sqb database that can be used by Planeplotter. In particular, frames that have already been logged can be identified on the Planeplotter screen.
This batch process should be run after each set of updates to maintain the currency of the data. It takes about a minute to run on a decent spec Windows 10 machine.
10.4 Direct, simple Autologging in Planeplotter
Leon Loberman has written a second program (PacModeSLogging) which lets you log an airframe by simply selecting it from a dropdown list of aircraft that Planeplotter has picked up in your selected area on-screen.
11. ABBREVIATIONS
Selected Abbreviations used in the Database and/or often associated with aircraft records are given below.
| AES | Air Electronics School |
| AHUK | Aviation Heritage UK |
| B/u | Broken Up |
| BAPC | British Aviation Preservation Council |
| CAA | Civil Aviation Authority (UK) |
| c/n, C/N, CN, Con No | Construction Number |
| c/s | Colour Scheme |
| Canx | Cancelled |
| Civ | Civil |
| DB | Database |
| DBR | Damaged Beyond economic Repair |
| DD | Delivery Date |
| FF | First Flight date |
| GIA | Ground Instructional Airframe |
| HEX, Hex | Hexadecimal code (aircraft code used with ADS-B tracking for identification) |
| IATA | International Air Transport Association |
| ICAO | International Civil Aviation Organization |
| ID | Identity |
| MDPO | Made Dropped Paintscrape Outstanding |
| Mil | Military |
| MSN, msn | Manufacturer's Serial Number (same as Construction Number) |
| Op | Operator (as in Op Note) |
| opb | Operated By |
| opf | Operated For |
| PWFU | Permanently Withdrawn From Use |
| Reg | Registration |
| SelCal | Selective Calling (callsign for HF communications) |
| t/o | Trustee Of |
| TC | Total Cycles (cycle = take-off & landing i.e. flights) |
| tr | Trading as |
| TT | Total Time (flight hours) |
| TWFU | Temporarily Withdrawn From Use |
| W/O, w/o | Write-off (destroyed, beyond economic repair) |
| W&Rs | Wrecks & Relics |
AIRCRAFT RECORD DATA
This shows the Registration (Reg), Type, Construction Number (C/N), Build year, Operator, likely Base, Hex (Hexadecimal) Code, Status, Operator country flag, Logging status (F, R), Number of Photos in the database (Pix), [Edit – for Editors only], whether Active, whether Extant.
Note that the Operator, not the owner, is shown – these can differ e.g. many airliners are owned by leasing companies, some airline services are flown by other companies on their behalf.
If given, the aircraft’s Base together with its 3-letter IATA code and 4-letter ICAO code e.g. Heathrow LHR EGLL is shown. These can change as operators change.
Status options include Active; B/u (Broken up); Derelict; Destroyed; GIA (Ground Instructional Airframe); Not Completed; On Order; Part out/Salvage; Pending Delivery; Preserved; Refurbish; Restoration; Status Unsure; Stored; To be scrapped; War Loss; Withdrawn
Two codes are given – F and R.
F signifies that you have logged the airframe.
R signifies that you have logged it under its current (now) registration. Therefore, if only F is shown, you logged the airframe under a previous registration.
An extremely useful visual indication of F and R is shown by the whole line being highlighted in green if you have seen the aircraft with its current registration on, or in yellow if you have only seen it with a previous registration on.
The number of Frames and number of them logged is also shown – this is useful where the registration has been applied across a number of different aircraft.
[An additional, ‘Edit’, column/link is included on the database Editors’ screen.]
The Reg is underlined (hyperlinked). If you click on this the summary aircraft information page shown below in the second screenshot is presented.
The Aircraft Details screen lists all airframes that have used the searched-for registration. Multiple records can occur where a country reuses registrations once the airframe changes to another country’s register or is destroyed. The illustration shows the re-use of D-ABEN. Here, for historic registrations, the current location rather than base is shown, the Hex is omitted as no longer relevant.
You now select the one of interest by clicking each registration record and viewing extra details in the table which appears on the right of the screen.
Additional Notes on this table.
- Op
Operator. - Note
Any useful information to add. - Unit
Military unit the aircraft is assigned to. - Tail
Tail code – typically for a military aircraft or glider. - acCode
Aircraft code. - Other Reg
(see 1.3) - Special
Special markings details. - Name
Any name worn. - P.I.
Previous identity/identities - Group Note
Any general comments for the airframe.
You then double-click the record’s registration and a full aircraft page of data is presented – here, PH-XRC provides example information.
Additional Notes on this table:
- ICAO
ICAO code for the aircraft type. - FF
The date the aircraft First Flew. - 1st CofA
Date of first Certificate of Airworthiness. - WFU
Withdrawn From Use. End of active service life. Cancellation date. - Note
A note on the Operator added by an Editor. - Flt No
Flight Number - Spec Marks
Special markings details. - Located
Base, IATA airfield code, ICAO airfield code - TT
Total Time in hours at service end. - TC
Total Cycles during service life – one cycle is a take-off and landing i.e. a flight. - MDPO
When you log a registration for the FIRST TIME, in the column MDPO it will mark M (Made)
When you log that registration against the same frame for a second or subsequent time, it marks it D (Drop)
If you then log a different registration against the same frame, it marks it P (PaintScrape)
If you log something that is not in the Database, it marks it O (Outstanding)
Scroll right for unit details, etc >>>>
Check with the slider whether there is additional information given to the right on Note, Unit, Code, Aircraft Name. - Personal Notes
You can number in ‘Sort’ any notes you add under ‘Personal Note’. A Note is limited to 50 characters. Scroll within the Note to read it all. Scroll up/down to move between Notes.
There are a series of buttons along the top of the screen to enable you to look up additional information from popular, useful sources.
On the right are three very useful features: - Add Log
Click on this and a screen opens so you can log the aircraft. Add as many details as you wish.
Note that after you have added a logging with the ‘Save to Log’ button on the input list above, in the Loggings table you can manually change any data on a loggings line e.g. Operator, MDPO, Notes. You are no longer constrained by a drop-down list – you can overwrite the contents of the drop-downs for the purpose of loggings if you wish.
- Add Flight
See 9.6 - Add Photo
You can add photos to any airframe. Details of how to do this are contained here: Photographs