Spotlight on Logbooks & AvDocs – Call for Papers
Closing date 31 August 2025
They say that aviation runs on paperwork! We’re looking at this idea with useful tools and case studies for researchers and, with your help, we can explore aviation documentation further. We’d like to hear your thoughts on the changing purposes, functions, designs, usages, limitations and interpretation of aviation documentation.
Phil Vabre and James Kightly of Aviation Cultures are presenting the Spotlight on Logbooks & AvDocs on 8 November 2025, free and online to an international audience. This event follows up on a session within Aviation Cultures Mk VI, back in 2022.
One Spotlight session is designed as ‘A Toolbox for Researchers’ and has presentations by noted experts in the field with practical information about finding and interpreting logbooks and other aviation documentation. It is intended for aviation researchers and enthusiasts looking to get more from the vast array of sometimes obscure specialist documentation. Stay tuned for more details. But we know there’s a lot more! This could include discussions of the gap between instructions and application, training documentation, tricks and tips (and gaps) in aviation archives, and there’s a lot more.
If there is enough interest, we will hold another session further exploring other suggestions and ideas.
Session format will be three or four 15-20-minute online presentations, followed by a panel discussion involving the presenters and with an opportunity for audience questions. The Spotlight will be held on Zoom. Presentations will be recorded and may be made available by Aviation Cultures online at a later date.
You are invited to propose a paper on a relevant topic. A written paper is not required, but welcome, as are slide decks and extended recordings. Proposals, including a title, a synopsis of no more than 200 words and an autobiography of no more than 150 words should be emailed to info@aviationcultures.org by 31 August.
We are also after suggestions: you may not want to present at the event but still have a question, know an expert we should include, or know a topic we should cover. We’re interested – let us know at the email above. And remember to join us on the day!
