FlyTimer Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 19, 2026 · Version 2.0
Quick Summary
- Your data stays private — stored only on your devices and in your iCloud
- Location tracking is optional — app works perfectly without GPS access
- No third-party tracking — no ads, no analytics, no data sales
- You control sharing — connect to companies only if you choose
- Export your data anytime — CSV export available
- No account required — use it completely independently
FlyTimer is a free iOS flight logging application designed for pilots to track flight time and duty periods in compliance with Canadian Aviation Regulations (CAR 702/703). This privacy policy explains what data FlyTimer collects, how it's used, and how it's stored.
Important: FlyTimer operates independently and does not require a PilotFiles account. All data stays on your device and in your Apple iCloud account unless you choose to connect to a company's PilotFiles account.
1. What Data FlyTimer Collects
Flight Log Data (Required for App Function)
When you use FlyTimer to log flights, the app stores:
- Flight times: Start and stop times, duration
- Aircraft information: Registration number, type/model
- Duty periods: Calculated based on your flights
- Compliance data: CAR 702/703 calculations
- Notes: Any pilot notes you add
- Timer state: Whether a flight is currently in progress
- App preferences: Settings and UI state
Storage Location:
- Your iOS device (local app storage)
- Your personal iCloud account (via Apple's CloudKit)
Access: We do NOT have access to this data. We do NOT store this data on our servers (unless you connect to PilotFiles). Only you can access this data through your devices.
GPS Location Data (Optional)
FlyTimer can collect GPS coordinates to record where flights start and end.
What is Collected:
- Latitude and longitude when you start a flight timer
- Latitude and longitude when you stop a flight timer
- Horizontal accuracy (how precise the GPS reading is)
Your Control: Location requires explicit iOS permission. You can deny permission and FlyTimer works perfectly without it. Location is captured only when you tap Start or Stop buttons — not continuous tracking.
Device Information (iOS Standard)
Like all iOS apps, FlyTimer may have access to standard device information:
- Device model (iPhone 15 Pro, iPad Air, etc.)
- iOS version
- App version
- Crash logs (if the app crashes)
Apple collects this through the App Store. We can see crash reports in Xcode Organizer if you opt-in to share with developers.
2. Data Storage Summary
| Data Type | Collected | Permission | Local | iCloud | Our Servers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight logs | ✓ Auto | Not needed | ✓ | ✓ | ✕* |
| GPS location | Optional | ✓ Required | ✓ | ✓ | ✕* |
| Duty periods | ✓ Auto | Not needed | ✓ | ✓ | ✕* |
| Preferences | ✓ Auto | Not needed | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ |
| Device info | ✓ iOS | Not needed | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
*Unless connected to PilotFiles (optional)
What We Never Collect
- Personal identifying information
- Financial information
- Health data
- Contacts or address book
- Photos or camera access
- Microphone or audio
- Calendar or reminders
- Continuous location tracking
- Browsing history
- Usage analytics
3. How Your Data is Stored
iCloud Sync (Apple-Managed)
All flight data is stored in your personal iCloud account using Apple's CloudKit framework.
- Data syncs automatically between your iOS devices (iPhone, iPad)
- Data is encrypted in transit and at rest by Apple
- Data is protected by your Apple ID password and two-factor authentication
- We never have access to your iCloud data
Local Storage (On Your Device)
Flight data is also stored locally on your device in the app's private storage.
- Allows FlyTimer to work offline (no internet required)
- iOS encrypts app data automatically (if device passcode enabled)
- Data is protected by your device passcode/Face ID/Touch ID
- Data is isolated from other apps (iOS sandbox)
No Servers: FlyTimer does not send your data to our servers unless you explicitly connect to a PilotFiles company account. All your data lives exclusively on your devices and syncs through your iCloud account.
4. iOS System APIs Used
UserDefaults API
Purpose: Store app preferences and settings locally
Apple Reason Code: CA92.1
What is Stored: Timer state, last used aircraft, UI preferences, duty time records
File System API
Purpose: Save and read flight log files
Apple Reason Code: C617.1
What is Stored: Flight entry database (JSON), exported CSV files
CloudKit (iCloud) API
Purpose: Sync your data between your devices
Service: NSUbiquitousKeyValueStore
What is Synced: Completed flights, GPS coordinates, flight notes
Location Services API
Purpose: Record flight start and stop GPS coordinates
Permission: NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription
Can be Disabled: Yes, in iOS Settings → FlyTimer → Location
5. Optional Data Sharing
Connecting to PilotFiles (Optional)
You may choose to connect your FlyTimer app to a company's PilotFiles account by:
- Obtaining a connection code from your employer
- Entering the code in FlyTimer settings
- Reviewing the connection details (company name, authorized aircraft)
- Authorizing the connection
What Happens When Connected:
- Your flight data is transmitted from FlyTimer to the company's PilotFiles account
- The company can view your flight times, aircraft registrations, and duty periods
- GPS location data (if collected) may be shared with the company
- Data sharing continues automatically until you disconnect
Your Control: You can disconnect at any time through FlyTimer settings. After disconnection, no new data is shared. Previously shared data remains in the company's PilotFiles account.
CSV Export Feature
FlyTimer allows you to export your flight data to CSV format. Exported files are saved to your device's Files app. We do not receive or process exported CSV files — export happens entirely on your device.
6. Data Security
On Your Device
- Flight data stored in iOS secure app storage
- iOS provides automatic encryption (when device passcode enabled)
- Data protected by Face ID/Touch ID
- App data sandboxed (isolated from other apps)
iCloud Security
- Apple encrypts data in transit (TLS/HTTPS)
- Apple encrypts data at rest (on iCloud servers)
- Protected by your Apple ID and two-factor authentication
- Subject to Apple's security standards
When Connected to PilotFiles
- Data transmitted using HTTPS/TLS encryption
- Stored on secure cloud servers
- Access controlled by company administrators
- See PilotFiles Privacy Policy for full security details
7. Your Privacy Rights
Access Your Data
- All your flight data is visible directly in FlyTimer
- Export to CSV at any time (Menu → Export)
- View individual flight details, GPS coordinates, and duty times
- Access via any device signed into your Apple ID
Modify Your Data
- Edit individual flights (tap flight → Edit)
- Delete individual flights (swipe to delete)
- Add or remove notes, aircraft info, custom fields
- Manually adjust duty times
Delete Your Data
- Individual Flights: Swipe left → Delete
- All Data: Menu → Reset All Data
- Delete App: Removes all local data immediately
- iCloud Data: iOS Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Manage Storage → FlyTimer
Control Location Sharing
iOS Settings → FlyTimer → Location. Choose "Never", "While Using App", or "Ask Next Time". You can revoke permission at any time.
Disconnect from Companies
Open FlyTimer → Sync button → Disconnect. This stops all future data sharing immediately.
8. Third-Party Services
Apple Services Used
- iCloud/CloudKit: Sync your data between devices (Apple's privacy policy applies)
- iOS Location Services: Optional GPS logging (requires your permission)
- Apple App Store: App distribution and updates
No Other Third-Party Services
When used standalone, FlyTimer does not integrate with any third-party services besides Apple's built-in iOS features.
- Google Analytics
- Facebook SDK
- Firebase
- Mixpanel or Amplitude
- Crashlytics
- Advertising networks
- Tracking pixels or cookies
9. App Store Compliance
Apple Privacy Nutrition Labels
- Data Used to Track You: None
- Data Linked to You: None (when used standalone)
- Data Not Linked to You: Location (optional), User Content (flight logs)
Privacy Manifest Declaration
FlyTimer includes an Apple Privacy Manifest (PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy) declaring:
- Required Reason APIs: UserDefaults, File Timestamp, Disk Space
- Tracking Status: FlyTimer does NOT track users
- Third-Party SDKs: None (Apple frameworks only)
10. Children's Privacy
FlyTimer is intended for licensed pilots, who must be at least 16-17 years old (depending on license type and jurisdiction).
We do not knowingly collect information from children under 13 years old. If you believe a child under 13 has used FlyTimer, please contact us at privacy@pilotfiles.com.
11. Aviation Disclaimer
Important: FlyTimer is a tool for tracking flight and duty time. It is not a substitute for official pilot logbooks, company flight records, or regulatory compliance documentation.
- Pilots are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations
- Pilots must verify all calculations independently
- Pilots must maintain official logbooks per CAR requirements
- We do NOT guarantee accuracy of duty time calculations
- We are NOT responsible for regulatory violations
- Transport Canada may update regulations at any time
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy to reflect changes in app functionality, Apple's requirements, or legal requirements.
- Updated policy posted at pilotfiles.com/flytimer/privacy
- Version number and date will change
- Major changes announced in app update notes
- Continued use constitutes acceptance of changes
13. Contact Us
Privacy Questions: privacy@pilotfiles.com
App Support: support@pilotfiles.com
Website: pilotfiles.com/flytimer
We will respond to privacy inquiries within 48 hours.
14. Related Policies
If you connect FlyTimer to a PilotFiles company account, also review:
- PilotFiles Privacy Policy
- PilotFiles Terms of Service
- Your Company's Privacy Policy (contact your employer)
Effective Date: January 19, 2026
Version: 2.0
This privacy policy applies to the FlyTimer iOS app available through the Apple App Store and TestFlight.