What Are Custom Fields?
Custom fields are administrator-defined data points that supplement standard user information. They enable you to:- Track regulatory identification numbers
- Link users to external systems
- Store license and certification references
- Manage organization-specific identifiers
- Record compliance-related data points
Field Configuration Options
Field Name
- Purpose: The label displayed to users
- Examples: “CAA Reference Number”, “Part 141 Student ID”, “SMS User ID”
- Best Practice: Use clear, standardized names that match official documentation
Field Types
Text Field
- Use for: Reference numbers, IDs, license numbers
- Example: “EASA License Number”, “TSA Registration ID”
- Behavior: Single line text input for alphanumeric identifiers
Number Field
- Use for: Numeric-only identifiers, member numbers
- Example: “AOPA Member Number”, “Internal Student ID”
- Behavior: Accepts numeric input only, validates for numbers
Date Field
- Use for: Expiry dates, issue dates, renewal dates
- Example: “ARF Expiry Date”, “English Proficiency Valid Until”
- Behavior: Date picker interface, consistent date formatting
Boolean Field (Yes/No)
- Use for: Compliance checkboxes, authorization flags
- Example: “GDPR Consent Given”, “Background Check Completed”
- Behavior: Checkbox or toggle switch
Select Box
- Use for: Single choice from predefined categories
- Example: “License Type” (PPL, CPL, ATPL), “Visa Status”
- Behavior: Dropdown with configured options
Multi-Select Box
- Use for: Multiple certifications or endorsements
- Example: “Type Ratings”, “Language Proficiencies”
- Behavior: Allows selecting multiple options
Additional Settings
Placeholder Text
- Purpose: Provides format examples or hints
- Examples:
- CAA Reference: “UK.FCL.12345”
- FAA Certificate: “1234567”
- Benefit: Ensures correct format for external system compatibility
Required Field
- When enabled: User must complete field during registration/profile updates
- When disabled: Field is optional
- Consideration: Typically required for regulatory compliance fields
Instructor Visibility
- When enabled: Instructors can view this field in their portal
- When disabled: Only administrators and the user can see the field
- Use cases:
- Visible: License numbers, ratings, medical status
- Hidden: Government IDs, background check status, internal references
Practical Examples
Regulatory Compliance
Name: CAA Reference Number Type: Text Placeholder: UK.FCL.12345 Required: Yes Instructor Visible: YesExternal System Integration
Name: Learning Management System ID Type: Text Placeholder: LMS-2024-0001 Required: No Instructor Visible: No Name: Scheduling Platform User ID Type: Text Placeholder: Enter your ForeFlight ID Required: No Instructor Visible: NoLicense Tracking
Name: FAA Certificate Number Type: Text Placeholder: 1234567 Required: Yes Instructor Visible: Yes Name: FCC Radio License Type: Text Placeholder: FRN-1234567890 Required: No Instructor Visible: NoOrganization References
Name: Part 141 Enrollment ID Type: Text Placeholder: 141-2024-ABC123 Required: Yes Instructor Visible: Yes Name: Insurance Policy Reference Type: Text Placeholder: AVN-123456 Required: Yes Instructor Visible: NoBest Practices
Regulatory Alignment
- Match official formats: Use exact field names from regulatory documents
- Validate patterns: Ensure placeholder text matches official ID formats
- Consider jurisdictions: Different regions may require different fields
External System Integration
- Use consistent field names with external platforms
- Store IDs in the exact format required by other systems
- Document which fields map to which external systems
- Consider API requirements when designing fields
Instructor Visibility Guidelines
Make visible for:- License and rating information
- Training-relevant certifications
- Medical certificate status
- Language proficiency levels
- Government-issued ID numbers
- Financial reference numbers
- System integration IDs
- Background check references
Data Security
- Avoid storing sensitive government IDs unless absolutely necessary
- Use appropriate visibility settings for compliance data
- Consider data retention policies for regulatory fields
- Document why each field exists for audit purposes
Implementation Strategy
- Regulatory Review: Identify all required compliance fields
- System Mapping: List all external systems needing user IDs
- Standardize Formats: Define exact formats for each identifier
- Visibility Matrix: Determine who needs access to each field
- Validation Rules: Implement format checking where possible