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Custom fields allow you to extend user profiles beyond standard information, capturing data specific to your organization’s needs. These fields appear on user forms and profiles throughout the system.

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: Yes

External 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: No

License 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: No

Organization 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: No

Best 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
Keep hidden for:
  • 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

  1. Regulatory Review: Identify all required compliance fields
  2. System Mapping: List all external systems needing user IDs
  3. Standardize Formats: Define exact formats for each identifier
  4. Visibility Matrix: Determine who needs access to each field
  5. Validation Rules: Implement format checking where possible
Custom fields transform FlightWise into a comprehensive system that maintains all necessary regulatory and integration data while keeping sensitive information appropriately secured.