rostoics – Georges's Blog

No more tedious and error prone manual entry of roster. Roster export and calendar import within seconds. All flight and Crew details about duties presented in event.

This tool converts NetLine/Crew CrewLink roster .pdf files into .ics calendar files.

CHECK ALL EVENTS FOR CORRECTNESS !!!

Please read these Instructions carefully prior using this tool !!!

Usage ===== 1a. Download your roster using your company's web interface (NetLine/Crew CrewLink). 1b. Download your roster using the CrewLink App. 2. Save the roster locally as .pdf file. 3. Go to Convert .pdf to .ics. 4. Press Browse... button and select the just downloaded .pdf file. 5. Press Upload roster (.pdf file). Roster is then processed by rostoics tool. 6. Press Download roster (.ics file) and save that file locally. 7. Import the .ics file into your calendar using your preferred gateway.




    Select roster (.pdf file) to be uploaded:

 (wait 5-10 seconds for roster processing to finish)

Instructions

22.11.2016 geohei

rostoics

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Introduction ============ rostoics is a tool which converts NetLine/Crew CrewLink roster .pdf files into .ics calendar files. The .ics files are used to create calendar events on iPhone, iPad, Samsung, ... basically any device able to deal with .ics files. Google Calendar also supports .ics file import.


Who should use it ...

All those who make extensive use of online as well as local calendar entries, being it for private or professional purpose. Basically all those who have a highly charged daily schedule requiring organization to some extent. Online integration adds sharing features to friends an family members. Tedious and error prone manual event entries can be avoided.
Who should disregard it ...

When hardcopies of Crew roster, downloaded PDF documents or CrewLink App roster consultations are sufficient for planning purpose, calendar setup isn't really necessary.
Nomenclature

============

- event : Any calendar entry e.g. flight, ground duty, standby, free day, ...

- .pdf file : The format of the roster file downloaded from NetLine/Crew CrewLink.

- .ics file : Standardized calendar file format, generated by subject rostoics tool.
Restrictions

============

1. Only plain rosters are accepted. No notifications (schedule changes).

2. Only Luxair rosters are accepted for the time being.

3. Event spawning across more than one month is not allowed. - REMOVED (BETA)
I try to lift restrictions gradually.
Nota bene

=========

Be aware that apparently parsed events might be incorrect or incomplete. Always check every event after import !!!
Debug messages on Convert .pdf to .ics page (bottom) shows events not parsed properly. Manual modification is required. E.g. ...

debug : unparsed event!

        [20161129] Tue29 DH/LG 8361 /30 LUX 0540 0645 GVA [FT 00:00]
Please report (using Comment feature at the bottom of this page) any non parsed or badly parsed events.
Bug fixes could possibly introduce new bugs. Of course I try to avoid by all means, nevertheless there is a potential risk this might occur.
Any suggestions regarding formatting of event, additional information, this web interface, mistakes, ... just anything ... are welcomed!

Tested browsers =============== Firefox 47.0.1 on Windows 7 Safari on iOS 10.1.1 (iPhone 6s) Safari on iOS 9.3.5 (iPad [3rd generation]) Please report any browser related compatilities and incompatilities.

Export/Import of roster files

24.12.2016 geohei

rostoics

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The biggest challenge is probably the roster file handling on different devices, id est downloading .pdf roster file from NetLine/Crew CrewLink, converting the .pdf file to an .ics file and importing this one into the personal calendar.


There are way too many possibilities and individual configurations, so that a general guideline is somewhat hard to give.
1. Download .pdf roster file from NetLine/Crew CrewLink

=======================================================
This is probably the most easiest step. Just visit the Airline's NetLine/Crew CrewLink page and download the desired roster, download and save the file to your favorite location - straight forward. This can be achieved either via PC/Mac or mobile (iPhone/Android). No big deal, but with iPhones, the .pdf file must be stored somewhere (iCloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, ownCloud, ...). Other third-party Apps might work as well.
2. Convert the .pdf file to an .ics file

========================================
2.1 Website method

------------------

Visit the Convert the .pdf to .ics page and follow the post.
2.2 email method

----------------

Just send the .pdf file as email attachment to roster@geohei.lu. The body text of the email is ignored. You'll get the .ics file back to within less than a minute. Be aware that the returned email contains a summary of the parsed events, and that the .ics file can be found at the very bottom of the email.
None of both methods is better than the other. I's just what suits you best.
3. Import .ics roster file into the personal calendar

=====================================================
As calendar, you can use a local iPhone, Samsung, ... or the online version like Google Calendar or Yahoo Calendar. How to import .ics files into these calendars goes beyond the scope of this post, since it greatly varies depending on hardware, OS and Apps installed. Some "experimental" manipulations might be required.
Many devices try to be intelligent in terms of recognizing .ics files automatically and offering import. This works quite well, even if multiple calendars are used.
Below a guideline how to import the .ics file for Google Calendar using a browser:

1. Login your Google account

2. Select "Settings" from the "Settings" gear icon (top right corner)

3. Click on "Calendars" link from (top left corner)

4. Click on "Import calendar" link (bottom page)

5. Browse for your .ics roster file and select desired calendar (if more than one)

6. Press "Import"

Done!
 

 
Apple devices notes

===================
- Chrome browser seems to handle file action easier than Safari. You might give it a try.
- Since end of 2016, Apple removed the "Add All" feature in the email client. In Safari, it still works. This is kind of a step back in evolution since it requires the user to manually add every individual event. This is everything other than comfortable. Details can be found here: Importing .ics calendar events from emails
 

 
What I do ... I download my .pdf roster file from NetLine/Crew CrewLink using my Windows 7 PC, save it locally on my Desktop, convert it into .ics roster using website method, import it into Google Calendar and that's it. All this takes less than a minutes.
Basically ... everybody can do all this with any device and any software. There are many ways to do it ... it's just a matter to find YOUR best way. This might take some time to discover. Once done, it's a piece of cake.
I don't have all these different devices and therefore, I can hardly simulate the entire range of possible hardware/software combinations. Hence I rely on user's feedback. Just post below ...

Many thanks,

News & Updates

18.12.2016 geohei

rostoics

0 Comment

News & Updates
==============

21.05.2022 : rostoics 1.0.38-PL2 released
             wrong version string

21.05.2022 : rostoics 1.0.38-PL1 released
             reverted erroneous replacement of strptime() by strftime

20.05.2022 : rostoics 1.0.38 released
             added event type STBY : CRMI, EFB, FDRI, GF, SFCI, SFPI, UNFIT
             fixed bug w/ modified roster format ("[SBDT" / "(SBDT" event end marker)
             fixed bug w/ unpopulated day on roster

04.02.2021 : rostoics 1.0.37 released
             added event type STBY : numerous due NetLine codes restructuring
28.12.2020 : rostoics 1.0.36 released
             added event type STBY : CARGO, CHOMP, GDT, REVOMB, TRACO
                 (CHOMP should not be type STBY)
             added new emoji(s)
             fixed bug w/ c/m (crew message) due CrewLink format change
08.07.2020 : rostoics 1.0.35 released
             added -c argument implemented (add check-in events - Apple only)
             added -a argument implemented (add alert to check-in events - Apple only)
             added new emoji(s)
03.07.2020 : rostoics 1.0.34 released
             added event type STBY : CHOMPI, COVID, QUAL
             added new emoji(s)
             added -c argument (preparation; code in progress)
20.04.2020 : rostoics 1.0.33 released
             added event type(s) FREE: CHOMP
             added event type(s) STBY: SB, SB-L
             added new emojis to accommodate for new event types
22.03.2020 : rostoics 1.0.32 released
             fixed bug(s):
             - '-' in LOCATION: tag in case of 'DH/'
             added event type(s) FREE: COSO, DISP, FCT, QUART
             added event type(s) STBY: NATHLA, OBS, PERF, SERV, TTTI
             added new emojis to accommodate for new event types
02.08.2019 : rostoics 1.0.31 released
             added event type(s) FREE: V32
             added event type(s) STBY: PREP
03.06.2019 : rostoics 1.0.30 released
             added event type(s) STBY: PBN
             minor bugs fixed
16.04.2019 : rostoics 1.0.29 released
             added event type(s) STBY: CPT, RNP
             fixed bug(s):
             - removed trailing dash in LOCATION tag after Cockpit Crew
               if Cabin Crew doesn't exist.
13.03.2019 : rostoics 1.0.28 released
             added event type(s) STBY: CONF, CWOI, HGS, PLRI
             added event type(s) FREE: FSP
             added new emoji EMOJI_DESKTOP_COMPUTER (for event type STBY: HGS)
08.02.2019 : rostoics 1.0.27 released
             added event types STBY: CPTI, DTCH, IUPAX, TECI
16.01.2019 : rostoics 1.0.26 released
             added event types STBY: GFT, OMA, OMB, OMC, CRS
             added event types FREE: FLT
             corrected some emoji code
14.11.2018 : rostoics 1.0.25 released
             added event types STBY: OTH_SBY
                                     RESERVE
                                     PLR
20.10.2018 : PHP Code: Added UID (timestamp in ms) to server filename in order to
                       get unique filenames. This avoids crossed file access by users
                       uploading rosters simultaniously using identical filenames. 
18.10.2018 : rostoics 1.0.24 released
             added event types STBY: AGD
                                     ISIM-Q4
15.09.2018 : rostoics 1.0.23 released
             added event types STBY: ISIM-737
                                     SIM-UPRT
             fixed bug(s):
             - malformed parsing of roster due lack of new line between last
               TLC of month and following "Recurrent Training / Checks" 
17.08.2018 : rostoics 1.0.22 released
             changed emoji for event type FLIGHT: TAX and TAXI
             added event types STBY: ADM/OPS
                                     APBADGE
                                     LPC-737
                                     LPC_Q4
                                     SEL
                                     TECR
             added emojis: EMOJI_V_TRAFFIC_LIGHT
                           EMOJI_RADIOACTIVE
                           EMOJI_LINKED_PAPERCLIPS
             fixed bug(s):
             - event type STBY end date next day not correct
               end date was not increased by 1 if event ending next day
               e.g. simulator spawing across 00:00
07.06.2018 : rostoics 1.0.21-PL1 released
             major bug in event type STBY code fixed (segmentation fault)
23.05.2018 : rostoics 1.0.21 released
             added event detail line as LOCATION tag for all event types
             added emojis for all event types
             added event type STBY : PFC
18.05.2018 : rostoics 1.0.20-PL1 released
             minor bug w/ event type STBY logging fixed
18.05.2018 : rostoics 1.0.20 released
             added emojis for event type STBY
             minor bugs fixed
28.04.2018 : rostoics 1.0.19-PL1 released
             MySQL/rostoics UTF-8 (special characters) problem fixed
18.04.2018 : Web hoster changed some global PHP configuration which created
             "Error 404" for some users. Error occurred or not according
             local device settings.
             PHP code modified to cope with new configuration!
17.04.2018 : rostoics 1.0.19 released
             Emojis introduced (experimental - F and flight events only)
             TLC database updated
             improved logging (content and presentation)
             minor bugs fixed
16.03.2018 : rostoics 1.0.18-PL2 released
             fixed (nasty) bugs w/:
             - complete failure to import any event
             - "Notes" of all events not shown
15.03.2018   rostoics 1.0.18-PL1 released
             minor bug fixed
             added event : SICK
             added "roster printed" info
06.03.2018   rostoics 1.0.18 released
             added events : RSEN, NC, RFC
             TLC database updated
             improved presentation of modified "unparsed event"
             improved logging (content and presentation)
             code optimization
             fixed bugs w/:
             - support for 2nd suffix line (added in 1.0.17)
               corrupted formatting of misc data in event w/ 2nd suffix line
             - event end date next day not correct (e.g. night duty)
               end date was not increased by 1 if event ending next day
             - wrong formatting of .sum file with event type FLIGHT
               event type FLIGHT w/ 3 chars (e.g. "CAR") misaligned .sum file
             - missing mcm in events type FREE and STANDBY
               mcm missing under certain circumstances
               mcm retained for next event under certain circumstamces
             - TLCs previous flight shown when no Crew on roster (e.g. "CAR")
               only for event type FLIGHT w/o aircraft 3 letter IATA aircraft code
             - incorrect parsing of hotel details if more than 1 hotel on roster
               event details for hotel were badly parsed
27.06.2017   rostoics 1.0.17 released
             added support for 2nd suffix line
             added support for cockpit/cabin crew change during same rotation
             added processed hotel counter
             minor bugs fixed
18.03.2017   rostoics 1.0.16-PL1 released
             minor bug fixed
15.03.2017   rostoics 1.0.16 released
             added events : FF, VSP
             reported bugs fixed
15.02.2017   roster@geohei.lu rostoics interface online
             Export/Import of roster files post rewritten
23.01.2017   rostoics 1.0.15 released
             added events : X, FP
             reported bugs fixed
12.01.2017   rostoics 1.0.14 released
             added MySQL database support for TLC (3-letter-code) name resolution
             reported bugs fixed
21.12.2016   rostoics 1.0.13 released
             "To c/m:" (message to crew member) support added
20.12.2016   rostoics 1.0.12 released
             added events : RC, IRC
19.12.2016   rostoics 1.0.11 released
             added event : REV
             .pdf file names including spaces and special characters are accepted now
             .pdf files other than NetLink/Crew CrewLink roster are rejected
18.12.2016   rostoics 1.0.10 released (first stable version)
             added events : H?, H1, ... (Hotels)
             reported bugs fixed
             code optimization

Screenshots iPhone

22.11.2016 geohei

rostoics

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Below you see some screenshots how events are presented on iPhones (iOS 10.1.1) after .pdf conversion and .ics import (rostics 0.1.2).

Video tutorials

21.03.2018 geohei

rostoics

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Below you see a QAD (quick and dirty) screenshot video tuorial which shows how to convert a roster using the www method. Screenshots taken on iPhone 6S (iOS 11.2.6). rostics 1.0.18-PL2 was used.

CrewLink App

23.11.2016 geohei

rostoics

1 Comment

Details about the CrewLink App (by Harold Dijkstra) can be found here: CrewLink App (App Store)


It is designed to be a standalone App to locally store the roster as .pdf file. Calendar integration, like rostoics does it, is not featured. In the context of rostoics, CrewLink can be used to download and e-mail the roster to a specific address. This might sometimes be faster than accessing the company's NetLIne/Crew Crewlink web interface for downloading the roster. Such an e-mailed roster .pdf file is identical to the one downloaded directly via web interface.

Below some screenshots. Use the "Email" button on the second screenshot to send the roster .pdf file.

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Category: rostoics

Convert .pdf to .ics

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Export/Import of roster files

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