Holding Maps

[Guest drizzt1978]

Im about to start my Navigation, I love the idea of haveing a knee pad to hold maps..

 

So what does everybosy use....other than a gps ;)

 

Comments

 

 

[Guest ozzie]

To make things easier in the cockpit, i would photocopy the charts and cut them into strips following the route with about 5 mile either side of track wide. then i would join them together and fold them at twenty mile lengths. the original charts i would stow in a pocket just in case you have to deviate. you can still mark your diversion heading/dist to alt airports off the chart to save time then grab your 'real' charts after you change heading. I placed a sheet of writing paper under the folded strips and clipped them to my kneepad so i could write notes for freqs and traffic ect on the side. Makes things a bit easier than trying to fold and refold charts .

 

If you fly a rag and tube open cockpit unfolding a chart in flight is great entertainment.

 

Ozzie

 

 

[Guest drizzt1978]

If you fly a rag and tube open cockpit unfolding a chart in flight is great entertainment.

 

Ozzie

 

That would be funny to watch for sure!!!

 

 

[Ultralights]

very carefully fold the maps before you depart. fold them in a way that you can do easily to get to the next section your on, if you need 2 or more maps, fold these in the same way, and stack them in order you need them.

 

 

[Mick]

DrizzT

 

I use colour copies of the charts on A4 size sheets, much easier to handle during a flight. If required I use multiple A4's, overlapping at an obvious waypoint and order numbered for quick reference.

 

I also use a knee board, would not travel with out it.

 

Mine is an exotic creation, a masonite A4 clipboard cut down to A5 size and some slots cut to take some elastic & velcro straps to go around my leg. I made this the night after my first X-country lesson for use the very next day. It was only going to be temporary, but when I saw how well it worked and the cost of commercially available knee-boards it has become permanent.

 

Enjoy the Navs.

 

Cheers

 

Mick

 

 

[Relfy]

I used a two sided A4 clip board and carefull folded the maps for quick reference without having to unfold them totally, if needed. I also found the other side great for the whizz wheel and ruler/protractor, pencil & spare. I simply clipped everything under the main maps and it was easily readable and stowable for take-offs and landings. You can't go past a really well thought out flight planner sheet though, with all the necessary info there for quick reference.

 

Mick is on the money though with the knee board. I'll be making up a set-up as he described as I think I would would feel more secure knowing that the board is secure and avoid any FO problems.

 

 

[Guest pelorus32]

I use the "real" charts - they only stay current for such a short time that you might as well wear them out - particularly the VNC/VTC.

 

I'm with Ultralights - fold them and stack them in order. I put them on a kneeboard that's made in Gippsland - it works well but only one chart at a time and the flight plan underneath. Replace the chart with the next one as you need to.

 

My daughter refuses to have the chart on a board - she keeps the chart folded and sitting on her thigh. It works well for her.

 

I can't remember the name of the company in Gippsland that makes the boards but they are good. Ring up Gee Bees at Essendon and ask Greg the name of the company - he stocks the boards.

 

Regards

 

Mike

 

 

[Guest drizzt1978]

Well I went shoping today!! I got myself the Jeppesen VFR trifold kneeboard, Bit expensive but just loved it, The clipboard can be used by itself (strapped) or the whole thing can be staped to your leg. So i will see how it goes, I think i like the advice of just folding the maps up as needed.

 

Thanks guys and we will see how it goes!!

 

 

[Yenn]

I can't use a knee board, there is no room for it and the stick. I photocopy the charts as needed and show the required track by a line each side about 5 miles apart. that way important info on track is not covered up. Have to stack the pieces of chart in the pocket alongside me and can put the one in use at the edge of the instrument panel and screen.

 

 

[shags_j]

Ultralights has the right idea. I fold mine appropriately so when I need a new area it's easy to change over (hard to explain). Then it goes in my kneeboard which is usually in the map pocket (i'm a big guy and it tends to get in the way of the yoke). Easy to grab and reference as you need it. In the jab I attach it to the dash with velcro for easy access.

 

Good luck.