Distance / Time Ruler
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Distance / Time Ruler
Some time ago I saw a pilot using a ruler (approx 6") that had speed/distance/time calculations on it. I have tried - unsuccessfully - to find one in the usual places such as Transair, Pooleys etc., but have had no luck.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Many thanks.
Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Many thanks.
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Try this link. I think you're looking for a Wizplot.
http://www.transair.co.uk/jepdoubles/navplotters.htm
http://www.transair.co.uk/jepdoubles/navplotters.htm
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The Wizplot sounds like it includes the speed/distance thing, but I think what Maxflyer saw is simpler - just a ruler with a scale from 0 to 30 nm (or so) and with pre-calculated times printed on it for various ground speeds, from 60 knots up to about 180 knots. It's intended for diversion planning in the air, rather than for pre-flight route planning on the ground.
I actually bought one from Transair, although it was a couple of years ago, and unfortunately mine is for the 1:250,000 maps, not the half-mill that I actually use - doh! (You're welcome to it if you PM me a postal address - I can't see myself ever using it!).
cbl.
I actually bought one from Transair, although it was a couple of years ago, and unfortunately mine is for the 1:250,000 maps, not the half-mill that I actually use - doh! (You're welcome to it if you PM me a postal address - I can't see myself ever using it!).
cbl.
Why do it if it's not fun?
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What's wrong with the good old 10nm thumb? Or 60nm hand span?
I don't know about the rest of you, but I can only fly one aircraft at any one time. If it's an aircraft which I don't fly regularly (and which flies at a speed that's different to the aircraft I fly regularly) it doesn't take much effort, beforehand, to work out and memorise the times for 10nm and 60nm. No point doing it much more accurately than that - since you're not taking the wind into account you won't get an accurate figure anyway.
FFF
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I don't know about the rest of you, but I can only fly one aircraft at any one time. If it's an aircraft which I don't fly regularly (and which flies at a speed that's different to the aircraft I fly regularly) it doesn't take much effort, beforehand, to work out and memorise the times for 10nm and 60nm. No point doing it much more accurately than that - since you're not taking the wind into account you won't get an accurate figure anyway.
FFF
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Maxflyer,
Are you talking about the "Airworthy timescale"? I have one that I bought in the late 80's (from Transair I think) and it's the bees knees for flight without a gps. I cannot find any UK websites for it but it is available from Austrailia where it is made. See http://www.trump.net.au/airworthy/ amongst others.
Are you talking about the "Airworthy timescale"? I have one that I bought in the late 80's (from Transair I think) and it's the bees knees for flight without a gps. I cannot find any UK websites for it but it is available from Austrailia where it is made. See http://www.trump.net.au/airworthy/ amongst others.
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I seem to remember someone had a "home made ruler" when I was doing some hour building a while back. Looked like he had made it up on Word or something similar then laminated it. From what I can remember he had a few scales to account for differing airspeeds but didn't go over the top as he was only on warriors so I am guessing 80,90 or a 100 would do it?
Why do it if it's not fun?
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I seem to remember someone had a "home made ruler"
FFF
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What you want is the CPM1. Its made by...
CPM Enterprises
24 Hazelcroft
Churchdown
Gloucestershire
GL3 2DT
01452 855796
This info is printed on it. Costs about a fiver.
I used mine for the diversion part of the CPL skills test. It is excellent and so simple to use.
CPM Enterprises
24 Hazelcroft
Churchdown
Gloucestershire
GL3 2DT
01452 855796
This info is printed on it. Costs about a fiver.
I used mine for the diversion part of the CPL skills test. It is excellent and so simple to use.
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The left end of the Wizplot is the thing. However the whole gizmo is a bit big and clumsy to use in the air and photocopying that scale section onto an OHP foil and cutting to size gives you a smaller more flexible tool.
The rest of the bits on the Wizplot are a bit Mickey Mouse, although surprisingly the 10 degree driftline marker is proving to save a few valuable moments off flight planning.....
The rest of the bits on the Wizplot are a bit Mickey Mouse, although surprisingly the 10 degree driftline marker is proving to save a few valuable moments off flight planning.....
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Gotta say, I side here with FFF.
Once airbourne, nav should revert to mental dead reckoning since eyes need to be outside of the cockpit.
I keep it simple with measuring using thumb/span and then depending on aircraft apply one of the following.
Using multiples of 3 and 6 minutes is easy. Distance covered is obviously a 10th of TAS for 6 mins and half again for 3 mins.
Or use miles per minute and fly at a selected airspeed. (Even RAF fast jets do that to keep the maths simple!).
I am dead set against carrying lots of unnecessary items in aircraft as 2 major problems become obvious. If you become dependant on a piece of plastic, what happens if you drop it in the cockpit and can't get to it? Then you end up reverting to the basics, which you will not be very polished at. If your plastic aid then ends up in a place where it can cause a control restriction?
Rather not carry it in the first place. All you need is a map, compass and clock.
Obs cop
Once airbourne, nav should revert to mental dead reckoning since eyes need to be outside of the cockpit.
I keep it simple with measuring using thumb/span and then depending on aircraft apply one of the following.
Using multiples of 3 and 6 minutes is easy. Distance covered is obviously a 10th of TAS for 6 mins and half again for 3 mins.
Or use miles per minute and fly at a selected airspeed. (Even RAF fast jets do that to keep the maths simple!).
I am dead set against carrying lots of unnecessary items in aircraft as 2 major problems become obvious. If you become dependant on a piece of plastic, what happens if you drop it in the cockpit and can't get to it? Then you end up reverting to the basics, which you will not be very polished at. If your plastic aid then ends up in a place where it can cause a control restriction?
Rather not carry it in the first place. All you need is a map, compass and clock.
Obs cop
