When doing diversions, and you’re asked for distance to a point using a paper chart, what’s the best method to measure?
Posted by WhenWillIBeAPilot@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 10 comments
My instructors keep using this pencil method along the longitudinal lines, and somehow they always get it right. But when I do it, I don’t hold the pencil accurately and I always am off dramatically. Can anyone give me some pointers? Or better methods to do this?
TxAggieMike@reddit
“Ruler of thumb” — measure the width of your thumb and thumb tip to knuckle against sectional scale.
Use that to estimate distance
Mrsysreset@reddit
I am going to assume you mean latitudinal and not longitudinal as one is constant and the other varies the further from the equator you are otherwise that right there would likely be your issue.
Otherwise just practice. This is something you can do at home on your own time so you don't have to worry about being billed for it. Just practice with the pencil then measure with the ruler and see if you are within a rough estimate. Keep in mind with the Canadian tests you are not allowed any form of accurate measuring tool, no ruler, plotter, marked pencil, nothing and will be deemed an unsatisfactory if you do.
Goop290@reddit
There are things called plotters. They are for this exact purpose
RaiseTheDed@reddit
I used my pen which had the rubber grip part that was exactly 5nm.
Impossible-Bad-2291@reddit
I was taught "Circle, circle, line... heading, distance, time", then use your thumb widths to measure along the line. Depending on the scale, it's about 3 NM (and 2 minutes at 90 knots) per thumb width, or about 6 NM (and 4 minutes at 90 knots) per thumb width. It worked well enough for a pass from my examiner.
monoshellos@reddit
curious what is the pencil method?
i’m also learning diversions at the moment and my instructor has said 1 thumb’s width on VTA is roughly 2miles, and 1 thumb’s width on VNC is 4miles
F1shermanIvan@reddit
If you’re an average person, your thumb width is probably 5 miles on a sectional.
How many thumb widths away are you from where you wanna go?
Thats the rough estimate right there.
Goop290@reddit
Your e6b has a sectional scare on it if you pull the inside flat bit out. Idk if its the same outside the us.
x4457@reddit
Do it more.
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
My instructors keep using this pencil method along the longitudinal lines, and somehow they always get it right. But when I do it, I don’t hold the pencil accurately and I always am off dramatically. Can anyone give me some pointers? Or better methods to do this?
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