Hi guys. I have just started my PPL training (at Stapleford), and have a slight problem. I have bought the normal half mil VFR charts- and the lumocolor pens.
Only problem is, how do you get the ink from the pens off of the chart?
I don't like to use white spirit because it leaves a powdery residue (A bit like avgas does if you get it on your hands) on the chart which is hard to mark over the next time you use the pens. I find either de-odourant (NOT anti-perspirant - that contains a powdery substance) such as lynx quite effective, but ideally nail polish remover.
I use a soft (2B) pencil & unlaminated charts. Any common eraser will rub out the pencil marks. The same pencil gets used to write on my flight plan/ log, whiz wheel etc.
I can see how long it will last, unlike the usual ink reservoir in pens.
If happen to drop/lose a pencil I can resort to writing on the chart with just about anything.
The unlaminated charts are easier to fold & handle too.
"edding 160 OHP-correction markers" are excellent for removing 'permanent marker'. After a while, nail varnish and other strong solvents remove the laminated finish.
The marker pens that are used on the white boards during briefings are perfect for this. Just draw along the line you wish to erase on your map and wipe off with a cloth..........HEY PRESTO !
(I had been instructing for well over two years when a student told me this little trick, you learn something new every day!).
JWF, the problem with those is that it's very easy to accidentally rub off your route...
I use Avgas to clean my maps. I keep a bottle with a squirty nozzle in my bag, and when I test the fuel, instead of tipping it onto the nearest mole hill, I tip it into my bottle. The squirty cap also makes it easier to apply behind the ears before I night out
Don't know about the UK, but in the USA, if an FAA Inspector found this avgas in the aeroplane, you could be cited for contravening dangerous goods regulations. These regulations apply to PRIVATE as well as public operators...forwarned is forearmed.
411A, Perhaps the difference is that we aren't allowed to smoke in light aircraft in the UK, however US-built light aircraft seem to always be fitted with ashtrays, and sometimes cigar-lighter sockets. I assume that bottles of spirits (e.g. brandy) are therefore also banned from US aircraft, ( I happen to think this is a good idea). European passenger aircraft overhead lockers always seem to have many bottles of spirits, (I happen to think this is a bad idea).
Where do you get unlaminated charts in the UK? I used them in the US, and I definitely prefer them too, especially in an R22 where it's very difficult to fold a map! And yes, much easier to just write in pencil on them and rub it out.
