MJ,
I haven't consulted with Whirly (I'm guessing that she might be out flying today) but here are some of my thoughts on design:
Size - I like BEagle's idea of being the correct size to hold a standard 'Shorthand Notebook' (205mm x 127mm). A5 can tend to be a little bit too big, especially if the board is actually attached to your leg.
Features - Like ShyT, I wouldn't want to be able to actually clip a chart to the board. Due to space constraints in most helis, charts have to be folded very carefully and these are then stored in one of a number of secure places (dependent upon the aircraft type).
However, there are 4 main things that I use my kneeboard to carry:
- A5 laminate sections of the local area from a 1:250k chart. Saves me having to carry a full chart for training and trial lessons.
- 'Plates' for all the local airfields. Well, not 'plates' as such but A5 photocopies for the local fields from Pooley's in case I need an unscheduled diversion. Saves having to carry a full copy of Pooley's.
- 'Frequency Reference Cards'. Both the Southern and Northern England versions.
- A couple of sickbags. Just in case a trial lesson student should need one and there aren't any to hand in the aircraft.
(Any of the A5 laminates can obviously be trimmed to fit your board size).
All of these can however be kept safe by a single clip at the top of the board.
Strap - Ideally this would have a double purpose. If not being used to strap the board to your leg, then the strap would be able to be doubled back on itself in order to keep all of the above sheets tidy.
Non-slip rubber - a great idea! It might even negate the need for a strap altogether.
re writing in helis - unless you are left handed, this can be very hard to do! Most clearances and the like have to be stored in memory (and then repeated very quickly!). I find that I can only write anything down if the helis is on the ground.
I currently use a folding kneeboard as mentioned above by Whirly (
Pooley's trifold helicopter kneeboard) although due to the size, I rarely (if ever) actually attach it to my leg.
I hope this helps and makes a bit of sense!
B73