FAA - sectional charts

[redout]

Anyone have any methods of marking these paper only charts without using the magic marker. The magic marker seems to ruin the chart after frequent use and marking the same track again can cause problems at times. Why cant they make a laminated option available. Anyone have any ingenious methods they used ?

[skyhigher]

Laminate them yourself with the self adhesive laminate. I used to use them extensively and self laminated them. works well.

[redout]

How does that work exactly. I have seen some efforts which have left numerous bubbles etc. Also how does it work when you fold the chart as regards the self laminating - does it tear or distort the chart in any way ?

[charlietango88]

There are some laminate charts out there, It all depends on where you buy
them, All my sections are laminate

Quick google search came up and this place sell's them

Arizona Aviation Supplies, Inc. LAMINATED VFR SECTIONAL CHARTS (http://www.flyaas.com/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_LAMINATED_VFR_SECTIONAL_CHARTS_162.html)

But they cost a hell of a lot more than what I pay Around $8.34 after tax

[Tinstaafl]

Don't laminate them. It can make them stiffer & harder to fold and also more bulky. At night glossy laminates reflect light making parts of the chart hard to see without moving the chart around. You're limited to using a 'special' marker on the chart ie you can't use just about anything that comes to hand, and with some markers you then need to carry a solvent to remove the ink.

Leave the charts as plain paper and use a soft pencil. I use a 2B, nothing harder so no HB or H series. A 2B is soft enough to write on the chart and be erased easily with a rubber/eraser whilst still hard enough to avoid wearing down too quickly. An added bonus is that it will write on whiz wheels & flight plans/PLOGs too so you don't have to carry additional, specialised writing tools. 2B is nearly always available as the 'soft' option for mechanical pencils too.

[redout]

I was quoted £60 by a print/stationary shop earlier after I gave them the dimensions of the chart :eek:

Think I will just buy the laminating sheets and give it a go myself.

[Trolle]

You can try this:
Clearview Chart Holder - Sporty's Pilot Shop (http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?DID=19&Product_ID=11786&CATID=168)

Or highlighter tape:
http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?DID=19&Product_ID=5769&CATID=168

[redout]

The chart holder looks an excellent idea though a bit pricey. Think I could try a DIY on that.

Thanks

[7574ever]

I bought laminated sectionals at my local pilot shop when I was flying in Florida, no big deal. I remember paying about 15 bucks for them. They shouldn't be hard to find in the US.

[redout]

They must have been custom as the FAA/NACO do not make laminated versions of their sectional charts.