Quick nav question for a newbie
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: chichester uk
Quick nav question for a newbie
hiya. im soon to start my training and i am just curious how I can easily work out flying times from departure point to destination? ie airfield to mums house etc etc.
on the rainy days i would like to check out where i can go with my licence when i have it. i know i should spend the rainy days learning how to navigate properly but my time is spent learning other simple things at the moment.
on the rainy days i would like to check out where i can go with my licence when i have it. i know i should spend the rainy days learning how to navigate properly but my time is spent learning other simple things at the moment.
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Yorkshire
To get a rough estimate draw the line on your CAA chart, measure the distance using your nautical mile ruler and use time/distance/speed formula to work it out.
On a similar note I have on my kneeboard various different distances against various different speeds to get a good "guess" in the air. Obviously these dont take wind into account but it should give you some idea.
On a similar note I have on my kneeboard various different distances against various different speeds to get a good "guess" in the air. Obviously these dont take wind into account but it should give you some idea.
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Not a million miles from EGTF
... or take a chart and draw 50 and 100nm circles on it.
50 miles gives you roughly 2 x 30 minute out and return trips for the £100 burger
100nm (if shared with somone else) takes you further.
Or, do as I did in my gliding days. Work out a mini-triangle of total length of 100nm.
All of this will show you (and depress you) how far you can fly against your budget
50 miles gives you roughly 2 x 30 minute out and return trips for the £100 burger
100nm (if shared with somone else) takes you further.
Or, do as I did in my gliding days. Work out a mini-triangle of total length of 100nm.
All of this will show you (and depress you) how far you can fly against your budget
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Cambridge, England, EU
50 miles gives you roughly 2 x 30 minute out and return trips for the £100 burger
So a 50 mile burger run is more like 1hr30 ... and I don't know where you can rent an aeroplane for 1hr30 for £100.
Joined: Feb 2001
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
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From: Worcestershire, UK
Judging by the fact that Steveoneil has yet to start his flying training and is asking such a basic question it seems to me the above answers are a bit complex.
Steve, assuming you're going to be flying a C150 or PA28 (typical UK training aircraft), work on a speed of 90 knots or 1.5 nautical miles per minute.
Therefore, divide the distance from the airport to your mums house (in nautical miles ideally but "normal" statute miles will be near enough if its not too far) by 1.5 to get the approximate flying time in minutes.
For example, if her house is 30 miles away, divide 30 by 1.5 = 20 minutes flying time.
Steve, assuming you're going to be flying a C150 or PA28 (typical UK training aircraft), work on a speed of 90 knots or 1.5 nautical miles per minute.
Therefore, divide the distance from the airport to your mums house (in nautical miles ideally but "normal" statute miles will be near enough if its not too far) by 1.5 to get the approximate flying time in minutes.
For example, if her house is 30 miles away, divide 30 by 1.5 = 20 minutes flying time.
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Scotland
By the time you get your licence & are allowed to fly round your mums house by yourself you will have learned how long it will take, course to set, fuel reqd & how much it will cost etc.
Or an accomodating instructor will demonstrate all that for you on your first air experience flight.
Overloading the brain at the early stages is a waste of time, it gets easier once you have learned how to fly & land the thing.
Once you start training you will be up to your arse in approach speeds, when to flare, downwind checks etc. The nav bit comes later.
However, as said, 90 knots (Cessna 152) 30 nm = 20 mins. If you are going & returning in the same wind conditions then the time will work out as about 90 knots total, ie: 60 knots going, 120 coming back, or near enough. Experts will correct that no doubt.
Or an accomodating instructor will demonstrate all that for you on your first air experience flight.
Overloading the brain at the early stages is a waste of time, it gets easier once you have learned how to fly & land the thing.
Once you start training you will be up to your arse in approach speeds, when to flare, downwind checks etc. The nav bit comes later.
However, as said, 90 knots (Cessna 152) 30 nm = 20 mins. If you are going & returning in the same wind conditions then the time will work out as about 90 knots total, ie: 60 knots going, 120 coming back, or near enough. Experts will correct that no doubt.
Joined: Feb 2001
Aviation Qualifications: PPL
Posts: 1,222
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From: Worcestershire, UK
I'm not claiming to be an expert crash one, but would point out that simple mathematics dictates that wind in any direction will always increase total flight time in a return trip.
Adds undue complexity to the question originally asked on this thread though.
Adds undue complexity to the question originally asked on this thread though.
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,524
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From: United Kingdom
I agree with Whopity, my 6 minute thumb has not let me down yet and I can't remember the last time I used a ruler. On the other hand, englishal, I find getting an internet connection at 2000ft in an open cockpit a bit more of a challenge.
