So how do you do it
rudestuff,
I'm still not talking about just the one word.
(Although if you are that concerned about the spelling, according to Google, it's: wherewithal.) When I said 'the whole lot', I meant:
I find it daft that you should disparage an accepted and proven method of map reading (apparently just because you use a different method.)
The fact that you would be 'quite worried' if a pilot orientated a map is (IMHO) plainly daft. Or that you think that navigating over Dartmoor is actually any different to navigating through the air. The basic principles are exactly the same - only the speed (and the effect of the wind) is any different.
If you must know, orientating a chart can actually help a student develop 'situational awareness'. Why? Because what they are seeing on the chart (ie town x on the left of track, river y on the right of track) is what they should be seeing out of the window.
And you ask 'do you have to unclip your chart'? Unclip from what exactly? Are you assuming that everybody flies with a chart clipped to a kneeboard? Because not many pro pilots that I know do...
Now looking at the posts above, it would appear that 'north up' is the preferred method from this very small sample group. But that's not to say that the other method is 'worrying', is it? If it has any bearing on matters, the moving map gps in every aircraft that I have flown (that has one, of course) has always been set to 'track up'. I can only surmise from this that my colleagues also subscribe to the 'track up' (or orientate your chart) method.
OK?
I'm still not talking about just the one word.
(Although if you are that concerned about the spelling, according to Google, it's: wherewithal.) When I said 'the whole lot', I meant:If I got in an aircraft as a passenger and saw the pilot spining the chart around so that his/her track was face up - i'd be quite worried!
If someone needs to actually spin a chart around and orientate it in order to read it - can they really read a map at all? Teaching kids to read a map on dartmoor and doing it that way is one thing - but lacking the mental wherewithall to imagine yourself "as a little plane on the map" and yet be able to fly a complicated machine is surprising.
And what does that do for situational awareness?
Also, do you have to unclip your chart and turn it every time you make a turn?!
If someone needs to actually spin a chart around and orientate it in order to read it - can they really read a map at all? Teaching kids to read a map on dartmoor and doing it that way is one thing - but lacking the mental wherewithall to imagine yourself "as a little plane on the map" and yet be able to fly a complicated machine is surprising.
And what does that do for situational awareness?
Also, do you have to unclip your chart and turn it every time you make a turn?!
The fact that you would be 'quite worried' if a pilot orientated a map is (IMHO) plainly daft. Or that you think that navigating over Dartmoor is actually any different to navigating through the air. The basic principles are exactly the same - only the speed (and the effect of the wind) is any different.
If you must know, orientating a chart can actually help a student develop 'situational awareness'. Why? Because what they are seeing on the chart (ie town x on the left of track, river y on the right of track) is what they should be seeing out of the window.
And you ask 'do you have to unclip your chart'? Unclip from what exactly? Are you assuming that everybody flies with a chart clipped to a kneeboard? Because not many pro pilots that I know do...
Now looking at the posts above, it would appear that 'north up' is the preferred method from this very small sample group. But that's not to say that the other method is 'worrying', is it? If it has any bearing on matters, the moving map gps in every aircraft that I have flown (that has one, of course) has always been set to 'track up'. I can only surmise from this that my colleagues also subscribe to the 'track up' (or orientate your chart) method.
OK?
Hovering AND talking
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If someone needs to actually spin a chart around and orientate it in order to read it - can they really read a map at all?
Alternatively, I keep the chart in the same orientation and swivel my head round! 
I've always used track up even when driving or navigating whilst husband was driving. Used to irritate him no end. Why, I have no idea. He said it was wrong. If it serves a purpose and works, why is it wrong?
Cheers
Whirls
One more vote for 'Track-up', since this is how I was taught. As has been noted, it makes it much easier for identifying ground features. If you need to know which way North is, relative to your track, you could mark an arrow and a big 'N' on each sector, I guess.
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Let's not get hung up on which way is best - the bottom line is that we all start from the same place of not knowing, then, learn as we go. Ultimately, the objective is to know where you're at, know where you're going and don't get lost in between. And let's not forget the chart is just a form of data storage, where the inforrmation is kept so you can refer to it - above all else, you need to be looking out the window, only referring inside from time to time as necessary.
You can hold it between your bloody teeth if it makes you feel more on top of your job!!
You can hold it between your bloody teeth if it makes you feel more on top of your job!!
Ok enough! My sides hurt!
Of course I knew you were talking about the whole post - Apologies for playing dumb and pushing your buttons Bravo73, I couldn't resist.
Please also excuse the patronising and condescending nature of my post -
It was merely a childish attempt to 'stirthingsupabit'
I've never seen anyone use this 'track up' method with a paper chart, you see - so its an alien concept to me that people actually fly around with their charts (potentially) upside down. It's obvious to me now that apparently they do. Is this a UK thing?
PS: (pedantics - as 90% of pprune degenerates into) If you read my first post you'll see exaclty where I keep my chart!
Of course I knew you were talking about the whole post - Apologies for playing dumb and pushing your buttons Bravo73, I couldn't resist.
Please also excuse the patronising and condescending nature of my post -
It was merely a childish attempt to 'stirthingsupabit'
I've never seen anyone use this 'track up' method with a paper chart, you see - so its an alien concept to me that people actually fly around with their charts (potentially) upside down. It's obvious to me now that apparently they do. Is this a UK thing?
PS: (pedantics - as 90% of pprune degenerates into) If you read my first post you'll see exaclty where I keep my chart!
Last edited by rudestuff; 11th Nov 2007 at 23:22.
Avoid imitations
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I've never seen anyone use this 'track up' method with a paper chart, you see - so its an alien concept to me that people actually fly around with their charts (potentially) upside down. It's obvious to me now that apparently they do. Is this a UK thing?
Having flown using both methods, I can do either, but still prefer to have my moving map track up. Many civvy trained pilots I've flown with very often prefer it north up but seeing as I'm usually single pilot I please myself and even use the co-pilot's seat to lay out my charts
Please re-read my post Bravo73. Could I have made it any more tounge-in-cheek? - Ignore list? now thats not exactly playing fair is it?
I didn't mean to make you look silly. I honestly didn't know that people did it that way, (possibly because I fly in the US?) - hence my remarks. No need to get personal.
On the subject of cultural differences - next time you're in the company of a Yank - try and explain pancake day - they'll never believe you!
I didn't mean to make you look silly. I honestly didn't know that people did it that way, (possibly because I fly in the US?) - hence my remarks. No need to get personal.
On the subject of cultural differences - next time you're in the company of a Yank - try and explain pancake day - they'll never believe you!
