Kneeboards
I used this version for decades....and used the small E6B aluminum computer issued to me by the US Army in 1967 right up to the day I gave up flying. It was made of cordura, had an elastic strap to hold it to your leg, included a small clipboard that held a small writing tablet and would also hold approach plates. The clear panel on the right hand side could hold a checklist sheet or some other item that was handy....approach chart...local area map...frequency chart....girl friend's phone number.
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Thanks for the replies.
I had not used one during training and as time goes on I still try to learn from those around me and could certainly see the need, task dependant.
I made up one of my own from my old Police tactical thigh rig that was designed to hold a holster, holster removed. Then added clips and rings. It wasn't too bad, but I thought that I would see what others found worked before I spent hard earned. Considering the cost of suits, helmets, etc, a knee board is cheap.
The comments are all true about size and in my last job we were using an R22 and B206, often with doors off due to heat (40+C) and/or filming so paperwork had to be secured! I now float b/n AS350, B206 and R44, but I only fly as a casual.
One other question, only one person above stated which knee they wore it on. I normally had my on my left thigh and tried to take notes left handed, although I normally write with my right hand. Also if I had extra pages that could flip out of the way, they hung down to the left next to the collective. I was avoiding changing hands on the cyclic to write or flip. Any thoughts?
I had not used one during training and as time goes on I still try to learn from those around me and could certainly see the need, task dependant.
I made up one of my own from my old Police tactical thigh rig that was designed to hold a holster, holster removed. Then added clips and rings. It wasn't too bad, but I thought that I would see what others found worked before I spent hard earned. Considering the cost of suits, helmets, etc, a knee board is cheap.
The comments are all true about size and in my last job we were using an R22 and B206, often with doors off due to heat (40+C) and/or filming so paperwork had to be secured! I now float b/n AS350, B206 and R44, but I only fly as a casual.
One other question, only one person above stated which knee they wore it on. I normally had my on my left thigh and tried to take notes left handed, although I normally write with my right hand. Also if I had extra pages that could flip out of the way, they hung down to the left next to the collective. I was avoiding changing hands on the cyclic to write or flip. Any thoughts?
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Aerostitch do some handy products for bikers which are useful for flying too.....
Forearm Map Case :: Map Bags :: Packing It In :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear
Forearm Map Case :: Map Bags :: Packing It In :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear
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CYHeli, I use mine on my left leg, so I always have my right hand on my cyclic.
That way it is easy to drop the pen/pencil if need be and get your hand on the collective (like when in a machine with a loose collective trim, or if the situation calls for it).
Easier to discard a pen than switch hands on the cyclic.
To me it's worth the bad handwriting!
That way it is easy to drop the pen/pencil if need be and get your hand on the collective (like when in a machine with a loose collective trim, or if the situation calls for it).
Easier to discard a pen than switch hands on the cyclic.
To me it's worth the bad handwriting!
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I wear it on my right leg, because I can't write left-handed. When not writing, I rotate it ~90 degrees to the right, so it's on the side of my leg, and I can rest my arm on my thigh. To write, I bring it back on top, and fly with my left hand.
Join Date: May 2004
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Forget the knnebaord just grab a roll of paper towel and write on that, can clean the window with the left overs.......make sure it is recycled paper and you are helping the greenies too 
Um,
I did not say when it became "my" girlfriend's number....but a suggested place for the other guy's girlfriend's phone number....makes it easy to steal!
From your method.....did we fly together some time?
I did not say when it became "my" girlfriend's number....but a suggested place for the other guy's girlfriend's phone number....makes it easy to steal!
From your method.....did we fly together some time?
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I wouldnt (couldnt) fly without a suitable kneeboard - sort of like a security blanket! The only one I have found satisfactory for helicopters is made by Sky High Gear. What makes it work so well, among other features, is its small size - will even work in a toy helicopter (R22)
Made of ballistic nylon with sewn in padding on backside to conform to leg. About 5in x 7in size with several loops to hold pens and a small flashlight, etc. Velcro is used to allow a certain amount of customization (right knee, left knee, right handed, left handed) etc. I checked www.skyhighgear.com and dont see this listed. Possibly discontinued, but I see it is still available at my local pilot shop. Best of all, about $30 U.S. If you need a "kitchen sink" kneeboard (will hold every possible piece of flying gear) this may not be for you, but otherwise highly recommended after trying almost every kneeboard known to man.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This kneeboard is part of a "system" I have evolved over decades of plank flying, and more recently have adapted to helicopters. One of my SOP's is to have on board a written (printed) trip plan for any flight that leaves the traffic pattern of my home airport. This includes charts (enroute, approach, airport diagrams), detailed flight log, W&B, comprehensive printed wx brief, etc. This may seem like a great burden (and perhaps overkill) for shorter flights, but it is a 3-5 minute execrise with modern flight planning software. I use Jeppesen FliteStar and it readlily prints all of this in kneeboard size as a "trip kit." As far as it being overkill, maybe, but reviewing this material before flight is something I consider a "safety enhancement," and if something unanticipated happens during the flight, much of what I might need in the way of info is right there on the kneeboard. While I carry "official" paper charts on board for every flight, with an FMS, back up GPS and the Jepp trip kit, I very rarely have a need to open a chart in flight (usually to locate an obscure intersection in an amended ATC IFR clearance). I find that rule-of-thumb calculations done done in the head are more than sufficient in flight, and cant imagine trying to use a whiz wheel or even a calculator flying a helicopter single pilot (unless, perhaps, equipped with an autopilot). No doubt, more than most wanted to know!
Made of ballistic nylon with sewn in padding on backside to conform to leg. About 5in x 7in size with several loops to hold pens and a small flashlight, etc. Velcro is used to allow a certain amount of customization (right knee, left knee, right handed, left handed) etc. I checked www.skyhighgear.com and dont see this listed. Possibly discontinued, but I see it is still available at my local pilot shop. Best of all, about $30 U.S. If you need a "kitchen sink" kneeboard (will hold every possible piece of flying gear) this may not be for you, but otherwise highly recommended after trying almost every kneeboard known to man.ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: This kneeboard is part of a "system" I have evolved over decades of plank flying, and more recently have adapted to helicopters. One of my SOP's is to have on board a written (printed) trip plan for any flight that leaves the traffic pattern of my home airport. This includes charts (enroute, approach, airport diagrams), detailed flight log, W&B, comprehensive printed wx brief, etc. This may seem like a great burden (and perhaps overkill) for shorter flights, but it is a 3-5 minute execrise with modern flight planning software. I use Jeppesen FliteStar and it readlily prints all of this in kneeboard size as a "trip kit." As far as it being overkill, maybe, but reviewing this material before flight is something I consider a "safety enhancement," and if something unanticipated happens during the flight, much of what I might need in the way of info is right there on the kneeboard. While I carry "official" paper charts on board for every flight, with an FMS, back up GPS and the Jepp trip kit, I very rarely have a need to open a chart in flight (usually to locate an obscure intersection in an amended ATC IFR clearance). I find that rule-of-thumb calculations done done in the head are more than sufficient in flight, and cant imagine trying to use a whiz wheel or even a calculator flying a helicopter single pilot (unless, perhaps, equipped with an autopilot). No doubt, more than most wanted to know!
Last edited by EN48; 26th Mar 2009 at 13:54. Reason: spelling
Gatvol
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Mentioning Kneeboards. There is only one that I have used for many years. Competitive priced at: http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl....roduct_id=1475
Join Date: Oct 2003
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Um..., I agree with you. I haven't used a whiz wheel or calculator or anything except my head for calculating things in a long time. The GPS does most of the calculation if you need it to, but all I want from it is my remaining flight time. With that, I can figure fuel and everything else without a lot of thought, and even if I don't have that, I can come up with a close-enough estimate of the remaining time from the airspeed and a quick guess at the wind. I did it that way for many years offshore, before the GPS came along, and my navigation equipment consisted of a wet compass, a watch, and an ADF tuned to a commercial onshore station to provide music. It ain't rocket science, but it does require some practice. I've seen, and tried, other systems rather than a kneeboard, including white tape on the leg, but I'm just used to a kneeboard. All it needs to do is stay on my leg and hold some blank paper, with the ability to be moved out of the way as necessary. I haven't used a prepared plan in decades, and I only pull out a chart if I'm in an area where I haven't flown before, and that doesn't happen often. Practice may not make perfect, but it does make things easier.
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finally I have found perfect kneeboard for helicopters - it's Hendricks 9-G. Low profile, small, fits even Robinson R44 R22 helis.
It has inspired me so far to make custom 20mil poly plates with:
-startup / down procedures checklists
-flight plan
-emergency procedures
-warning procedures
give me a msg ([email protected]) if you want set, I have production overruns for R44
also if you have ideas for custom plates for aircraft of your choice-let me know.
here are photos:
It has inspired me so far to make custom 20mil poly plates with:
-startup / down procedures checklists
-flight plan
-emergency procedures
-warning procedures
give me a msg ([email protected]) if you want set, I have production overruns for R44
also if you have ideas for custom plates for aircraft of your choice-let me know.
here are photos:
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First time round, I went and bought a snazzy one...I think it was called the 'Ultimate Kneeboard' then. Then went off to fly big aircraft, with places for clipboards and checklists, so didn't use the kneeboard. Then had some stuff to do in smaller aircraft, but couldn't find my 'Ultimate'. (It must be in storage at my parent's attic.)
No chance I was paying for another snazzy one, so made one.
1. 2 Clear plastic A5 clipboards.
2. Cut the bottom of one about one third of the way up (This will make a pocket to slip things into). Line the bottom half of the cut one with the bottom of the full one. Drill holes neatly around the edge of the full one and the bottom part of the other. Also space the wholes as for ring binders.
3. Buy a pot of binding rings.
4. A5 sturdy clear plastic wallets
5. Stick some sturdy clear plastic CD wallets onto the front of the A5 wallets.
6. Thread some shockcord to fasten both bits of clip board. Make a strap and learn how to tie a good quick release knot!
Put it all together, and hey presto you have a knee board. Total cost: $18USD. Much fun putting it together, and you stand out from the crowd.
No chance I was paying for another snazzy one, so made one.
1. 2 Clear plastic A5 clipboards.
2. Cut the bottom of one about one third of the way up (This will make a pocket to slip things into). Line the bottom half of the cut one with the bottom of the full one. Drill holes neatly around the edge of the full one and the bottom part of the other. Also space the wholes as for ring binders.
3. Buy a pot of binding rings.
4. A5 sturdy clear plastic wallets
5. Stick some sturdy clear plastic CD wallets onto the front of the A5 wallets.
6. Thread some shockcord to fasten both bits of clip board. Make a strap and learn how to tie a good quick release knot!
Put it all together, and hey presto you have a knee board. Total cost: $18USD. Much fun putting it together, and you stand out from the crowd.
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For IFR plates, the best is to get a 2-ring file and cut out a roughly A5-sized chunk from the back, such that you end up with the two rings at the top. Some gaffer tape and a strip of velcro, and you have a knee board that allows you to easily flip between plates in a confined cockpit. Unlike the clipboard-style clips, when you flip a plate up (so it hangs down your knee), it doesn't keep popping back when you aren't looking. A few tabs out the side (made from the sticky strips of post-it notes) make it easy to find a set of plates, too.
