On 9/11/2013 5:46 PM, Eric Greenwell wrote:
BobW wrote, On 9/11/2013 2:48 PM:
On 9/11/2013 10:53 AM, Soartech wrote:

Snip... I can't even imagine unfolding a map in the confines of my
sailplane.

Not to be contentious, but why would anyone seriously consider
"unfolding a map" in the confines of a sailplane? I certainly never did.
I simply pre-folded my sectional to place my launch site more or less in
the middle of a flat rectangle of map, folded wisely (as in, if I flew
off the pre-selected area, the next en-route area was no more than a
fold away [sometimes two, if I wished to keep my map rectangle the same
size]), and occasionally hauled it out as necessary (usually to
double-check a town or distance). In less familiar to me areas, I
sometimes used my non-stick thumb to keep my place on the sectional.

You must have fly in very different places than I do, and you must fly a much
lower L/d glider.

My soaring area since '79: generally a jagged-edged triangle bounded on the
south and east by a line between the panhandle of Texas to Moriarty, NM and
north up the front range of the Rockies in New Mexico, Colorado & Wyoming, &
west across the mountains usually less than 100 miles (l - o - n - g retrieve
if one can't get back across the continental divide limited my crewless
boldness when soaring from my home base of Boulder). Primary ship: 1st
generation, 15 meter glass Zuni I.

Keeping the map(s) in the right place was constant struggle
for me, even in relatively roomy cockpits like the Std Cirrus and ASW 20. and
a huge pain in the 301 Libelle. Flying in places like Nevada with a high
performance glider means my airport can be 60 or 70 miles away and in reach,
but it's on the other side of the fold. Unfold, you say? Well, then my
alternate, which might be behind me, disappears.

I stow maps beneath my thigh and/or behind the side stick (slightly more
convenient than the thigh)...or, leave 'em on my lap (side stick, again).

Maybe I navigate differently than many? In the absence of airspace issues
(i.e. generally the case in the above triangle), even in new-to-me areas I
don't generally care much *exactly* where I am, so long as I'm satisfied I'm
more or less along my intended course line. In the typical visibility of the
western U.S., navigation tends to be a piece of cake. So no need to be
constantly map referencing. For quick distance reference, I simply use
10-mile-increment circles centered on airports, until they overlap. I can't
recall ever having to go more than 50 miles with my circles in "airport
sparse" areas. Sort of a paper-based "bread crumb trail," I suppose. A quick
glance at the map and the running tape measure in my mind suffice for any
distance calculations necessary.

Worst case: fly where four maps come together - super hassle trying keep track
of where I am and what my options are.

Check out Dalhart, TX. Taped-together sectionals definitely recommended,
there. BTDT, using the above system. Worked fine for me.

Reiterating, I recommend using whatever works for Joe Pilot. Being a simple
minded kind of guy, I happen to appreciate simplicity.

Bob - never even mildly lost - W.