Kneeboards, etc.

cpw wrote:
I'm a newly minted PP-ASEL flying a C-182. I was wondering what
different solutions pilots have come up with for cockpit data and
checklist management. I've tried kneeboards and find them somewhat
limiting and limited. What do the rest of you do to manage
checklists, charts, airport info, etc?
Right now I'm flying VFR but plan on instrument training when I have
some more time under my belt. I'm sure the data management needs
change when flying IFR.
Thanks for any tips or suggestions.
CPW

I have tried numerous gizmos over the years, and I have learned through
this process that the ultimate cockpit organization comes from reducing
the number of items. These days for short VFR trips I don't carry
anything except a sectional. For IFR, it depend on the weather
condition. If the weather is VFR, I don't bother pulling an approach
chart out. Even an enroute chart is not absolutely essential because we
get radar vectored anyway. I am not saying don't carry all the other
stuff; you should keep them within reach, but they don't have to be
right there in front.

"cpw" wrote in message
oups.com...
I'm a newly minted PP-ASEL flying a C-182. I was wondering what
different solutions pilots have come up with for cockpit data and
checklist management. I've tried kneeboards and find them somewhat
limiting and limited. What do the rest of you do to manage
checklists, charts, airport info, etc?

I use a kneeboard. Freak accidents aside, it works quite well.

I own a fancier "lapboard", complete with a large plastic-covered area for
charts, a smaller clipboard suitable for notes and approach charts, and a
storage area for charts, pens, etc. I used it during my instrument
training, and for a little while after that, but I never did get used to it.
It always seemed like it was in the way more than it was helping. I haven't
used it in years.

The instrument charts in particular work quite well on a regular kneeboard,
and I find it easy to fold VFR charts for knee- or lap-top use as well. I
make sure my various charts and references for the flight are organized in
my flight bag (which is always close at hand), but only have the ones I
actually am using at the moment on my knee. As someone else mentioned,
keeping things to the bare minimum goes a long way to efficient use of the
space.

Pete

cpw wrote:

What do the rest of you do to manage
checklists, charts, airport info, etc?

After trying various pilot-supply kneeboards, I finally built my own, more
functional flight organizer.

I started with a small, 3-ring binder (day planner size) I purchased for US
$5.00 at Staples, then modified it by slicing the plastic on the back of
the binder open to insert an old, ASA aluminum kneeboard I had. This
kneeboard on the back of the binder provided a firm, stable surface
complete with a velcro wrap that I could wrap around my leg.

I then inserted four Jeppesen tabbed kneeboard-sized dividers in the
binder, marking each tab with "Normal Checklists, "Emergency," "Reference,"
and "Approaches."

Using MS Excel, I created customized color checklists for both normal
procedures and emergencies (based on the POH, but in a locigal, flow order)
and inserted these into the binder.

Both the front and back inside binder covers had pockets, so I removed the
velcro off a second ASA kneeboard I had, trimmed it to size, then inserted
it into the inside front pocket of the binder specifically to use the
clipboard functionality. In the event I didn't have another ASA kneeboard,
I could have used any small clipboard. This clip holds my flight plan and
fuel management sheet.

Before every IFR flight, I will pull out the approaches for my departure,
arrival, and alternate airport and file them in the clipboard. The pocket
on the back inside cover holds two en route IFR charts. Within arms length
is the Jeppesen approach plate binder for my route, but this is only needed
for an unplanned diversion.

And finally, I have miscellaneous items filed under the reference tab of
this notebook, such as blank flight plan form, blank PIREP form, V speeds
for various weights, and an XM Satellite Radio channel guide.

Open on my lap, this organizer is about 3/4 inch higher than my lap. In
very turbulent landing conditions I remove the lapboard to fly the approach
(but use a yokeboard for the approach plate).

I certainly understand and respect Dudley's concerns (stated elsewhere in
this thread), but the organization and access to emergency data far
outweigh the risk of this binder interfering with the controls.

If you are interested, I could snap some pictures of it and post them to my
website (This Thursday evening at the earliest due to business travel).

--
Peter

Peter, I'd love to see some photos of your concoction...sounds like
just what the doctor ordered!
CPW

cpw wrote:

Peter, I'd love to see some photos of your concoction...sounds like
just what the doctor ordered!

Thanks, CPW. Give me until Thursday night when I return home from my
weekly business trip and I will post them to my site and provide a link in
a follow-up post to this thread.



--
Peter

cpw wrote:

Peter, I'd love to see some photos of your concoction...sounds like
just what the doctor ordered!

Here is a quick page I slapped together with some pictures and text about
the IFR Flight Organizer I made two years ago:

http://thericcs.net/aviation/misc/if...Rorganizer.htm

It has seen a lot of action, so I apologize up front for the tired look.
However, what it lacks in beauty it more than makes up in functionality.


--
Peter

"Peter R." wrote in message
...
Here is a quick page I slapped together with some pictures and text about
the IFR Flight Organizer I made two years ago:

Nice. I especially like the use of duct tape, rather than simply using a
grinder to smooth the snipped edges.

I was also amused at the privacy tape over your last name, on a photo posted
to your own web site (and thus, with an attached registrant record with your
full name, address, and phone number). But I suppose this actually makes
sense, to limit distribution of personal information if the photo should be
copied elsewhere.

Anyway, thanks for sharing...you've got a nice organizational system there,
and I won't mind copying useful bits and pieces from it.

Pete

Peter Duniho wrote:

Nice. I especially like the use of duct tape, rather than simply using a
grinder to smooth the snipped edges.

Thanks. I am not a metal worker by trade so there are obvious signs of a
knowledge and tool deficit.

I was also amused at the privacy tape over your last name, on a photo posted
to your own web site (and thus, with an attached registrant record with your
full name, address, and phone number). But I suppose this actually makes
sense, to limit distribution of personal information if the photo should be
copied elsewhere.

Yep, I have been burned by Usenet trolls in the past. Granted that it
really is not that difficult to dig up the information, but at least they
have to work for it. I don't want to be handing it to them on a silver
platter.

Anyway, thanks for sharing...you've got a nice organizational system there,
and I won't mind copying useful bits and pieces from it.

No copyright on the design so steal away. In fact, if you have any
improvements, I would enjoy reading about them.

--
Peter

Cpw,

The Zuluboard kneeboards from Zuluworks are pretty much perfect for my
needs. In addition, I use a yoke clip to which my timer is velcroed,
but that wouldn't work if you put a GPS there.

--
Thomas Borchert (EDDH)