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Measuring Distances on a sectional without a plotter

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Without the use of a plotter, what are your techniques to measure distance on a sectional chart? Sometimes, I forget to add the plotter to my flight bag when I go flying.

asked Aug 09 '10 at 12:32

RichT%201's gravatar image

RichT 1
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edited Aug 17 '10 at 13:26

Patrick%20Pohler's gravatar image

Patrick Pohler ♦♦
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2 Answers:
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3

It all depends on how accurate you want to get, but most of the time I just use my thumb and pinky to measure the scale at the bottom and use that to measure distances.

answered Aug 10 '10 at 12:14

James%201's gravatar image

James 1
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I like that method. I am more thinking about getting the approximate average to a diversion airport. If the answer is within a couple miles that is good enough. If that extra mile causes me to run out of fuel, then I should probably pick a closer airport.

(Aug 10 '10 at 15:04) RichT 1 RichT%201's gravatar image
1

Well, the accuracy will all depend on the scale of the map and how steady you can hold your hand. Another good option is to use a pencil to measure the scale.

(Aug 10 '10 at 15:11) James 1 James%201's gravatar image
3

This is a fascinating question. I typically take the side of a piece of paper for the measurement and do one of three things with it.

  1. If the distance is less than 15NM, I will measure with the rings around a Class C airspace or a VOR compass rose. The outer ring and compass rose is a 10NM radius.
  2. I will typically use longitude lines (vertical lines) and measure from the beginning of one quadrangle upwards. Each quadrangle segment is 30NM. From 102.0 degrees to 102.5 degrees is 30NM. Each major tick mark is 10NM on the sectional chart.
  3. I sometimes, but hardly ever use the latitude lines using the same principle above except that it is 25NM wide with each tick mark representing 8.33NM on the sectional chart.

answered Aug 12 '10 at 18:21

wbeard52's gravatar image

wbeard52
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Asked: Aug 09 '10 at 12:32

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Last updated: Aug 17 '10 at 13:26

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