Handy tips, tricks and memory aids

[timwinters]

Red is Right is Wrong

A sailor walks int a bar and asks the bartender "where's Red?"

The bartender responds "Red left for port."

 

[jordane93]

Low pressure left. Indicating the way the air circulates

 

[Soldier64]

Red on right, returning.

If you see the red nav light on the right that airplane (boat) is coming toward you. Helpful in published traffic corridors with only 200 ft altitude separation.

 

[nddons]

Black square you're there

Another John and Martha graduate, I see!

 

[GMascelli]

May as well add in WIRE. I use this after I brief an approach plate or en route when things are quiet and I should be doing that pilot stuff (as my Bride calls it).

W weather
I instruments
R radios
E Elevation or MAP/DH

Of course GUMPS multiple times prior to landing ( at IAF and FAF)

 

[FlySince9]

RECIPRIAL COURSE... add 200 then minus 20 or minus 200 then add 20 (whichever works without causing a negative number) Or... I guess... just look at the bottom of the compass card... LOL

 

[cgrab]

True course +/- Variation = Magnetic course +/- Deviation = Compass Course
T +/- V = M +/- D = C

"True Virgins Make Dull Company"

or in reverse, "Can Ducks Make Vertical Turns" or "Can Dead Men Vote Twice"

I was taught "True Virgins Make Dull Company after Wedding" to add west
and
"Can Dead Men Vote Twice At Elections" to add east

 

[Stingray Don]

Before Take Off Checklist:

C controls free and correct
O off carb heat
L lap and shoulder harnesses
E engine gauges
S set trim, flaps, and mixture
L lights and strobes
A avionics and radios check
W windows and doors secure

Sorry, couldn't resist!

 

[jaybee]

Low pressure left. Indicating the way the air circulates

For Highs and Lows - I always pictured a clock. The clock hands go "up" which is higher = High, and the clock hands go "down" which is lower in a Low.

 

[luvflyin]

Speak out loud when doing checklists or procedures. Forces you to slow down and be more thorough.

I brief my passengers that I will be talking to myself and why

 

[nddons]

Still like, "If the shadows don't touch, the wings (or whatever) won't touch."



Use that one A LOT!

I use that, but I still don't trust it. It's like black magic or something.

 

[nddons]

Stingray don

thanks. I appreciate that

But don't forget that you may still need to take that general rule and adjust it for any crab angle in the pattern.