Navigation tools

[Stu01]

Howdy
I am going to be taking the CG aux BCN and ACN (basic and advanced coastal navigation) courses soon. It was recommended that I get the paraglide (ruler on wheels) instead of the parallel rules. I am not too concerned about cost or size, I just want the "right" tool. What are your thoughts? Also, I saw a set of parallel rules that works with a GPS. I have a Garmin 76CSx so should I consider that type of parallel rule?
Thank you for you input.
Stu

[lbdavis]

Personally, I really like the protractor:

[IMG][/IMG]

Some may call it a "cheat tool", but this thing is great. I find it amazing what can be done with this.

I would suggest a good set of dividers, FWIW.

[Tash]

I was taught to use navigation triangles, and still think they're the best.

[therapy23]

Originally Posted by lbdavis

Personally, I really like the protractor:

[IMG][/IMG]

Some may call it a "cheat tool", but this thing is great. I find it amazing what can be done with this.

I would suggest a good set of dividers, FWIW.

I second the "cheat tool"
Everyone I have known to use one loves it!!

[Stu01]

If "The Dude" likes it, it must be good.
Thanks for the input

[jjablonowski]

I, too, vote for the protractor.

Sure, parallel rulers and rulers on wheels let you use the inner (magnetic) scale on the compass rose more easily. But you need a big table and plenty of room to slide things around.

I was taught air navigation by the USAF, so I'm prejudiced toward using small desk space. While a printed compass rose may not always be convenient, a line of longitude is always there. Learn to spread your dividers a bit and slide the protractor along on its edge until you hit the True North line. Then measure your course.

[Boasun]

Two Navigation Triangles or A Triangle and parallel rule. Either will work. Though two triangles I perfer over all.
Don't care for that protractor or for the wheeled rule. K.I.S.S. (keep it simple stupid.) Is the standard I go by.
Run that Triangle to the nearest Meridian line and you will find True.

[erps]

I tried a lot of different things and ended up with a chart "knee board" with a clear cover and attached protractor on swing arms. I'm not sure who made it, but it's the cat's meow. Before the days of chart plotters, I kept it out in the cockpit, kept track of running fixes and LOP's, and all that and at the end of the day wiped it clean for another's day run. There was no fumbling around with parallel rules or rolling rules because it was attached and had an adjustable inner compass rose.

[hellosailor]

Stu?
Do you prefer to write with:
1-Ball point
2-Felt tip
3-Fountain pen
4-Pencil
5-Mechanical pencil ?

Navigation tools can be much the same way, the one you prefer to work with will partly be a result of which one YOU prefer, sometimes simply for aesthetic reasons. Rolling rulers, triangles, parallel rulers, can all be bought inexpensively in art supply stores, although they'll be plastic not brass.

You might start with whatever the instructor recommends, get your hands on some of the other options (or buy them if they are affordable) and see what makes your own hands happiest. Or gives you the most flexibility out of your tools.

[Karletto]

a beginner must have inexpensive tools: 2 triangles, a normal pen, a rubber, compass (that V thing with a niddle)