Compass - Wrist or Handheld
 

I travel a lot on business and was wondering if anyone had found a wrist or handheld compass that works while flying on a commercial airliner. It would neat to know what direction the plane is going, especially during trake-off and landing.

I'm a bit old fashion, I use the sun or moon + current time.
eg we take off at 1730 and the sun is coming in the left side of the plane...
Gets tricky with no moon or rainy cloudy days :P BUT observing the runway markings you can gather direction also (sometimes).

A magnetic compass inside a metal tube? are you pulling our legs? I was taught when taking a compass reading is to eliminate all metallic interference.

Time of day and direction of Sun/Moon is a dead giveaway. Also the runway numbers are numbers according to N360 headings by adding a zero in almost all civilian airports.

Thanks
 

[QUOTE=tentseller;18010632]A magnetic compass inside a metal tube? are you pulling our legs? I was taught when taking a compass reading is to eliminate all metallic interference.

Thanks for the attitude ! Thought there might be an 'electronic' solution !

Yes there is but it won't fit on a wrist. It would be interesting taking one of them through a TSA checkpoint.

http://www.chiefaircraft.com/aircraf...compasses.html

[QUOTE=gsuemnic;18012243]There are 'electronic' compass 'apps'(for various devious) which relay on GPS/cell towers. So yes there are 'solutions'. However those solutions MAY be in violation of FAA/Airline regulations to operate during taxing/landing operations.
If direction of travel is really that relevant and you aren't afraid of being escorted off the airplane in a body bag or handcuffs ask the FA :D
Not that they are entirely accurate BUT the flight maps in the back of the Airlines 'magazine' should give you some clue about which way you are headed.