Compass - Wrist or Handheld
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 7
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.
#2
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: MCO/FRA
Programs: None anymore
Posts: 799
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).
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).
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 11,080
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.
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 7
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 !
Thanks for the attitude ! Thought there might be an 'electronic' solution !
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist


Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 11,080
http://www.chiefaircraft.com/aircraf...compasses.html
#6
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: MCO/FRA
Programs: None anymore
Posts: 799
[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
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.
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

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.

