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Kneeboards...

scoober78

scoober78

(HCDAW)
pilot
Contributor
Hey all...Quick question.

Apparently the Navy has run out of kneeboards (at least for now) and as a result those of us starting FAM's any time soon have to get out own.

I just wanted to get some advice from you guys who'd done this before as to what you would reccomend given your choice. (and the Navy's req's) I have my old super basic kneeboard, http://www.sportys.com/acb/showdetl.cfm?DID=19&Product_ID=1503&CATID=168

which I used flying gliders and getting the power time I have. Should I just use that or are there features that you would advise shelling out some cash for?

Thanks
 
I love my 9 G from Wings in P'cola.
9-g_kneeboard.gif
 
I'll second the 9g kneeboard. VT-28 sold them when I was there, cheaper than you could get them on the Wings website.
 
Not that anyone is going to listen to me .... :) .... but this is what I ended up with and it's all anyone will ever need --- a metal clip riveted to a rectangular metal plate with/without a velcro strap. For you jet types, the metal plate will slide right between your g-suit thigh and flight suit. Presto --- game over.

For the rest, install a velcro strap to fit around your thigh. That is, unless you are constipated, think you need an "engineered/manufactured" retail product, want to spend more money, and think that the more paper you put on your leg, the better Aviator you will be .... :)

The metalshop can make it for you. Piece of cake. Give 'em something for their time. (not cake)

Later on ... I even removed the velcro strap as during high "G" maneuvering, the kneeboard usually ended up around my ankle. Just before beginning any "hard" yankin' and bankin', the kneeboard came off and went onto/into one of the side instrument consoles, ready to be recovered and re-apply to my leg as needed when the "knock it off" call came.

 
I have a 9G also, and it seems to be one of the most popular. The kneeboards they hand out at the paraloft (when they even have them) are crap. They are big bulky contraptions with batteries, hinges, springs, and all made out of the Navy's finest plastic. The paraloft guys at Whiting won't actually make you a kneeboard like A4s (above), but they suggest you get your fleet guys to make one.

The 9G is pretty minimalist. While there are loops and velcro to attach all sorts of stuff, it is not really necessary. For VFR flying in primary, all you really need is a blank sheet of paper and a place to write freqs, ATIS, and misc info. At the beginning of primary, I would type out a few notes for every flight (headings, altitudes, reminders, etc), but I stop doing that before my solo. I wouldn't suggest using any of the course rules maps/cheat sheets. The instructor will be able to tell if you are head down in the cockpit. Usually the first indication is that your scan and basic airwork fall in the crapper.

For IFR, just add a velcro legstrap. I suggest the wide ones (1 1/2 inches or so) rather than the narrow ones (about 1/2 inch). It's just a strap that goes around your leg with another clear plastic strap to hold your approach plates. That way you can keep your approach book on your left knee, and you can write your clearances and freqs on your kneeboard. There is really no need for one of those enormous "IFR" kneeboards with an encyclopedia of reference material attached. In fact, if you want one, I can sell you mine. It's never been used.
 
pdx said:
The kneeboards they hand out at the paraloft (when they even have them) are crap. They are big bulky contraptions with batteries, hinges, springs, and all made out of the Navy's finest plastic. .
Click to expand...

But being big bulky and HEAVY (lead in Batt Tube) is what makes them SO GOOD for beating H2Ps!

I need to remember to work out my left arm in the futrure. Dont want it to atrophy from flying left seat only...
 
MasterBates said:
But being big bulky and HEAVY (lead in Batt Tube) is what makes them SO GOOD for beating H2Ps!

I need to remember to work out my left arm in the futrure. Dont want it to atrophy from flying left seat only...
Click to expand...

Thank you sir, may I have another;)
 
Love my 9G kneeboard, I got it halfway through Primary, stuck with me through T-45s, to the boat and back, and is with me in the Rhino. Seems to handle 7.5Gs just fine.

A4s: Your kneeboard reminds me of what my on-wing had in Primary (Hornet guy).
 
Had a 9G for 10 years now. It rocks. The Flintstones kneeboard they give you in Primary blows.
 
Though I do much of the above, another clever one I've seen is guys take a big industrial strength clip, clip it on the knee opening of their g-suit, and then they'll clip different things to it, approach plates, charts, etc. I have the flyboys kneeboard, modified to fit my personal needs, removed the gay pocket and pencil holder, and made my own ring loops on the right side. I also had my wife sew me a black elastic strap to hold approach plates, and used some old kneeboard clear plastic strapping for the holder portion, cost me like 81 cents and 10 minutes of her time.
 
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