I couldn't for the life of me ever remember the altitudes on the legs of course rules so I wrote on a piece of paper in words (not pictures) what to do at each of the points along the way (desc to 1700 @ wherever). I also wrote on the same piece of paper the initial altitude and break direction for the OLFs so I wouldn't be stupid and bone that up. The last thing I had was the freqs and channel pairings. At least once I had the radio channelized incorrectly and had to look up the correct freq. Since I usually just tossed my blue brains and checklist in the map case, it was quicker to get it off my gouge sheet. I had that piece of paper under the one on top of my kneeboard and peeked at it to give me the warm fuzzies. But was it really gouge? I made it myself.
And as said above, if you don't have BI gouge w/ you, you're doing it wrong. But make it yourself. Put all the maneuvers on one little piece of paper. Since you made it yourself, you've already proved to yourself you understand it (and sort of chair flew it while you made it at least that one time).
Hell, I still use hand-made gouge in the C-17. For example, Mini notes to self on what to say when I'm briefing up whatever weird nonsense we're doing next. Or to make sure the AC didn't miss anything I expected to hear in his brief (how did you want me to set up the elect panel, sir?) or whatever.
The BEST gouge is keeping your ears open. Talk to the guys ahead of you and listen to them talking to each other. Soak it in like a sponge. This is the hidden key to pilot training.
....somewhat
Not an excuse on my part, just part of my bad day.
