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Whiz Wheel

scotty008

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pilot
Does anyone have any advice for gaining a better understanding of the whiz wheel? The description and methods in the API pubs are killing me... I figure once I get deeper into the practice problems things will start to come together better, but thought I'd ask anyway. Any advice would be welcomed. At this point, its becoming more useful as a weapon with which to harass my roomate than as a navigational tool. Thanks-
 
I can honestly say that I haven't used that thing since API, doesn't really help but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
 
whiz wheel huh? I HATED that thing in ppl. I guess it would be dumb to ask if you can use an electric flight computer?
 
You can read the manual that comes with it. Or, just do a bunch of the problems till you get the feel for it. Try solving the problems with a normal calculator to double check yourself. Basically, you're using the wheel to set up a ratio, such as distance over time to give you speed; or fuel over time for consumption. But really, the key is to practice. Eventually, you'll be able to solve problems much faster on the wheel than on a calculator. And if you end up in the HTs, you haven't seen the end of the wheel.
 
The ratios are the easy part. It's all the TAS, PA, and DA stuff that's tough.
 
Whiz wheel. Suck it up and learn it for the tests. Then .... ???

Use it to cut cheese for your wine and cheese tasting parties ... :)
 
I can honestly say that I haven't used that thing since API, doesn't really help but there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Too bad you didn't go to Randolph for advanced Nav school. We got to use that thing all the time, the big steel USAF version! :(
 
Does anyone have any advice for gaining a better understanding of the whiz wheel? The description and methods in the API pubs are killing me... I figure once I get deeper into the practice problems things will start to come together better, but thought I'd ask anyway. Any advice would be welcomed. At this point, its becoming more useful as a weapon with which to harass my roomate than as a navigational tool. Thanks-

The equations are laid out for you. I had trouble learning the whiz wheel too. Write out the equations and youll see what needs to be on the outer wheel and inner wheel so you can get the answer youre looking for. Basically, its just doing the practice problems over and over again. Also, STUDY IN A GROUP! If u work with other ppl who actually know what theyre doing, you'll do well on the exam. Good luck bro :)
 
Do an estimation first by setting up a ratio or just plain work the problem out quickly with pencil and paper. If you have a good number, the whiz wheel can be used as a back-up. Also, make sure you understand the difference between the different black triangles. Get together with one of your buddies who really knows his shi!t and have him explain to you when you should use the different ratios. However, you'll have to learn how to do the problems quickly; time goes by really quickly during the test.
 
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