Re: Sextant, maybe OT

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Jim,

The was an FBO that ran ads in either Trade-A-Plane or General Aviation
News a year or so ago, and their specialty was basic navigator training
including CelNav (Celestial Navigation).  Maybe a search on one of their
websites would help.  Another source could be the Air Force.  I believe
they still teach basic CelNav to Navigators.  You may be able to find
training documents through them.

A really good source (if it is still there) would be the TWA training
facilities in STL.  I know they haven't used CelNav on commercial aircraft
for decades...but there may still be an old-timer or two around that could
help.

Hey, if you get good enough, you could take your FAA Navigator test just
for the fun of it!  I have enjoyed doing something like this...and proud to
brag about being one of very few pilots with an ATP and only an Airplane
Single Engine Land rating (no multi, no helicopter...just ASEL).  How did I
handle the engine-out ILS?  When the Inspector pulled the engine over the
OM, I just looked at him and said "you are gonna die the same time I do."
It helps when you have a professional relationship prior to jumping in the
cockpit!  Also took and passed the Aircraft Dispatcher practical...but will
save that story for later.

Best of luck to you and enjoy your new prized possession!

Gregg Hendry

> On Sun, 17 Feb 2002 WaterskiPilot@aol.com wrote:
>
> > Hey everyone,
> >        I have a possibly off topic question to ask.  I have the
possibility
> > of posessing my late Grandfather's sextant from when he was an ocean
going
> > ship captain.  Only thing, if I have it I want to know how to operate
it.
> > Obviously, with LORAN and GPS, sextant knowledge is not very important
any
> > more.  Does anybody know where I could learn about using a sextant,
doing sun
> > or star shots, etc???  I would love to learn this part of history,
although I
> > know that I will never really use these skills as they once were used.
Any
> > help would be great.
> >
> > TIA,
> > Jim
> >
> > Proud to be an American,
> > Jim Hann
> > Waterski J-41 Captain
> > STL

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