Every once in a while, I get asked a couple of questions about organizing the cockpit. I either get asked the question about how to organize charts in a small cockpit (small for folding/unfolding charts)---or I get asked on the road how come I fold my charts so funny.
Here is what I do (I think that the only way to understand this is to follow along with a chart---otherwise, it probably won't make sense):
1. I fly mostly with IFR charts---but works well with Sectionals also. Take the chart and completely unfold it.
2. Identify the side of the chart that you want to fly on and put it face down on a table (or ground or wing etc).
3. Fold it in half lengthwise----that is so that it is a long narrow strip. You have to make the fold pretty neat----some of the paper was already folded in this direction-----but some of it you are now coaxing into the other direction
4. Now, fold the chart back up like an accordian. You should be able to "read" the chart like a book
5. Get one of those tiny clamps/clips from home depot to "mark" your page
When I do flight planning, I do it in such a way so that I don't fly in the "cracks". The crack I am talking about is the initial fold lengthwise. If I need to plan to go to the other side of the crack---I make sure that I plan a deliberate jump. You then flip the chart over---and now use that side like a book.
The tricky part is if you need to go to the other side of the chart. Remember, when you fold it lenthwise, the other side of the chart is now unusable (I carry two charts if this possibility is going to come up in flight).
I have had to flip to the other side of the chart twice while forgetting to bring another chart. Both times I managed to do it---but only with the help of my wife. The first time was in the Longez. I had to unfold it lengthwise and stretch it all the way to the back seat. This completely covered up the top of the canopy---could not see forward or to the sides. It was a pretty difficult time getting it refolded----and my wife scolded me----you better not do that again! Well, I never did it again in a Longez---but then I promptly did it in a Cozy. Now my wife is sitting next to me---helping me wallpaper the cockpit with a chart. Between the two of us we get it----she scolds me again----life goes on.
By the way, I have been folding charts like that my whole career (minus the folding/unfolding disasters) in the Navy (F-14 RIO). An F-14 pilot in my first fleet squadron (VF-84) folded charts funny----I asked him what in the world was he doing. He showed me---and I have done it ever since.
Hopefully, this is of use to someone
